The Greatest Bugattis of All Time

Why We Picked It:

At the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, Bugatti debuted its one-of-a-kind La Voiture Noire hypercar. With a price tag of $16.5 million, it is the most expensive new car ever sold and a tribute to the famed Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic. The La Voiture Noire shares an engine with the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+—a quad-turbocharged W16. This engine is quite capable, with 1,500 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque.

The Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic inspired the distinctive carbon fiber body of the La Voiture Noire. The latter has a broader front grille and slimmer headlights than the Chiron. A lengthy tail and six exhaust pipes give the back of the automobile a distinct look.

The dashboard is constructed of aluminum and carbon fiber, and the seats are adorned with premium leather. A wood-and-leather steering wheel and a clock reminiscent of the Type 57 SC Atlantic are only two of the distinctive elements of this automobile.

Why We Picked It:

The Bugatti Type 10, produced in 1909, was a significant automotive milestone and marked Ettore Bugatti's foray into car manufacturing. It was the first car to bear the Bugatti name and showcase pioneering design elements. The Type 10 featured a compact and lightweight construction, contributing to its agility. Its 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine, mounted at the front, produced around 10 horsepower. The engine incorporated advanced innovations of the time, including a single overhead camshaft and a four-valve cylinder head.

Weighing approximately 804 pounds, the Type 10 prioritized performance through its lightweight design. The vehicle's suspension system included a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, enhancing handling and ride comfort.

As a rare and historic automobile, the Bugatti Type 10 holds immense value among collectors and enthusiasts. Due to its limited production and historical significance, determining a precise market value can be challenging, and it often depends on factors such as condition, provenance, and originality.

Why We Picked It:

The Bugatti EB110 GT, a supercar from the '90s that is sometimes overlooked, takes design cues from the classic blue color scheme of the brand's Type 251 race car. Though the EB110 GT is rare, the EB110 Super Sport is much more so.

On his 110th birthday, September 15, 1991, Ettore Bugatti unveiled the first production model of the Bugatti EB110. When the 603-horsepower EB110 Super Sport (or SS) was released nearly a year later, Bugatti made full use of the EB110's quad-turbocharged 3.5-liter V12.

In terms of appearance, it's virtually indistinguishable from a standard EB110. Marcello Gandini intended for the front fascia of the SS model to be mainly flat and broad, but the car also received additional aerodynamic cues. With all-wheel drive and 60 more horsepower than the normal EB110 (541 hp), the same 3.5-liter V12 could be upgraded with a redesigned electronic control unit (ECU), bigger injectors, and a more open exhaust system.

The Supersport weighed just 150 kilograms (330 pounds) less than the 110 GT. Thanks to its lighter construction and improved propulsion system, it can reach speeds up to 216 mph.

Why We Picked It:

Born from the incredible Bugatti Chiron, the Divo carves its path in the hypercar realm. It's not just about speed; it's about sculpted agility, pushing the boundaries of performance and design.

Forget brute force alone. The Divo sheds 30 kg (66 lbs) compared to the Chiron, thanks to lighter materials and removed sound insulation. Combined with an aggressive aerodynamic package, this generates 180 kg (397 lbs) more downforce.

Bugatti redesigned the front with wider air intakes and a new splitter for enhanced cooling and downforce. The massive, fixed rear wing dominates the back, providing unmatched stability at high speeds. Even the 'Divo Line' on the doors isn't just for aesthetics; it channels air for optimal cooling.

The 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine still pumps out a heart-stopping 1,479 hp, but the focus is on agility. The suspension is stiffer, the steering sharper, and lateral acceleration improved by 8 seconds per lap compared to the Chiron.

Why We Picked It:

The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, produced in the late 1930s, is one of the most iconic and sought-after classic cars, renowned for its exceptional design, performance, and rarity. The Type 57SC Atlantic, created by Jean Bugatti, the son of company founder Ettore Bugatti, featured a stunning aerodynamic body with a riveted dorsal seam running along its spine.

The Type 57SC had a 3.3-liter inline-eight engine with a supercharger that produced about 200 horsepower. Its advanced engineering, including a lightweight chassis and a sophisticated suspension, contributed to remarkable handling and performance for its time.

Weighing approximately 2,800 pounds (1,270 kg), the Atlantic was relatively light, enhancing its agility. However, only four units were ever produced due to the complexity of its construction and the challenges of working with the unique material, magnesium. The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is renowned for its scarcity, with only two surviving examples. Its rarity and historical significance make it a prized possession among collectors.

