The genius of Jean Bugatti, renowned for his visionary designs and engineering prowess, continues to inspire the automotive world today. His unmatched aesthetic sensibilities are vividly captured in the Type 55 Super Sport, a marvel that stands as a testament to his supreme talent.
The Type 55 Super Sport, introduced by Jean Bugatti, boasted a 2.3-liter straight-eight engine derived from the formidable Type 51 racer. This model featured a sought-after two-seater roadster body designed by Jean Bugatti himself. As Bugatti’s inaugural Super Sport, the Type 55 laid the foundation for future models, blending comfort with a remarkable top speed of 180 km/h. Jean Bugatti’s introduction of the groundbreaking duotone paint scheme with the Type 55 has continued to influence Bugatti’s iconic contemporary A/B color split.
With only 38 units ever produced, the Type 55 Super Sport is a rare and coveted collector’s piece. Its legacy inspired a Chiron Super Sport customer and the Bugatti Sur Mesure team to create the ’55 1 of 1′ commission. This project was an opportunity to pay tribute to Jean Bugatti’s groundbreaking creations that combined elegance and engineering prowess.
“Even 100 years after his time, we have remained totally connected to Jean and his designs,” said Jascha Straub, Manager of Sur Mesure and Individualization at Bugatti. Straub collaborated with the customer and Bugatti’s partner in Dubai to capture the aura of the Type 55 Super Sport and infuse it into the design of the contemporary Chiron Super Sport, resulting in a modern interpretation of the original car’s distinctive elements.
The Sur Mesure team focused on Jean Bugatti’s famous duotone paint scheme, utilizing a black and yellow combination favored by Ettore Bugatti. On the Chiron Super Sport, these colors not only portray dynamism but also visually break up the expansive surfaces of the hyper sports car. The design features a black centerline reminiscent of the Type 55, further embellished with a black line around the Bugatti central air intake and a sleek yellow line flowing from the rear to the fenders.
Throughout the development, Bugatti worked to modernize elements of the Type 55, producing a car that respects the early pioneering work of Jean Bugatti while embodying the DNA of a Bugatti Sur Mesure project. The ’55 1 of 1′ features a meticulously hand-applied fading ’55’ pattern above the headlights and over the fenders, highlighting the horseshoe grille and narrowing the appearance of the front end.
The commission balances its bold styling with minimalist black 10-spoke wheels and a yellow ‘EB’ emblem. The underside of the rear wing provides a distinct link to its design roots with ’55 1 of 1′ written in cursive. Inside, the cabin features sleek black leather with unique accents such as embroidered headrests displaying ’55 1 of 1′ and hand-stitched fading ’55’ motifs on the door panels in vibrant yellow. Jean Bugatti’s signature is prominently placed on the door sill and the car’s dedication plate, creating a deep connection between the driver and the storied heritage of Bugatti.
“At Bugatti, our commitment to bespoke craftsmanship is epitomized by our Sur Mesure program,” said Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director at Bugatti Automobiles. “Our latest commission, inspired by Jean Bugatti’s iconic Type 55 Super Sport, pays homage to a car that represents a milestone in the history of the brand. The ’55 1 of 1′ infuses the spirit of one of Bugatti’s most pioneering models and is a testament to the fact that Jean’s vision continues to shape our design and engineering ethos.”
Bugatti Automobiles also extends its gratitude to the Musée National de l’Automobile in Mulhouse for the loan of the original Bugatti Type 55 chassis no. 55237, which was photographed alongside the Chiron Super Sport ‘55 1 of 1’ on Bugatti premises. The museum, located in the famed Alsace region of France, houses over 600 automotive creations, including more than 100 Bugatti models, each chosen for its historic significance and breathtaking proportions.
Shawn Henry