The Bugatti W16 Mistral, a symbol of exclusivity, marks the end of the iconic 8.0-liter W16 engine with 1,600 horsepower and a production limit of 99 units. Bugatti’s bespoke division, Sur Mesure, offers a unique opportunity for customers to personalize their vehicles, resulting in the latest creation, “Le Retour du Jeune Prince” or “The Return of the Young Prince.” This bespoke vehicle was conceived in October 2023 when a dedicated Bugatti collector collaborated with Jascha Straub, head of Bugatti Sur Mesure, to craft a car that honors Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince and reflects the collector’s personal narrative.
The “Le Retour du Jeune Prince” showcases Bugatti’s commitment to personalization and creativity by blending the collector’s literary passion with automotive artistry. The vehicle features a unique color scheme of warm copper and bronze tones, mimicking moonlight on earth, and a revised horseshoe grille with inner 3D lines. Craftsmanship is evident in the hand-painted starry sky on the rear quarters and wing, with a hidden Easter egg depicting a scene from the book when the airbrake deploys. Luxurious features include a gold-outlined Bugatti badge, copper brake calipers, and custom engravings of the story’s characters on the engine bay.
Inside, the literary theme continues with two leather shades, “Terre d’Or” and “Driftwood,” and embroidered moon and star motifs on the door panels. The highlight of the cabin is the shifter, which contains a delicate silver rose, a reference to the Little Prince’s rose, created from a 3D scan of a real flower. Mechanically, the Mistral retains its 8.0-liter W16 engine, delivering 1,600 hp through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. While performance is secondary in this one-off creation, the knowledge that it could travel at over 249 miles per hour adds to its distinct character, making it a bound book made of carbon fiber and leather, meant to be read, remembered, and felt.