Bugatti Creates 'Le Retour du Jeune Prince' W16 Mistral via Sur Mesure Program
A Bugatti collector's personal story inspired a one-of-a-kind W16 Mistral roadster, themed around the moon and stars, handcrafted through the Sur Mesure program.
2023
What Happened
The Bugatti W16 Mistral 'Le Retour du Jeune Prince' was created for a passionate collector who loves the moon and was inspired by the literary work 'Le Retour du Jeune Prince,' a personal continuation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's story. The journey began in October 2023 when Bugatti's Sur Mesure team met the client to explore creative directions, translating the concept into a visual language where the moon and earth play essential roles.
- A bespoke copper-bronze paint with gold undertones, inspired by earth and moonlight.
- Hand-applied silver star constellations on the rear flanks and upper wing surface, revealed when the aerodynamic brake deploys.
- Two-tone leather interior in Terre d'Or and Driftwood with embroidered moon and stars on door panels and headrests.
- A miniature silver rose embedded in the gear lever, created from a 3D scan of a real flower.
- Copper brake calipers and gold-accented Bugatti Macaron on the grille.
Why this matters
This unique vehicle showcases Bugatti's Sur Mesure program, which allows customers to co-create deeply personal cars, blending heritage with individual imagination.
Terms in This Story
- Sur Mesure
- Bugatti's bespoke customization program that allows clients to personalize their vehicle extensively.
- W16
- A 16-cylinder engine configuration arranged in a W shape, known for high performance.
- Aerodynamic brake
- A movable rear spoiler that increases downforce to aid braking at high speeds.
- Roadster
- A two-seat convertible car with an open top.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.