Why We Picked It:

The Bugatti Chiron improved the Bugatti Veyron and the company's previous flagship hypercar. It is easier to build a fast car when engineers have complete freedom to do what they want. However, pursuing automotive perfection with the Chiron made it more challenging. To satisfy Bugatti's rigorous requirements for elegance and refinement, the engineers were tasked with creating the market's fastest and most powerful production vehicle.

The 8-liter W16 engine of the Chiron, which produced 1,500 hp in SuperSports mode, was the fastest production car in the world upon its debut and had no power shortage. The carbon fiber monocoque chassis is as rigid as a Le Mans prototype. An electric actuator in the Chiron's engine activates its state-of-the-art quadruple twin-scroll turbocharging system to maximize power during fast acceleration.

The Chiron's scary 1,500 horsepower is unleashed at 6,700 rpm, with a maximum torque of 1,180 lb-ft. A seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission transfers power to each of the four wheels.

Why We Picked It:

Unveiled in 2016, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse La Finale was no ordinary Bugatti. It was a swan song, the final chapter in the legendary Veyron's saga, and it went out with a bang. The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse La Finale was the last of the Veyron series, marking the end of an era for Bugatti.

An 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine produces a staggering 1,200 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The La Finale features the iconic Veyron design but includes bespoke details such as gold accents, carbon fiber elements, and a unique two-tone color scheme.

As a limited edition, with only 450 Veyrons produced and La Finale being the last, it holds high value among collectors. Its market value can vary, but these exceptional vehicles can command multi-million dollar prices in the collector's market, reflecting their rarity, performance, and historical significance.

Why We Picked It:

Unveiled in 2005, the Veyron was a true automotive beast. Its quad-turbocharged, 8.0-liter W16 engine unleashed a mind-blowing 987 horsepower (later bumped to 1,200 hp in the Super Sport version) and catapulted the car from 0 to 60 mph in a neck-snapping 2.5 seconds. The top speed? Bugatti-shattering 431 km/h (268 mph) in the Super Sport version, making it the world's fastest production car for years.

But the Veyron wasn't just about brute force. It was a technological marvel, packed with cutting-edge features like adaptive suspension, active aerodynamics, and titanium components to keep its 4,200-pound curb weight in check. The sheer complexity of the W16 engine, with over 3,000 individual parts, was a testament to Bugatti's engineering prowess.

Stepping inside the Veyron was like entering a luxurious jet fighter. The handcrafted leather interior, adorned with polished aluminum and carbon fiber, exuded an air of exquisite opulence. Every detail, from the diamond-stitched seats to the jewel-like instrument cluster, spoke of unparalleled craftsmanship.

Why We Picked It:

From 1924 to 1931, the Bugatti Type 35 dominated racetracks across Europe. It secured over 2,000 race victories in numerous Grand Prix races and championships.

Built with innovative aluminum components, the Type 35 tipped the scales at a featherweight of 1,700 pounds (compared to nearly 4,000 pounds for some rivals). This, combined with a smooth and powerful 2.0-liter straight-eight engine, gave it an unbeatable power-to-weight ratio.

While not the fastest car of its time, the Type 35 excelled in handling and reliability. Its innovative hollow front axle reduced unsprung weight, while cable-operated drum brakes and advanced suspension kept it glued to the track. The Type 35 also boasted advanced engineering, featuring a lightweight chassis, a distinctive horseshoe-shaped radiator, and innovative alloy wheels.

Its sleek, elongated body with a pointed rear was a feast for the eyes, showcasing Bugatti's commitment to form and function. The exposed radiator, a signature Bugatti design element, added a touch of raw power and personality.

Why We Picked It:

As Ettore Bugatti would have turned 110 years old in 1991, the affluent businessman Romano Artioli revived the Bugatti brand and gave the new model the name EB110. It was the most exclusive and sophisticated supercar in the world when it first came out.

Marcello Gandini created the fundamental form, incorporating flip-up doors from his Countach. With five valves per cylinder and a complex all-wheel-drive system, the new engine was developed under Paolo Stanzani's watchful eye as Technical Director.

A few years before the McLaren F1, the Bugatti EB110 used a carbon fiber monocoque. Every expense was thoroughly examined during development, including the most extreme technology.

The crown jewel of the EB110 was its 3.5-liter vee-configured twelve-cylinder engine. The tiny V12's power was increased to 561 horsepower and 542 lb-ft of torque utilizing four low-inertia Japanese IHI turbochargers. The result is a top speed of 220 mph and a 0 to 60 mp time of 3.4 seconds