Bugatti Veyron

There is speculation Bugatti Automobiles is developing a second model of the Bugatti Veyron supercar that is estimated to cost a whopping 3 million US Dollars! I even saw some referring this new Bugatti Veyron as the most expensive car in the world. But is it really the most expensive car in the world? If not which car is the world's most expensive car?

The US$ 1.5 million Bugatti Veyron

I remember when it came out some sites and papers were saying the current Bugatti Veyron which is US$1.5 million was the world's most expensive car. At that price Bugatti Veyron is certainly one of the most expensive cars (its the fastest accelerating and most powerful street going car in the world) but it is another Bugatti that seems to be most expensive car ever.

Bugati Veyron Fastest accelerating and most powerful street going car in the world

According to what I could find from a little searching the real most expensive car in the world is this 1930 Bugatti Type 41 Royale!

1930 Bugatti Type 41 Royale

The Interior of the Bugatti Type 41 Royale

The Type 41 Royale was Bugatti's most outrageous car. It was also his most exclusive, as only six were ever manufactured. Each had considerable presence due their massive length, 12 litre engine and huge wheels.

One of the most expensive cars in the world is the Type 41 Coupe de Ville Napoleon. It was the first Royale made, and was Ettore Bugatti's personal transportation. It eventually ended up with the Schlumpf brothers, and still resides in their Mulhouse Museum.

The Kellener-bodied Royale still holds the world record for fetching $8 700 000 USD at Christie's Auction in 1983. When adjusted for inflation, this price would be over 16 million, a price which only other Royales, or the Rolls Royce

Silver Ghost, could eclipse - Source: supercars.net

Image credit supercars.net** and Flickr

But I find it difficult to say which is really the most expensive car in the world. Do you judge the cars value by its selling price as a antique item or the off-the-shelf price?