Discover the Bugatti W16 Mistral La Perle Rare, a one‑off hypercar delivered to a Canadian collector, featuring the exclusive ‘Vagues de Lumière’ paint. Learn more now!
The Final Chapter of the W16 Era
In December 2025, Bugatti closed the chapter on its legendary W16 engine with the delivery of the last W16 Mistral units. Among them, a unique specimen—named La Perle Rare—found its new home with a private collector in Canada.
La Perle Rare: Meaning and Inspiration
‘La Perle Rare’ translates from French as “the rare pearl,” a fitting moniker for a car that represents the very pinnacle of craftsmanship and exclusivity within the Bugatti portfolio.
Vagues de Lumière – A Signature Paint
The standout feature of this hyper‑car is its exclusive paint scheme called Vagues de Lumière (Waves of Light). The finish blends a luminous Ghost White with a warm Dune‑sand gold, creating a subtle play of light that changes with the viewer’s angle. This dual‑tone effect is a hallmark of Bugatti’s bespoke Sur Mesure program.
Diamond‑Cut Wheels and Artistic Details
- Front wheels: 20‑inch diamond‑cut rims.
- Rear wheels: 21‑inch diamond‑cut rims.
- Both sets feature the same Ghost White/Dune gold palette, harmonising with the bodywork.
Adding to the visual drama, the rear‑side panels showcase a reinterpretation of Rembrandt Bugatti’s famed “Dancing Elephant” sculpture. The tiny, meticulously crafted elephant motif adds an artistic flourish that echoes Bugatti’s heritage.
Luxury Interior Echoes the Exterior
The cabin follows the same Ghost White and Dune gold theme, upholstered in hand‑stitched leather that carries the Vagues de Lumière pattern. Chrome accents frame the dashboard, while the central armrest bears the hand‑painted name “La Perle Rare.” The iconic Dancing Elephant appears on the steering column and head‑rest, tying the interior and exterior motifs together.
Powertrain: 1,600 hp W16 Engine
At its heart lies the 8.0‑litre quad‑turbocharged W16 engine, delivering a staggering 1,600 horsepower and 1,600 Nm of torque. Mated to a seven‑speed dual‑clutch gearbox and permanent all‑wheel drive, the car rockets from 0‑100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds.
Performance Stats and Speed Records
Standard electronic limits cap top speed at 380 km/h, but with the optional Speed Key the limit rises to 420 km/h. Earlier in November 2024, the W16 Mistral set a world record for open‑top cars, reaching 453.91 km/h.
Pricing, Limited Production, and Future Plans
Base pricing for a W16 Mistral starts around US$5 million, but fully bespoke versions—like La Perle Rare—can exceed US$10 million. Bugatti will only produce 99 units before ending the W16 line and shifting focus to the upcoming hypercar, the Bugatti Tourbillon.
La Perle Rare not only marks the end of an era but also showcases how Bugatti blends art, engineering, and personalisation into a single, unforgettable masterpiece.
