Image Via Barrett-Jackson
In an automotive folklore story that intertwines the allure of luxury automobiles with the glitter of celebrity culture, Simon Cowell’s once-owned 2008 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is set to make headlines again as it goes under the hammer this June. This particular Veyron is not just any high-performance sports car; its history is laced with tales of a supposed ban from Bugatti against Cowell, a multimedia mogul known for his discerning taste in automobiles and his stint on the judging panels of major television talent shows.
Read about Tom Cruise’s Bugatti ban here.
Cowell’s acquisition of the Bugatti Veyron in 2008 is a story of impulse meeting opportunity. During a visit to the Bugatti showroom in Beverly Hills, Cowell felt an irresistible pull towards the Veyron, despite its steep price tag of $1.6 million. Encouraged by a friend, he made the decision to purchase the vehicle—a decision that he later described in a conversation with Ellen DeGeneres as akin to being “beckoned” by the car itself.
The Veyron, known for its breathtaking design and engineering excellence, was a prized addition to Cowell’s collection. He expressed his admiration for the car, highlighting its beauty and performance. However, despite his affection, Cowell admitted to driving the Veyron only twice over four years, a revelation that adds a layer of intrigue to his relationship with the vehicle.
The decision to sell the car in 2014, after minimal use, reportedly did not sit well with Bugatti. The luxury car manufacturer, known for its exclusivity and relationship with its clientele, allegedly placed Cowell on a list of individuals barred from purchasing their vehicles new. This move by Bugatti underscores the brand’s emphasis on the ownership experience and its expectations from buyers.
Adding to its mystique, the Veyron boasts a “sinister triple black” color scheme, a rarity among its peers. This unique aesthetic, combined with its celebrity provenance and the controversy surrounding its sale, positions the car as a highlight of RM Sotheby’s Dare to Dream Collection. The auction, set for June 1, 2024, in Ontario, Canada, promises to be a focal point for collectors and enthusiasts eager to own a piece of automotive and celebrity history.
The car’s journey from Cowell’s garage to the auction block, peppered with tales of exclusivity, celebrity quirks, and a manufacturer’s censure, encapsulates the complex dance between luxury brands and their high-profile patrons. As the 2008 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 prepares for its next chapter, it remains a testament to the enduring fascination with the confluence of automotive excellence and the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
