The Bugatti Chiron’s production phase is drawing to a close, and as the anticipation builds for its successor, Bugatti’s Sur Mesure unit has revealed an impressive tribute to one of Bugatti’s classic race cars. This special variant takes inspiration from the Type 50S, an iconic Bugatti racer that participated six years before the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans. The fresh Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, fittingly named ‘Hommage T50S,’ honors this storied vehicle.
One customer approached Jascha Straub, the primary Sur Mesure designer at Bugatti, with a unique request for a custom all-black Chiron Super Sport to celebrate Bugatti’s racing heritage. Throughout the design journey, the customer became enthralled by the narrative of the Type 50S, a vehicle that Bugatti raced in the 1931 Le Mans with three black chassis, diverging from the traditional French racing blue.
All three cars displayed promising performance, demonstrating remarkable speeds on the vast stretches. Despite being positioned for victory, one of the vehicles encountered a high-speed tire blowout, resulting in a tragic crash off the racetrack. Bugatti opted to retire the remaining two cars, including chassis no. 50177, the inspiration behind the contemporary Super Sport homage, to avert further mishaps. The saga of 50177, bedecked with the number ‘5’ during its 1931 Le Mans race, served as the groundwork for a creative voyage for both the customer and Jascha, igniting the genesis of the Chiron Super Sport that began materializing on paper.
The Sur Mesure rendition of the Bugatti Chiron Type 50S salutes the original 1931 model. It flaunts a sleek black exterior with a ‘5’ emblem on both sides and ‘Le Mans 1931’ inscription near the back wheel arch. Bugatti experts discreetly placed a detailed depiction of the Circuit de la Sarthe from 1931 under the rear spoiler.
The design of the Type 50S highlighted its advanced dual-overhead cam engine, showcased in an elaborately adorned engine bay with a unique “Perlée” engine-turned pattern. The Bugatti marque has always been linked with meticulous attention to detail, a trait highly valued by Ettore Bugatti himself. Jascha and the team were unwavering in their commitment to ensuring that every detail was meticulously crafted, epitomizing the brand’s ethos of discovering beauty in every facet. Replicating the intricate engine-turned pattern to meet the exacting standards of the Sur Mesure team was a multifaceted and demanding process. Each circular design had to align perfectly, with precise proportions and durability to withstand high temperatures and daily usage for decades to come. This pursuit of perfection is evident in every Sur Mesure undertaking, demonstrating the assiduous effort put into achieving an impeccable outcome repeatedly.
The opulent black interior of the vehicle, accentuated with hints of aluminum and “Perlée,” is elegantly illuminated by the optional Sky View glass roof, offering a peek into the thrilling open-air experience reminiscent of the original Type 50S. To pay homage to the historic car’s legendary performance at Le Mans, hand-applied depictions grace each door panel, while ‘Le Mans 1931’ is expertly embroidered into the headrests of both the driver and passenger seats.
“The Type 50S lineage envisioned by Ettore and Jean in the early 1930s marked the beginning of powerful Bugatti racing cars. Chassis 50177 holds a significant place in our history. Collaborating with a passionate customer to honor this racing legend was a privilege. The painstaking attention to detail ensured our homage remained true to the Type 50S narrative while upholding Bugatti’s exceptional standards,” Jascha Straub, Lead Designer Sur Mesure, conveyed.
Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director at Bugatti Automobiles, conveyed his enthusiasm for the Bugatti Chiron Type 50S tribute project. He remarked that although this model may not carry the same eminence as the Atlantic, the Royale, or the Type 35, the team effectively conveyed their passion for the Type 50S to a customer who grasped its significance. The Sur Mesure team, led by Jascha Straub, collaborated closely with the customer, experts, and craftsmen to create a customized project that venerates the iconic Type 50S. Malinowski described it not just as a contemporary design tribute but also as a continuation of a legacy that dates back almost a century.
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