If you’ve ever wondered what the most expensive car in the world is, you’re not alone. The automotive industry has produced some truly extraordinary vehicles over the years, but few can match the exclusivity, craftsmanship, and price tag of the Bugatti La Voiture Noire.
Unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, this one-of-a-kind hypercar captured worldwide attention thanks to its stunning design and eye-watering value. With a reported price of around €11 million before taxes (approximately £16–18 million depending on taxes and exchange rates), the La Voiture Noire remains one of the most expensive new cars ever created.
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What Is the Bugatti La Voiture Noire?
Translated from French, La Voiture Noire means “The Black Car”.
Created by Bugatti, the model pays tribute to the legendary Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic, one of the rarest and most valuable cars ever built. More specifically, it honours a black Atlantic once owned by Jean Bugatti that disappeared during World War II and has never been found.
The car was also built to celebrate Bugatti’s 110th anniversary, making it both a modern engineering masterpiece and a tribute to the brand’s rich heritage.
A One-Off Masterpiece
Unlike many hypercars that are produced in limited numbers, only one La Voiture Noire was ever built.
Every aspect of the vehicle was handcrafted, from its sculpted carbon-fibre bodywork to its bespoke interior details. Designed to blend luxury and performance, the car features Bugatti’s signature horseshoe grille alongside an elegant, flowing silhouette that sets it apart from any other model in the company’s history.
While the La Voiture Noire is often celebrated for its appearance, its performance is equally impressive.
Under the bonnet sits Bugatti’s famous 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine, producing:
- 1,479 bhp (1,500 PS)
- 1,600 Nm of torque
- Four turbochargers
- Four-wheel drive
This is the same powertrain used in the Bugatti Chiron and Bugatti Divo.
Although Bugatti never officially focused on outright speed with the La Voiture Noire, estimates suggest it is capable of:
- 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in around 2.4 seconds
- A top speed electronically limited to approximately 261 mph (420 km/h)
These figures place it among the fastest road cars ever built.
Why Is It So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the extraordinary price:
Exclusivity
Only one example exists, making it one of the rarest modern cars ever produced.
Handcrafted Construction
The extensive use of carbon fibre and bespoke manufacturing significantly increases production costs.
Heritage
The car pays homage to one of Bugatti’s most iconic lost vehicles and celebrates more than a century of automotive history.
Engineering Excellence
Its W16 engine remains one of the most advanced and powerful road-car engines ever developed.
Are There Cars More Valuable Than La Voiture Noire?
When discussing the most expensive cars in the world, it’s important to distinguish between:
- The most expensive new car sold by a manufacturer
- The most expensive car ever sold at auction
Classic vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé have sold for significantly higher amounts at auction. However, La Voiture Noire remains one of the most expensive new production-based cars ever created.
Another interesting read, is our article on the used Land Rover Defender buying guide, if you fancy exploring one of Britain’s most iconic vehicles and what to look for when buying one used.
Related Reading
If you enjoy reading about legendary cars and automotive history, you may also like:
- The Ferrari-Lamborghini Story – discover how a disagreement between Ferruccio Lamborghini and Enzo Ferrari helped create one of the world’s most famous automotive rivalries.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Car?
While a Bugatti may be out of reach for most drivers, selling your current car could be the first step towards your next vehicle.
Get started with Jamjar’s free online valuation tool to compare offers from trusted UK buyers. Simply enter your registration number and receive a no-obligation valuation in minutes.