The true owner of the world’s most expensive Bugatti revealed
01/04/2026
Who bought it? For years, that question remained unanswered. Until now.
When Bugatti unveiled the Bugatti La Voiture Noire at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019, the car instantly became legendary. Only one example would ever exist. And with an original asking price exceeding €9 million before taxes, it was immediately hailed as the most expensive new car ever offered to a private customer at the time.
The owner behind the black Bugatti
According to new reports, the buyer of the one-off Bugatti La Voiture Noire was none other than Ferdinand Piëch. For those familiar with automotive history, the name Piëch carries enormous weight. Grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, Piëch was one of the most influential figures in modern automotive engineering and corporate strategy.
During his leadership of the Volkswagen Group, he played a decisive role in shaping some of the most iconic projects in the industry. Among them:
the legendary Porsche 917
the revolutionary Audi Quattro
and perhaps most importantly, the modern revival of Bugatti under Volkswagen ownership.
A hypercar inspired by a lost legend
The Bugatti La Voiture Noire was created as a tribute to the legendary Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic, one of the most valuable classic cars in existence. More specifically, it referenced the mysterious “La Voiture Noire” Atlantic, a car once owned by Jean Bugatti that disappeared during World War II and has never been found.
The modern interpretation is based on the Bugatti Chiron, but redesigned with completely bespoke bodywork. Key features include the car’s dramatic sculpted rear section, a continuous LED light bar, and an unmistakable six-exhaust layout. Power comes from Bugatti’s famous 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16, producing around 1,500 horsepower.
A car Piëch barely experienced
Ironically, Ferdinand Piëch did not have much time to enjoy his extraordinary purchase. The Bugatti La Voiture Noire was unveiled in 2019, the same year Piëch passed away at the age of 82.
The car was eventually delivered to his family, with his son Anton Piëch taking possession of the hypercar in 2021. And now, the story takes another surprising turn.
The world’s most expensive used car?
Anton Piëch has reportedly decided to sell the unique Bugatti. But finding a buyer for a car like this is very different from selling a typical supercar. The vehicle is currently being offered through a discreet broker for approximately 23 million Swiss francs, equivalent to roughly €25 million.
Potential buyers must first prove their financial capability before even entering negotiations. Their identity will also be thoroughly verified, along with the legal origin of their funds. In other words, this is not a car you casually bid on. Even in the ultra-exclusive world of hypercars, La Voiture Noire remains in a league of its own.
The shifting title of “most expensive car”
When Bugatti revealed La Voiture Noire in 2019, it held the title of the most expensive new car ever offered. Since then, that record has been surpassed by the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, reportedly priced at around €28 million.
However, La Voiture Noire still holds a unique distinction. It remains the most expensive one-off hypercar derived from a production platform. And if Anton Piëch manages to secure a buyer close to €25 million, it could become the most expensive second-hand car transaction in modern history.
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What makes the La Voiture Noire story particularly fascinating is the man behind the purchase. Ferdinand Piëch wasn’t just a wealthy collector. He was one of the people responsible for creating the modern Bugatti era.
Buying the most extravagant Bugatti ever built was therefore more than just a luxury acquisition. It was almost poetic.
