We are used to extravagant cars making their debut at Geneva; but perhaps none so extravagant as the Bugatti Veyron Fbg by Hermès. Priced at 1.55m euros (plus tax), the car is a sublime collaboration between two of the greatest names in luxury and design.

The project revives a relationship between Molsheim and Paris which began before the First World War, when Ettore Bugatti commissioned saddles and other tack from Emile Hermès’ saddlery workshops. By the 1920s, Hermès leatherwork began to feature on Bugatti’s cars, and a dream team was born; the ‘Fbg’ in Bugatti Veyron Fbg refers to the historic Hermès headquarters on the Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

This very special edition features two-tone paintwork in black and sand. In tribute to the legendary Type 35 Bugatti of 1924, the Veyron sports polished aluminium, eight-spoke wheels, with butterfly wheel-locks bearing the letter H and air vents reminiscent of Hermès saddle stitching. In addition, the lightweight alloy horseshoe radiator grille and ventilation grilles feature a design of interlocking Hs.

Inside, the Hermès touch is everywhere. The door handles echo those of Hermès suitcases and the dashboard is now clad in bull calfskin, rather than brushed aluminium. Two-toned calf bullskin is used to cover the glovebox and replaces the carbonfibre that usually coats the panel between the cockpit and the engine. The boot is also leather-lined, and is fitted with bespoke Hermès luggage. As well as its involvement with the Veyron project, Hermès has also designed the interior for a helicopter – it would possibly be sacrilege to buy one without the other.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Bruno Clergue / Nick Dimbleby