Hypercar Rooted in History
Even before Bugatti set multiple speed records with the Veyron, the French marque already had a rich history shaped by its involvement in motorsports and its long-standing production of ultra-luxury vehicles. This one-of-one 2024 Chiron Super Sport 'Elephant Blanc' blends that heritage with modern technology and is scheduled to be offered for sale through Bonhams Cars.
“Elephant Blanc” translates to “white elephant,” a reference to the car’s Blanc Glacier (Glacier White) exterior paint. The elephant motif itself nods to the brand’s historic elephant sculpture once mounted on the hood of the Bugatti Type 41 Royale – much like the Spirit of Ecstasy in Rolls-Royce models. That sculpture was created by Rembrandt Bugatti, the brother of company founder Ettore Bugatti, to whom this one-off commission is dedicated.
Big Car, Big Symbol
The Type 41 Royale is widely regarded as one of the rarest and most expensive automobiles of all time, with Bugatti believed to have produced just six examples around 1930. It was a massive vehicle, reportedly weighing as much as 7,000 pounds, with its enormous 12.8-liter inline-8 engine contributing to that figure. The elephant sculpture served as a radiator cap and symbolized Bugatti’s fusion of artistry and heritage.
The Chiron Super Sport offered for sale does not feature the same hood-mounted sculpture. However, the bespoke commission incorporates embroidered elephant motifs on the seat headrests within the Bleu France-finished interior. The side sill further pays homage to the car’s historical inspiration with the script “L' Elephant Blanc.” Much of the remaining cabin is finished in exposed carbon fiber, a material choice that reduces weight while enhancing performance.
Speed With a Sense of Calm
Speaking of performance, since this example is based on the Chiron Super Sport, it is powered by an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine producing 1,578 horsepower. Unlike the more track-oriented Pur Sport variant, the Super Sport focuses on long-distance refinement. Its signature long-tail bodywork plays a key role in improving aerodynamic efficiency and stability at extreme speeds.
The 2024 Chiron Super Sport “Elephant Blanc” is slated to cross the block at The Scottsdale Auction on January 23, 2026, though Bonhams said to refer to the department for estimates. For context, the standard Chiron Super Sport already carries a base price of roughly $3.8 million. The hypercar will be offered alongside other notable classics at the same auction, including a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe and a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, the open-top counterpart to the iconic gullwing coupe.
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