Automakers introducing a new model and auctioning off the very first example for an insane amount of money is nothing new, but the price isn't usually this steep. The very first 2009 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport went for $3.19 million at the Gooding & Company auction at last weekend's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Naturally, the Grand Sport shares the "base" Veyron's 16-liter, quad-turbo, W-16 engine and seven-speed DSG transmission. Grand Sport Customers buyers can still enjoy all 1001 hp - just as they would in a regular Veyron - but can also choose to leave the top of the car at home and experience open-air motoring at speeds up to 224 mph. If a sudden downpour surprises you, an umbrella-like soft top can be installed, but your top speed is limited to a mere 81 mph. Thankfully, the full 253 mph top speed is still attainable, provided you install the hard roof panel and find lots of open road.
Bugatti plans on building 150 Veyron Grand Sports at a price tag of $2 million each. If you don't already own a Bugatti, don't bother trying to get an early example: the first 50 Grand Sports are reserved for those who already have a Veyron in the garage.