First Bugatti Bolide (Chassis No. 001) Heads to Auction with a $6 Million Estimate
Rare Track-Only Hypercar Set to Make History at Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auction
In an era where even luxury sedans and SUVs boast 1,000+ horsepower, the term "hypercar" has lost some of its exclusivity. But the Bugatti Bolide—a track-only beast with nearly 1,600 hp—redefines what a true hypercar should be. Now, the very first production Bolide (Chassis No. 001) is set to cross the auction block at Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auctions on August 15-16, 2025, during Monterey Car Week. With only 40 examples ever built, this ultra-rare machine could fetch up to $6 million.
Why the Bugatti Bolide Is a Collector’s Dream
Debuting during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Bolide concept stunned the automotive world with its radical design and extreme performance. By 2023, the production model made its public debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, solidifying its place as one of the most extreme track cars ever built.
David Brynan, Senior Specialist at Gooding Christie’s, explains:
“This is an extraordinary car in all respects—engineering, design, and performance—and it’s thrilling to present the first Bolide at auction. As chassis 001, it holds special appeal for collectors.”
Unmatched Performance: The W-16 Beast Unleashed
At the heart of the Bolide lies Bugatti’s legendary quad-turbo 8.0-liter W-16 engine, producing:
- 1,578 hp at 7,050 rpm
- 1,180 lb-ft of torque
- 0-62 mph in just 2.2 seconds
- Top speed of 236 mph
Built around a carbon-fiber monocoque (reportedly stiffer than the Chiron’s), the Bolide features race-spec aerodynamics, generating nearly three tons of downforce at speed. The adjustable rear wing and innovative front diffuser ensure optimal performance on any track.
Track-Ready Engineering
- Carbon-carbon brakes (the largest ever fitted to a Bugatti)
- Eight-piston front / six-piston rear monobloc calipers
- 186 mph to 0 in just 6.0 seconds (748 feet)
- Driver-focused cockpit with fixed seats and adjustable pedals
Why This Bolide Could Shatter Records
With only 389 miles on the odometer, Chassis No. 001 represents the pinnacle of Bugatti’s W-16 era. As Brynan notes:
The Bolide is the ultimate expression of the W-16, free from road car constraints. With Bugatti moving to hybrid powertrains, this model marks the end of an era.
Given its first-production status, track-only exclusivity, and engineering brilliance, the Bolide’s $6 million estimate seems well justified. Will it set a new auction record? The world will be watching this August.
