Walter de'Silva's 1999 Bugatti Veyron Concept: A Unique Design Chapter

Forgotten ONES - In the realm of luxury automobiles, few names evoke as much prestige and innovation as Bugatti. From its storied past to its present-day feats of engineering, Bugatti has continually pushed boundaries in speed, elegance, and design.

A unique design chapter of the Walter de'Silva's 1999 Bugatti Veyron Concept. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

One pivotal moment in Bugatti's modern history came with the introduction of the Bugatti Veyron. However, its journey to iconic status began earlier with the Bugatti EB110 in the late eighties, marking a resurgence for the brand. Acquired by Volkswagen Group in the nineties, Bugatti embarked on a new era of automotive excellence.

The 1999 Bugatti Veyron concept, designed by Walter de'Silva during his tenure as SEAT's head of design, commissioned by Volkswagen Design's Hartmut Warkuss, sparked intrigue and curiosity among automotive enthusiasts. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

Amidst the evolution, a lesser-known chapter unfolds with the 1999 Bugatti Veyron concept designed by Walter de'Silva, then-head of design at SEAT. Commissioned by Volkswagen Design's Hartmut Warkuss, this concept stirred intrigue and curiosity among automotive enthusiasts.

The 1999 Bugatti Veyron concept, designed by Walter de'Silva, included distinctive side air inlets and a rounded rear that hinted at the future production Veyron's aesthetic. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

Examining the concept, one cannot help but wonder about de'Silva's vision. Elements seen in this prototype, such as the distinctive side air inlets and rounded rear, hint at what would later define the production Veyron's aesthetic.

Despite its conceptual allure, de'Silva's design faced rejection in favor of another proposal within Volkswagen Group. Ferdinand Piëch, overseeing Bugatti's revival, opted for a different direction, ultimately shaping the Veyron into the masterpiece known today.

The 1999 Bugatti Veyron concept, designed by Walter de'Silva, was later unveiled in Quattroruote, an Italian automotive magazine, offering a glimpse into an alternate Bugatti timeline. (Picture from: BugattiRevue)

While there are similarities between de'Silva's concept and the production Veyron, we appreciate VAG's decision to opt for Warkuss's design. Based on the Giugiaro-styled Chiron 18.3, the Veyron ultimately appeared more sophisticated and elegant. Nonetheless, this concept endures as a footnote in the epic tale of the world's most audacious supercars.

The 2000 Bugatti EB 18/4 Veyron concept, ultimately chosen for production, appeared more sophisticated and elegant. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

Rediscovered years later by Quattroruote, an Italian automotive magazine, the de'Silva concept resurfaced, offering a glimpse into an alternate Bugatti timeline. Though overshadowed by its successor, the concept remains a testament to bold creativity in automotive design.

The 2006 Bugatti Veyron #001 made a mark on automotive history that no exclusive color combos—or even high-performance Super Sport models—could diminish. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)

While de'Silva's concept didn't clinch the Bugatti throne, his career trajectory within Volkswagen Group design has proven resilient. Today, he holds a prominent position, echoing the journey of those who shaped Bugatti's legacy before him.

In the tapestry of Bugatti's history, the de'Silva concept stands as a testament to the ongoing pursuit of automotive excellence. Its legacy lives on, reminding us of the enduring allure and innovation that define Bugatti, a name synonymous with automotive greatness. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | DRIVE.COM.AU | MOTORAUTHORITY | BUGATTIREVUE | AUTOEVOLUTION | GTPLANET | MOTORTREND ]

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