Befitting a company that built its early reputation on the racetrack, the Bugatti Bolide is a pure, circuit-only machine unencumbered by road car restrictions. Constructed in a limited run of just 40 examples, the Bolide boasts extraordinary performance even beyond that of Bugatti’s typical production hypercars.

With a name that evokes a meteor streaking across the sky, the Bolide was first unveiled to the public in 2021 as an experimental study showcasing the legendary Bugatti 8.0-litre W-16 engine’s true performance when joined with an ultralight chassis featuring minimal bodywork and maximum downforce. Response was so great that Bugatti decided to put it into production with deliveries beginning in 2024.

The company developed an entirely new carbon fibre monocoque optimised for track use that positioned the familiar W-16 engine 60 millimetres further forward than in the roadgoing Chiron. Made of the highest quality carbon fibre composites usually reserved for Formula 1 and top-level endurance race cars, the chassis is built to FIA Le Mans Hypercar safety standards. Meanwhile, minimal carbon fibre bodywork generates around twice the car’s own weight in downforce at maximum speed.

Weighing in at 1,450 kilograms, the Bolide is a remarkable 545 kilograms lighter than the Chiron, yet its engine is even more powerful, with output increased to a dizzying 1,578 horsepower and 1,180 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The engine has been tuned to operate better at higher revs, with intake and exhaust systems tweaked to further improve response. Likewise, the cooling system for the turbochargers, engine, transmission, and differential are modified for optimum power development. Performance figures are staggering: from 0 to 100 km/h in only 2.2 seconds and rated for a top speed of 380 km/h.

To rein in the speed, Bugatti worked with Brembo to create massive carbon fibre-reinforced carbon brakes with eight pistons at the front, six at the rear, and specially formulated pads. A new pushrod suspension setup coupled with the extreme aerodynamic package delivers the driving dynamics of a top-tier LMP1 sports racing car.

The interior shares nothing in common with the Chiron. Every element was built from scratch, including the optimised racing seats layered directly onto the monocoque and the high-tech steering wheel designed with input from Bugatti test drivers, who stipulated the compact, ergonomic form with eight key buttons optimally placed for ease of use at breathtaking speeds and G-force loads.

The Bugatti Bolide offered here was specified with a staggering €291,000-worth of optional factory equipment. Its exterior treatment in Bugatti’s signature colour-split motif, a striking combination of Agile Blue tinted carbon fibre and Nocturne paint, accounts for €100,000 of the optional expenses. An additional €55,500-worth of Agile Blue accents and a €7,500 French flag graphic further enhance the exterior colour scheme. Nocturne wheels (€7,500) with black coated wheel caps (€7,500), fuel cap (€5,000), and exhaust deflector (€12,000) complete the presentation.

The interior is trimmed in French Racing Blue and Beluga Black Alcantara (€20,000) with Beluga Black stitching. The steering wheel also features Alcantara (€10,000), as do the seats (€20,000), which feature an outer logo in aluminium (€20,000). Interior trim is in polished aluminium with an in inner signature line in Granite (€10,000), while the door sills are black carbon fibre (€5,000) with the Bolide logo in Agile Blue.

With its odometer showing just 359 kilometres at the time of cataloguing, this Bolide awaits its next fortunate owner and is offered at auction with flight cases that include tools, spare tyres, car cover, battery conditioner, and owner’s manual.