Because the Veyron has been presented as a street car rather than as a machine with competition objectives, a more suitable analogue from the classic pantheon might be the immortal Bugatti Type 57 from the 1930s. Summerville considers this model "blue chip for the right car," and auction results bear out her opinion. According to Sports Car Market, a publication that tracks auction results, in 1999 a Type 57S Atalante cabriolet sold for $1,267,500. In 2001, a spectacular 1939 57SC made for Prince Pahlevi of Iran brought close to $1.8 million.

Despite its technical sophistication, the Veyron’s investment appeal among Bugatti collectors remains uncertain.

Collectors’ eagerness to write seven-figure checks for these more than 60-year-old cars has much to do with Ettore the man. "It is obvious that Bugatti was an artist by training and an engineer by intuition," says Paul Russell, one of the world’s top automotive restorers who restored Ralph Lauren’s Pebble Beach Best of Show-winning Bugatti Atlantique. "When you look at the components that made up a Bugatti, you see beautiful, individually made parts. For example, on a Type 59, the chain cable, the front axle, and the gear drive covers are all exquisitely made."