In 2009, dramatic footage hit the web capturing the moment a Bugatti Veyron was driven into a saltwater lake in Texas. Now, some 12 years later, the car is finally being brought back to life.
Shortly after the crash, it was revealed that the whole thing was an insurance scam on the part of the owner, Andy House, who claimed he was trying to avoid a low-flying pelican. This was proven to be false and in 2015, House was sentenced to one year and one day in a federal prison for the scam.
Fast forward to 2019 and Ed Bolian was tempted to purchase the damaged Veyron after it hit the market for $300,000 but he ultimately passed up on the opportunity. In a new video shared to his VinWiki channel on YouTube, Bolian reveals that the car was ultimately purchased by a man named Houston Crosta who works at Royalty Exotic Cars in Nevada.
Crosta is a keen Bugatti enthusiast and has owned a couple of examples in the past, including one modified by Mansory and one that he converted to rear-wheel drive. He also stocks a number of used Bugatti parts and is using them and his expertise to bring the French hypercar back to life.
Bolian reveals that Houston paid $400,000 for the car and has had it repainted purple. He has also paid $250,000 sourcing genuine parts from Bugatti, including a brand new wiring harness. Repairs on the car are ongoing and there are still a few things, such as the Burmester sound system that is completely wrecked and will cost $100,000 to repair, that need to be fixed before the Veyron is finally ready.