This is the enigmatic 1999 Bentley Hunaudières. The name “Hunaudières” comes from the famous straight at Circuit de la Sarthe, where British racing legend Sir Tim Birkin famously overtook Rudolf Caracciola in a ‘Blower Bentley,’ with one wheel on the grass while Caracciola raced a Mercedes-Benz SSK. The Hunaudières provided an early glimpse of what would later be known as the Bugatti Veyron. During its development, the Volkswagen Group planned to use the iconic 8.0L W16 engine across the Hunaudières and several Bugatti prototypes before greenlighting the Veyron for production in 2001. Andreas Mindt, the then Director of Bentley Design and now head of design at Volkswagen, was the visionary behind the Hunaudières. Built on the chassis of a Lamborghini Diablo VT, it previewed many design elements that would later feature in the production Veyron. When unveiled, it attracted attention with its British Racing Green exterior and tan interior, showcasing unique design choices and performance specs. Inside, it gave a strong preview of the Veyron with an interior similar to the Bugatti model, featuring Nubuck and Connolly leather upholstery and innovative tech like rearview cameras instead of traditional side mirrors. The Hunaudières epitomized Bentley’s design and performance at the time, laying the groundwork for some of the world’s most remarkable cars. Sadly, its current fate remains uncertain. Interestingly, the Hunaudières appeared as an unlockable vehicle in the 2000 video game TOCA World Touring Cars.
How many made? 1 of 1.
Engine: naturally aspirated 8.0 litre W16 - 623bhp & 561 lb/ft of torque (planned)
Debut: 1999 Geneva Motor Show
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: photos provided by @cartefacts.official (cartefacts.com) after scanning the official @bentleymotors Hunaudières brochure!
Research: @rarecarsonly
1999 Bentley Hunaudières
03.10.2024
Bentley