Earlier this month Bugatti set the fastest ever time for an open-top production car, clocking a run of 254.04mph in the hands of Chinese driver Anthony Liu.
At the time, all we had available to publish were photographs, but now Bugatti has released a video providing a glimpse into the preparations behind the record setting run.
In most respects it’s your usual unremarkable promotional video, except for at 1:28 when you realise Liu has taken one hand off the steering wheel – at over 400km/h – for a victory pump of the fist.
Following the record setting drive Liu said, “The car is even at such high speeds incredibly comfortable and stable. With an open top, you can really experience the sound of the engine and yet even at higher speeds I did not get compromised by the wind at all.”
Bugatti should frame that one image and put it centre-stage in their brochure. Any fool can strap a missile to their hotrod and make it go fast, but to do so with such consummate ease takes skill.
The record was set at the Volkswagen Group’s proving grounds in Ehra-Lessien where TÜV, the independent German organisation for Technical Inspection and Certification, officially confirmed the speed.
* * *
Written By

Steve Davies
Steve is an investor, private equity advisor and former Partner at KPMG, PwC and Bain. Most importantly he's a life-long car enthusiast, mountain biker and active sports enthusiast. He designs and builds technology platforms and is the architect behind Transmission.
Try These Next
Stories we think you'll enjoy
December 1, 2021
All I want for Christmas . . . Is an MG TD
A boy's first encounter with an MG TD turned into a dream drive for Steve Hindle as he finally got behind the wheel of a true British classic
April 18, 2016
Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited – First Ride (w/VIDEO)
On the face of it, a bike which doesn't lean, is too wide to weave through traffic and can't pull a wheelie sounds pretty pointless - like a solution…
January 26, 2016
Judgement Day for the Holy Trinity: McLaren P1 vs Porsche 918 Spyder vs LaFerrari (w/VIDEOS)
Three of the fastest hypercars on the planet tested side-by-side for the very first time - Steve Davies joins Supercar Driver to find out which is…