A Tribute to Bugatti's History and W16 Engine: The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Golden Era

The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Golden Era is a unique masterpiece that celebrates the brand's rich heritage and the engineering marvel of the W16 engine. It took over two years to create this one-off car, which features hand-drawn sketches of iconic Bugatti models on its exterior and interior. This is the story of how Bugatti and a passionate collector collaborated to create one of the most challenging and stunning bespoke projects ever.

The Vision

The idea for the Bugatti Chiron Super Sports Golden Era came from a very important customer who wanted to do something truly unique in celebration of Bugatti's history and the technical prowess of the W16 engine. The W16 engine is a 16-cylinder engine that powers all modern Bugatti models, from the EB110 to the Bugatti Chiron. It is a masterpiece of engineering, capable of producing over 1,500 horsepower and reaching speeds of over 300 mph.

The customer had a profound respect for Bugatti's legacy, which spans over a century of automotive excellence. He wanted to pay tribute to the brand's icons, from the early classics like the Type 41 Royale and the Type 57 SC Atlantic to the modern legends like the Veyron and the La Voiture Noire. He also wanted to express his personal connection to Bugatti, as he owns several models from different eras.

The customer approached Bugatti with his vision, and the design team, led by former Design Director Achim Anscheidt, accepted the challenge. They decided to name the project "Golden Era," as it reflects the glorious past and present of Bugatti.

The Design

The design process for the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Golden Era was one of the most complex and demanding ever undertaken by Bugatti. The design team had to find a way to incorporate 45 hand-drawn sketches of Bugatti icons on the car's bodywork without compromising its aerodynamics, performance, or aesthetics.

The sketches were divided into two themes: one for each side of the car. The passenger side showcases Bugatti's illustrious past, with 26 sketches that depict legendary models from 1909 to 1956. The driver's side celebrates Bugatti's modern rebirth with 19 sketches that depict iconic models from 1987 to 2023.

The sketches were drawn by hand, using pencils that are normally used for sketching on paper. This was done to achieve an authentic and artistic finish that would also last the test of time. The design team had to find a special process that would allow them to apply the sketches directly onto the paintwork without damaging it or affecting its quality.

The sketches were applied on top of a gradient color scheme that transitions from Nocturne Black at the front to Doré (golden) at the rear. The color scheme represents the evolution of Bugatti over time, as well as the elegance and luxury of the brand.

The design team spent over 400 hours working on the sketches, carefully drawing each one with precision and attention to detail. They also had to ensure that the sketches were aligned with the car's contours and features, such as the air intakes, vents, and lights.

The result is a stunning exterior artwork, unlike anything seen before on a car. The sketches create a visual narrative of Bugatti's history, as well as a personal expression of the customer's passion for the brand.

The Interior

The interior of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Golden Era sports car is equally impressive and unique. It continues the theme of celebrating Bugatti's icons with more hand-drawn sketches applied on the leather door panels. The passenger side features three models from Bugatti's past: the Type 41 Royale, the Type 57 SC Atlantic, and the Type 35 Grand Prix. The driver's side features three models from Bugatti's present: the EB110 SS, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport WRE, and the Chiron Super Sport 300+.

The interior also features other bespoke details that highlight the exclusivity and craftsmanship of this one-of-one car. The headrests are stitched with "Golden Era" in gold thread, while a carbon fiber panel at the base of the control console displays "One-of-One." The door sills also bear texts that indicate the years corresponding to each side of the car: "1909 - 1956" on the passenger side and "1987 - 2023" on the driver's side.

The interior is finished in black leather with gold accents, creating a contrast with the exterior color scheme. The interior also offers all the comfort and luxury that are expected from a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, such as heated seats, climate control, and a premium sound system.

The Performance

The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Golden Era is not only a work of art but also a formidable machine that delivers unparalleled performance. It is based on the Chiron Super Sport, which is the fastest and most powerful production car in the world.

The Chiron Super Sport Golden Era is powered by the same W16 engine that inspired its creation. The engine has a displacement of 8 liters and produces 1,578 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. It can propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 304 mph.

The Chiron Super Sport Golden Era sports car also features a modified aerodynamic package that improves its stability and efficiency at high speeds. It has a longer rear section, a redesigned front end, and a fixed rear wing. It also has a lower ride height, a stiffer suspension, and larger brakes.

The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Golden Era is a masterpiece of engineering and design that combines the best of Bugatti's past and present. It is a tribute to the brand's history, the W16 engine, and the customer's passion. It is also a testament to Bugatti's ability to create bespoke cars that exceed the expectations of its customers.

The Delivery

The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Golden Era was delivered to its owner during Monterey Car Week, an annual event that showcases the most exquisite and rare cars in the world. The car was presented by Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann, who praised the customer for his vision and enthusiasm.

The customer was delighted with his one-of-one car, which he described as "a dream come true." He thanked Bugatti for their dedication and craftsmanship and said that he was looking forward to driving his Chiron Super Sport Golden Era on the roads.

The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Golden Era is a unique car that will never be replicated. It is a car that celebrates Bugatti's legacy, as well as its future. It is a car that reflects the customer's personality, as well as Bugatti's identity. It is a car that is truly one of a kind.