Bugatti La Voiture Noire: The World's Most Expensive Car?

Only One - In a world where supercars have become the crown jewels of automotive innovation, it takes something truly extraordinary to make the world stop and stare. That’s exactly what happened when Bugatti decided to break the mold—again. At the Geneva Motor Show back in 2019, surrounded by futuristic machines and roaring engines, Bugatti quietly stunned the crowd with a one-of-a-kind creation: Bugatti La Voiture Noire. And even years later, the buzz hasn’t died down.

Bugatti La Voiture Noir has been shown off at the Geneva Motor Show 2019. (Picture from: BMWBlog)

Translating to “The Black Car” in French, La Voiture Noire wasn’t just a hypercar—it was a statement. Priced at an eye-watering $12.5 million (or around $18.9 million after taxes), it instantly grabbed the title of one of the most expensive cars ever built. But the jaw-dropping price isn’t just about exclusivity or brand prestige. This machine is rooted in history, built with emotion, and sculpted as a tribute to a legendary classic: the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic from the 1930s.

What makes it even more remarkable? Bugatti produced only one unit of La Voiture Noire. That’s right—just a single example exists in the entire world, making it one of the rarest modern cars ever made. This wasn’t just limited production; this was exclusivity in its purest form.  

La Voiture Noir is taken from French's words, which means 'The Black Car,' with a tag of around US $12.5 million, equivalent to Rp 176.5 billion (off the road). (Picture from: Medcom)

La Voiture Noire celebrates 110 years of Bugatti’s legacy with an automotive masterpiece that captures the spirit of its iconic predecessor while embracing cutting-edge technology. Bugatti didn’t just want to impress—they wanted to evoke nostalgia, power, and perfection in a single stroke of design brilliance. Every inch of this car reflects that ambition.

 

Under the hood, the beast roars with the same powertrain found in the Bugatti Chiron Sport—an 8.0-liter W16 engine that produces a staggering 1,499 horsepower and 1,599 Nm of torque. Yes, it shares the same DNA, but La Voiture Noire isn’t just a modified Chiron—it’s a full reimagination. The silhouette is smooth and sleek, ditching the classic C-shaped door cutout found on most Bugattis. Instead, it takes on a fluid, uninterrupted profile that exudes elegance and menace all at once.

Rear side view of Bugatti La Voiture Noir. (Picture from: Autocar)

From the front, the car wears an aggressive stance with piercing LED headlights. Move to the rear, and it’s impossible to miss the six exhaust pipes—a bold nod to the original Atlantic Coupe. It’s those little details, inspired by Bugatti’s golden era, that elevate La Voiture Noire from simply luxurious to absolutely iconic.

And no, this beauty isn’t available at your nearest showroom. In fact, the car has already been claimed, reportedly by none other than Ferdinand Piech, the former Volkswagen Group chairman. With just one unit ever produced, La Voiture Noire is more than rare—it’s practically mythical.

Of course, there will always be debates in automotive circles about which car holds the crown for the highest price tag. Rolls-Royce entered the fray with their $13 million Sweptail, sparking plenty of discussion. But in the world of hyper-luxury, numbers alone don’t tell the full story. What sets La Voiture Noire apart is not just how much it costs, but why it exists.

 

It’s a love letter to heritage, a celebration of engineering brilliance, and a reminder that some cars aren’t just built—they’re born with a soul. *** [EKA [08032019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMWBLOG | AUTOCAR ]

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