Bugatti, synonymous with luxury and performance, has a rich history steeped in innovation and racing excellence.
Recently, during a visit to Bugatti’s headquarters in Molsheim, a customer embarked on a journey to honour the legendary Type 50S. In conversation with Bugatti’s lead Sur Mesure designer, Jascha Straub, the customer expressed his desire for a black-on-black Chiron Super Sport1 that paid homage to Bugatti’s illustrious past.
Thus began an enchanting narrative that delved into the essence and legend of the Type 50S.
The Evolution of Type 50S: From Innovation to Legend
The Type 50S, deriving its essence from the celebrated Type 46, marked the zenith of Bugatti’s large-capacity engine lineage. In an era dominated by power-focused performance, Bugatti introduced a revolutionary five-litre supercharged eight-cylinder engine – its first engine with a dual overhead camshaft – producing around 250 PS.
This innovation transformed the Type 50S into the ultimate road car, combining comfort and luxury with unparalleled performance, setting a new standard in automotive engineering.
Le Mans 1931: A Test of Endurance and Innovation
In 1931, Bugatti entered three Type 50S chassis in the gruelling 24 Hours of Le Mans, each finished entirely in black as a subtle defiance against the French government’s lack of sponsorship. Despite the setback, the Type 50S showcased its potential with impressive speed on the track.
However, tragedy struck as one of the entries suffered a tyre failure, leading to a devastating crash. Despite this setback, the legacy of chassis no. 50177, adorned with the number ‘5’, remained an enduring symbol of Bugatti’s racing prowess.
The Creative Vision: From Concept to Reality
Inspired by the legacy of chassis no. 50177, the customer and Jascha embarked on a creative journey to craft the Chiron Super Sport homage. The iconic grille, adorned with a painted number ‘5’, became the focal point of the frontal redesign, echoing the design ethos of the historic Type 50S.
Every aspect of the design, meticulously engineered for aerodynamic efficiency and cooling, reflected Bugatti’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
Central to the Type 50S experience was its innovative dual-overhead cam engine, housed within an engine bay adorned with an intricate engine-turned ornamental pattern known as “Perlée”.
Recreating this detail to exacting standards required a meticulous approach, ensuring every aspect of the design was perfectly proportioned and durable. The “Perlée” finish, extending throughout the car, served as a visual homage to the Type 50S, embodying Bugatti’s dedication to craftsmanship.
A Tribute to Heritage: Honouring Bugatti’s Racing Legacy
The interior of the Chiron Super Sport pays tribute to the original Type 50S, with hand-applied representations of its exploits at Le Mans adorning the door panels.
The black interior, accented with flashes of aluminium and “Perlée”, exudes elegance and sophistication. Hand-stitched detailing, including the ‘Le Mans 1931’ inscription on the headrests, further underscores the homage to Bugatti’s racing heritage.
Jascha Straub, Lead Designer of Sur Mesure, emphasised the collaborative effort involved in bringing the Chiron Super Sport homage to fruition. The customer’s passion for the Type 50S served as a driving force, guiding every decision and detail of the design process. The result is not merely a modern-day homage but a continuation of a legacy that began nearly a century ago.
Bugatti Automobiles extends its gratitude to the Stiftung Nationales Automuseum – The Loh Collection for the loan of the original Bugatti Type 50S chassis 50177 photoshoot.
The Loh Collection, renowned for its extensive collection of rare and beautiful cars, including several remarkable Bugatti models, played a pivotal role in preserving Bugatti’s rich heritage for future generations.
Conclusion: A Legacy Reimagined
The Chiron Super Sport homage to the Type 50S stands as a testament to Bugatti’s enduring legacy of innovation and excellence. With its meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering attention to detail, it embodies the spirit of the original Type 50S while pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
As Bugatti continues to write its illustrious history, the Chiron Super Sport pays homage to the past while embracing the future of automotive excellence.
