Following the earlier Brouillard and F.K.P. Hommage projects, Bugatti has revealed its latest commission under the Programme Solitaire bespoke coachbuilding division: the Destrier.
More road-oriented
This one-of-one creation takes the mechanical foundations of the brand’s track-focused Bolide and removes its wings, large splitters, and aggressive aerodynamic ducts in favour of a smooth, road-oriented silhouette.
Named after the heavy warhorses ridden by medieval knights, the Destrier serves as a design exercise exploring how the marque’s extreme track platform presents itself when evaluated strictly on proportion rather than downforce.
Standing just one metre tall, the Destrier is lower than standard production Bugatti models. To adapt to the revised height, Bugatti replaced the Bolide’s 18-inch wheels with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.
Modified interpretation of C-line
The exterior introduces a modified interpretation of Bugatti’s signature C-line, which pauses near the front wheelarch to expose the underlying bodywork before continuing toward a widened horseshoe grille. At the rear, an integrated, blended wing reminiscent of the Chiron Profilee replaces the Bolide’s tall dual-element wing and central shark fin.
The underlying architecture relies on historical precedent within the marque’s archives. In the 1930s, the Type 57 chassis served as the foundation for both the Le Mans-winning Type 57G Tank racers and the Type 57SC Atlantic roadcar.
The Destrier and Bolide share a similar dual-identity relationship, utilizing the same carbonfibre monocoque. A hand-laser-engraved dedication plate depicting both the Type 57G Tank and Type 57SC Atlantic is positioned above the windscreen to mark this historical connection.
“Destrier is not a car you understand with your head, it is a car you feel with your heart. The Bolide gave us the most extreme proportions we have ever created, and by freeing them from the Bolide’s relentless pursuit of downforce, we let them speak as pure sculpture,” said Director of Design Frank Heyl.
Bespoke paint finish
The exterior bodywork is finished in Sapphire Celeste, a bespoke multi-layer blue paint featuring diamond-inspired metallic sparkle. Polished aluminium brightwork outlines key structural curves, while visible carbonfibre on the front splitter and rear diffuser is tinted to match the blue paintwork.
The paint choice references Type 57SC Atlantic chassis 57591, which originally left the factory in blue before being repainted black by a subsequent owner. In the engine compartment, metal components carry a hand-hammered finish intended to recall hand-forged armour.
Parametric lighting patterns are used in the head and tail lamps, while the oil filler cap is stamped with the Destrier emblem and a ‘1/1’ designation.
Tailor-inspired interior
Inside, the designers replaced the Bolide’s bare race layout for a warmer, tailor-inspired design. The interior features warm brown Ambre Voyageur leather and nubuck alongside a 3D-knitted technical fabric. Thin copper yarns are woven into the knitted material in a circular ‘halo-line’ pattern to create a metallic highlight across the cabin.
The hand-hammered metal finish from the exterior is repeated on the door openers, air vents, steering wheel hub, and entry plates, alongside a French flag positioned at the centre of the interior.
“Every material in Destrier was chosen the way a tailor selects cloth. Nothing shouts. Every surface is measured, tactile, and made for one person alone,” Head of Colour and Trim, Sabine Consolini, noted.
As with the earlier projects, the Bolide’s mid-mounted 8-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine, producing 1,600 ps, has its power transmitted to all 4 wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
