Bugatti showcased their La Voiture Noire at the Geneva Motor Show 2 years ago, and it is finally ready to be dispatched to its new owner.

The one-of-one hypercar pays tribute to the lost Type 57 Atlantic that mysteriously vanished from a train travelling from the Bugatti factory in Molsheim to Bordeaux in 1940. If it is ever recovered, it is likely to be the most expensive vehicle ever. Only four Atlantics were ever manufactured, two of which are owned by Ralph Lauren, who turned down an offer of $100 million for just one of the cars.

The Bugatti La Voiture Noire is likely to be one of the most expensive brand new cars ever with a price tag of £11.4 million (on par with the Rolls-Royce Sweptail £10 million), only behind the Rolls Royce Boat Tail, which is making waves around the £20 million mark.

Bugatti, unlike many manufacturers, design their one-off specials dictated by Bugatti and not the customer. Bugatti’s Head of Coachbuilding Projects, Pierre Rommelfanger, says, “Of course we have individualisation… but these projects are driven by Bugatti. So, the content is defined by Bugatti, the design is defined by Bugatti.” 

The La Voiture Noire is such an exclusive car that it was Bugatti’s choice who became the new owner, and there were some prerequisites such as you must already be the proud owner of a $3 million Bugatti Chiron and have received an invitation to purchase the ultra-exclusive Bugatti Divo. The buyer is unknown but widely rumoured to be Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo.