Huge cost - big reputation

Huge cost - big reputation

Have you got Bt165 million lying around that you don't know what to do with?

Published on November 28, 2007

If you're a car lover, it may be worth heading down to the Bangkok International Motor Expo to check out the Bugatti Veyron, because that's the price tag on one of the most expensive and exclusive cars in the world.

The expo will open its doors to the public on Friday at Muang Thong Thani's Challenger Hall, and Thailand's biggest grey-market importer, SEC, guarantees the Veyron will be a star attraction.

What's so special about this car that it costs so much? Well, apart from having more than 100 years of the finest European ancestry, the Veyron produces 1,001 horsepower to cement a startled expression on your face as you accelerate from zero to 100kph in 2.5 seconds. For a while, it was the fastest and most powerful street-legal production car in the world.

Only 300 units of the limited-edition Veyron are available around the world. Insiders at SEC say prospective buyers for the Veyron will be considered after they have seen the car at the Motor Expo.

Other supercars competing for the spotlight will be the Porsche Carrera GT, which is likely to cost Bt50 million. The Carrera GT is the most expensive car in the Porsche product line-up.

Although its appearance was previously confirmed, delivery problems will deny supercar enthusiasts the pleasure of seeing the Ferrari F430 Scuderia. However, if you're keen on a British stallion, then the Aston Martin DB9 Volante will be on show, and if you're looking for something American, then you'll be happy to know the Chrysler 300C will be on display, as well.

Thailand's grey-market importers have seen a rise in sales this year. The stronger baht has enabled them to campaign more strongly for customers, while the auto market as a whole saw a 6-per-cent drop in sales over the first 10 months of the year.

Vijo Varghese

The Nation