by Exclusivity Beyond the Solitaire Program
While the Bugatti Solitaire program attracts most attention after the debut of unique models like the Brouillard and Veyron FKP Hommage, for the innermost circle of clients, the rest of the model range can be just as exclusive. A prime example is this W16 Mistral, known as “La Perle Rare.” It was created by the Bugatti Sur Mesure division and received a labor-intensive hand-painted finish that exists for only one client.
A Name Without Poetic Exaggeration
The name is not a poetic exaggeration. Bugatti assures that they will not repeat it. The concept was first discussed at the 2023 Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach when a “discerning client” outlined their vision. Since then, designers and technicians in Molsheim have transformed this idea into something appropriately complex and expensive.
Evolution from Silver to Gold
The idea did not start with gold. The earliest design focused on silver before evolving through various shades of white and eventually settling on the final “Vagues de Lumière” lacquer, meaning “Waves of Light.” Perfecting the paint required hundreds of hours, which seems fitting considering the car at its core is already at the very top of the open-top hypercar hierarchy.
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Exterior and Interior Details
The upper body elements have a gold-infused hue, combined with a warm white coating on the lower surfaces. Both shades are exclusive, and both extend to the diamond-polished alloy wheels.
Inside, the same theme continues. White upholstery contrasts with warm golden inserts, ambient lighting, and accents of machined and polished aluminum, giving the cabin the same multi-layered and thoughtful appearance as the exterior.
Brand Symbols and Signatures
Rembrandt Bugatti’s “Dancing Elephant” sculpture appears on the gear selector, headrests, and front fenders. Additionally, the “La Perle Rare” signature is placed on the center tunnel, engine cover, and under the active rear spoiler, in case anyone forgets this is a unique specimen.
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Chiron Technical Foundation
Beneath the artistic finish still beats the heart of a Chiron. This means the familiar quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine, producing 1579 hp (1177 kW / 1600 PS) and 1600 Nm of torque, without any assistance from electrification.
Speed Record and Practical Considerations
The W16 Mistral still holds the title of the fastest open-top car on the planet. In 2024, a special World Record Car version worth 14 million euros achieved 453.91 km/h (282.04 mph) on the Papenburg track in Germany.
Frankly, it’s hard to imagine the owner of “La Perle Rare” attempting anything similar. At such speeds, even a stray stone becomes a serious threat, and this is not the type of paint finish one would casually expose to flying debris.
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Price as a Detail
Bugatti did not disclose the price of the individual commission, but it is clear that it significantly exceeded the starting price of the open-top hypercar of 5 million euros.
The creation of cars like “La Perle Rare” demonstrates how the modern automotive industry is increasingly shifting into the realm of high art and individual commissions. These are no longer just vehicles, but moving canvases that combine peak engineering technologies with crafts approaching jewelry-making. Such projects become time capsules, reflecting not only the technical capabilities of the era but also the aesthetic tastes and desires of the individuals capable of affording them. The phenomenon of such unique creations also raises questions about their future fate: will they be used as intended, or will they turn into static museum exhibits, preserving their value precisely in a state of pristine perfection.
