Bugatti Pays Tribute to the Type 55 with One-Off Chiron Super Sport 55

Bugatti has unveiled the Chiron Super Sport 55, a one-of-one creation paying homage to Jean Bugatti’s iconic Type 55 Super Sport. This bespoke vehicle, commissioned through Bugatti’s Sur Mesure program, encapsulates the spirit of Jean Bugatti’s pioneering designs, blending historical elegance with modern engineering.

Jean Bugatti, known for his innovative designs and engineering expertise, crafted the Type 55 Super Sport in the early 1930s. This vehicle featured a 2.3L straight-eight engine derived from the Type 51 racer, coupled with a two-seater roadster body that set new standards for grand touring cars. With only 38 units ever produced, the Type 55 remains a coveted collector’s item, revered for its unique duotone paint scheme and ability to reach speeds of up to 111 mph.

The Chiron Super Sport 55 draws heavily on the aesthetics and engineering prowess of its predecessor. Jascha Straub, Manager of Sur Mesure and Individualization at Bugatti, collaborated closely with the customer and Bugatti’s partner in Dubai to ensure the new model faithfully reflects the legacy of the Type 55. “Even 100 years after his time, we have remained totally connected to Jean and his designs,” Straub noted.

One of the most striking features of the Chiron Super Sport 55 is its duotone black and yellow paint scheme, a direct nod to the original Type 55. The car’s design incorporates a black centerline reminiscent of its predecessor, complemented by a yellow line that flows from the rear to the fenders. This color scheme highlights the car’s dynamic design and visually breaks up its expansive surfaces, providing a balanced look.

The attention to detail extends to the car’s interior, where sleek black leather and vibrant yellow accents echo the exterior aesthetic. Embroidered headrests and hand-stitched door panels featuring the fading “55” motif add to the bespoke nature of the vehicle. Jean Bugatti’s signature on the door sill and dedication plate further cement the connection to the storied heritage of the Bugatti brand.

In a nod to its historic inspiration, the Chiron Super Sport 55 features minimalist black 10-spoke wheels with a yellow “EB” emblem, linking the alloy design to the car’s bodywork. The underside of the rear wing proudly displays “55 1 of 1” in cursive, a tribute to the Type 55 Super Sport.

Notably, the photo shoot of the Chiron Super Sprot 55 featured an appearance of the original Type 55, on loan from Musée National de l’Automobile in Mulhouse. Take a closer look at both of the vehicles in the video below by Bugatti.