The Bugatti Destrier is the latest one-off creation from the brand’s Programme Solitaire division, combining bespoke design elements with the mechanical foundation of the Bolide. Ahead of its public debut during Monterey Car Week, the hypercar showcases unique styling, a handcrafted interior, and Bugatti’s 1,578-horsepower W16 engine.
Bugatti Destrier Introduces a Distinctive One-Off Design
The Destrier was developed by Bugatti’s Programme Solitaire department as a one-off hypercar with flowing bodywork, a notably low roofline, and a design that differs significantly from the more aggressive appearance of the Bolide on which it is based.
Standing just 1 meter (3.2 feet) tall, the Destrier is lower than any other Bugatti. It rides on 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels, replacing the Bolide’s 18-inch wheels, while the absence of large wings and aerodynamic flicks gives the bodywork a cleaner appearance.
Design Draws Inspiration From Historic Bugatti Models
Bugatti says the commission references the Type 57SC Atlantic, which it describes as widely considered the most beautiful car ever built, along with its Le Mans-winning underpinnings. A hand-laser-engraved plate above the windshield depicts both the Type 57G Tank race car and the Type 57SC Atlantic road car, highlighting the connection.
The Destrier features a Bugatti C-line surrounding the greenhouse that stops just before the front wheel well. It also receives a wider horseshoe grille similar to that of the upcoming Tourbillon and a subtle rear wing inspired by the Chiron Profilée.
Bespoke Finish Complements the W16 Powertrain
The one-off model wears a custom paint finish called Sapphire Celeste, created with multiple layers and a diamond-inspired sparkle. Polished aluminum trim references the Type 57SC Atlantic chassis 57591, known as the “Pope” Atlantic, which was originally blue before its current owner repainted it black.
Blue accents continue through the tinted exposed carbon fiber used on the front splitter and rear diffuser. Inside the engine bay, the 1,578-horsepower 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine is surrounded by brightwork finished with a hammered texture inspired by medieval knights’ hand-beaten armor. The Destrier takes its name from “the finest and strongest type of medieval knight’s horse.”
Interior Blends Luxury With Handcrafted Details
The cabin transforms the stripped-back cockpit of the Bolide with leather, nubuck, and a newly developed 3D-knitted textile. The leather and nubuck are finished in Ambre Voyageur brown, while the 3D-printed fabric incorporates copper sparkling highlights.
Matching hammered brightwork appears throughout the interior, including on the door handles, air vents, the hub of the yoke-style steering wheel, and the door sill plates. The Destrier name is stitched into the headrests, and a small French flag is positioned on the center console, while the rest of the cabin maintains a restrained layout with an emphasis on craftsmanship.
Public Debut Scheduled for Monterey Car Week
Bugatti will publicly unveil the Destrier during Monterey Car Week, which officially begins tomorrow and concludes on August 16 with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The Destrier follows the F.K.P. Hommage and the Brouillard as the latest creation from the brand’s Programme Solitaire division.
