Bugatti’s story has always been about legends and innovations, but few creations have managed to capture the imagination of the world like La Voiture Noire. Built as a one-off homage to Bugatti’s heritage and shaped from the bones of the Chiron, this all-black hypercar turned every head when it debuted at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Our colleague Suhaib Shashaa was among the first to meet it, and that day it instantly made history as the world’s most expensive new car.
Now, more than six years later, the car is back in the spotlight. It’s officially up for sale—though in true Bugatti fashion, it’s being offered under a cloud of mystery and secrecy.
A Record-Breaking Debut
When Bugatti revealed La Voiture Noire, the price alone was enough to shock the automotive world. At $18 million (SAR 67,500,000) including taxes, it became the most expensive new car ever sold at that time. Even though the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail would later claim the record with a $28 million price tag, La Voiture Noire still stands as a symbol of rare artistry and absolute exclusivity.
And it’s not just a reworked Chiron. Its bodywork is completely unique, taking inspiration from the legendary Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic. A bold central spine runs down the car’s length as a tribute to Bugatti’s past, while the rear is dominated by six exhaust pipes, making sure this car doesn’t just look elegant—it looks downright ferocious.
Power to Match Its Presence
Beneath the bespoke body sits the heart of a beast: Bugatti’s legendary 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine, the same powerhouse that drives the Chiron. With 1,479 horsepower and 1,600 Nm of torque, it delivers performance that few cars on Earth can dream of matching.
This is what Bugatti does best—pairing brutal performance with handcrafted luxury. La Voiture Noire isn’t just about speed; it’s about carrying the weight of Bugatti’s past while pointing straight at its future.
The Mystery of the Owner
From day one, this car carried a sense of intrigue. Its first owner’s identity was never revealed, though rumors linked it to Ferdinand Piëch, the late Volkswagen Group CEO, or even football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. But nothing was ever confirmed, and Ronaldo’s connection was flat-out denied.
Now, the mystery deepens. The car has been listed for sale through SBX Cars, a platform run by Supercar Blondie that specializes in private, invitation-only auctions. Their message is clear: “Let us facilitate your next purchase in the most private and discreet way possible.” Which means the circle of potential buyers is tiny, and the final sale price—as well as the identity of the new owner—will likely remain a secret.
Why This Bugatti Is Unlike Any Other
The magic of La Voiture Noire lies in one simple truth: there is only one. Not one of ten, not one of three—just one. Its design channels Bugatti’s golden era while its performance places it firmly among the greatest hypercars ever built. Add in its world-record price, and it’s easy to see why it’s been a global headline since the day it appeared.
This isn’t just a car. It’s a moving piece of art signed by Bugatti, a legend on wheels where every detail whispers luxury, exclusivity, and prestige. And that’s why La Voiture Noire will forever hold a place in automotive history.
