FRENCHMAN AT IPMS MODELWORLD 2013: TAKES PIX OF THE EXCELLENT MODELS ON SHOW

French model fan JC Carbonel was hard at work during his visit to the IPMS ModelWorld 2013 recently. His pictures show a kaleidoscopic range of model choices, and highlight the hugely high level of craft skills on display.

BUGATTI VEYRON 16.4 GRAND SPORT IN PRODUCTION. FOR THE REST OF US: A NICE LITTLE MODEL!

Bugatti enthusiasts have been panting for an open-top Veyron, and now their wishes are answered (top picture). So far, more than 30 customers (aka richness incarnate) have put down markers for the new 16.4 Grand Sport version. No more than 150 of these will be made, each at an ex-factory price tag of €1.4 million Euros ($1.97m USD).

Still, the money buys a vehicle that will top out at 253 mph (407 km/h), though that’s with the roof shut - driving with the wind in your hairpiece will be limited to less than half of this. The Bugatti Grand Sport does look good though... aargh, if only!

Meantime, for dreamers and mortals, there are some nice open-top Veyron models available, though at very much ‘collector’ prices. They include the resin 1:43 Looksmart 1:43 (middle picture) at about €175 ($246 USD) and the metal 1:18 MR 100-model Limited Edition (bottom). There’s a good offer on this currently on eBay, with a ‘Buy It Now’ price of $345.00 USD (€245).

Visit eBay here.

Visit Bugatti's home page here.

Pictures and info with thanks from our Dutch colleague Jaap Horst, who maintains a Bugatti models site here.