In an era where exclusivity is currency, Bugatti has elevated hypercar personalization to an art form with Sur Mesure—a program that transforms the $5 million+ Mistral, the final chapter of the iconic W16 engine, into a canvas for its owners’ wildest dreams. Limited to just 99 examples, the Mistral isn’t just a car; it’s a handcrafted legacy, tailored stitch by stitch to reflect its owner’s identity.
The Ultimate Blank Canvas
Sur Mesure (“tailor-made” in French) redefines bespoke automotive design. Buyers of the Mistral—a roofless, W16-powered speedster inspired by the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport—aren’t merely selecting options from a menu. They’re collaborating directly with Bugatti’s artisans and engineers to reimagine every millimeter of the car:
- Exterior Alchemy: Paint hues mixed to evoke a sunset, a gemstone, or a memory. Hand-drawn artwork or intricate patterns airbrushed onto body panels. Even the underside of the wing mirrors or the rear diffuser can be customized.
- Interior Opulence: Bespoke leathers, embroidery, and stitching. Headrests monogrammed with family crests. Gearshift knobs carved from rare materials like meteorite fragments or ancient wood.
- Engineering Flair: Carbon fiber trims anodized in unique finishes, brake calipers painted to match a favorite watch, or exhaust tips engraved with coordinates of a meaningful location.
“There are no limits—only the boundaries of taste and brand identity,” says Jascha Straub, Head of Individualization at Bugatti. “Our role is to guide owners toward designs that honor Bugatti’s heritage while reflecting their soul.”
The Atelier Experience: From Fantasy to Reality
The journey begins in Molsheim, France, at Bugatti’s historic headquarters. Owners are whisked into a world of inspiration, touring workshops where Chiron Super Sports and Bolides are born, then treated to a private lunch in the Château Saint-Jean, once Ettore Bugatti’s residence.
Here, Straub and his team decode the owner’s vision. One customer replicated the marquetry of their ancestral piano on the dashboard. Another commissioned a paint finish mimicking the patina of a 1920s Type 35 Grand Prix car. “We’ve even hidden sentimental messages in the stitching,” Straub reveals.
The Art of Subtle Persuasion
While Bugatti encourages creativity, Straub’s team ensures designs remain timeless. “A neon green Mistral with leopard-print seats? Non,” he laughs. “We steer clients toward elegance—perhaps a metallic green with gold undertones and bespoke leather quilting.” This delicate dance preserves Bugatti’s DNA while satisfying eccentricities.
The Mistral: A Farewell to the W16
As the last Bugatti to house the legendary quad-turbo W16 engine, the Mistral is a mechanical swan song. Its 1,600 horsepower and 236 mph top speed are secondary to its role as a cultural artifact—a bridge between Bugatti’s combustion-era dominance and its electric future.
The Price of Uniqueness
All 99 Mistrals are sold, each taking over two years to build. For those without a reservation? “Désolé,” says Straub. “But Sur Mesure will live on. The ethos of personalization is now core to Bugatti’s future.”
Conclusion: Beyond a Car, a Heirloom
The Mistral, through Sur Mesure, isn’t just a hypercar—it’s a wearable heirloom, a testament to human ingenuity and desire. As one owner phrased it: “This isn’t my car. It’s my autobiography, written in carbon fiber and horsepower.”
For the rest of us, left to daydream: Imagine the agony of having $5 million and nothing to spend it on
Bugatti Sur Mesure: Crafting Automotive Masterpieces, One Bespoke Mistral at a Time