This is the one-of-a-kind 1999 Bugatti 18/3 Chiron finished in ‘Blue Cote d’Azur’ over a ‘Blu Pacifico’ and ‘Sabbia’ interior, and developed by Italian designer Fabrizio Giugiaro of Italdesign alongside Hartmut Warkuß of the Volkswagen design centre in Wolfsburg for the French automaker Bugatti Automobiles. The 18/3 Chiron was the final car in a series designed by Italdesign for Bugatti, following the 1998 EB 118 coupe and the 1999 EB 218 sedan. In order to construct a fully functional prototype, Bugatti used the chassis and four-wheel drive system of the Lamborghini Diablo VT. The 18/3 Chiron was constructed in Moncalieri, Italy, and the “18/3” prefix stands for the engine’s 18 cylinders from the 6,250 cubic centimetres (381 cu in) W18 engine which are distributed into three banks of six cylinders each. The engine was manufactured by Audi with Ferdinand Piech’s support, and the project as a whole was completed in dedication to Monégasque racing driver, Louis Chiron. Air is directed through a large front opening to cool the 6.3-liter engine, with vents near the front wheel arches expelling excess airflow, while the sides feature a similar system for rear brake cooling. At the back, a rear wing deploys at high speeds, and a diffuser is integrated into the bumper, while advanced lighting includes triple Xenon headlights and rear turn signals that double as taillights. Inside, the cabin boasts beautiful leather, aluminum accents, and a removable watch on the passenger side, with 20-inch wheels recalling the design of Louis Chiron’s Type 35B. After the project was initially launched in 1993, it went through years of meticulous development and refinement. Finally, the highly anticipated 18/3 Chiron made its grand debut at the prestigious Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1999, captivating attendees and setting a new benchmark in automotive engineering.
How many made? 1
Engine: 6.3-liter W18 with 555 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque.
Debut: the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show
Top speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo credit: @lambolog
Research: @rarecarsonly
1999 Bugatti 18/3 Chiron
03.01.2025
Bugatti