1990 – De la Chapelle Type 55 Roadster

French historic registration title 

A tribute to Jean Bugatti’s Type 55, of which only 82 were ever made, and which has had the same owner since 2007.

Born into a family passionate about cars, Xavier de la Chapelle has built a solid reputation thanks to his talent and determination. On the strength of his high-quality creations, he went on to establish his name as a renowned brand. He unveiled his first car at the Geneva Motor Show in 1978, a tribute to the Bugatti 55. It took him three years to develop this ambitious project. It was in Saint Chamond, in the Lyon region, that he founded Automobiles Stimula-De la Chapelle, thereby breathing new life into a brand with which he had family ties.

The Type 55 roadster is intended to be a blend of modernity and classicism. The feat lies in offering, beneath the curves of a vintage Bugatti, a high-performance and reliable machine that in no way detracts from the unique sensations of a true roadster. Glued to the road, the car exudes a vintage charm reminiscent of Bugatti’s masterpieces. 

The Type 55 is fitted with a BMW engine, mounted on a spaceframe chassis and encased in a fibreglass body. This is the famous 2.5-litre straight-six. Power output varies according to the customer’s choice, as they may also opt for engine tuning by the renowned Hartge, Alpina or Schnitzer. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 5-speed gearbox.

The suspension provides excellent road holding, and the car’s spirited performance is kept in check by four ventilated disc brakes. The vehicle offers a high degree of customisation, with the option to create a ‘bespoke car’. The materials used are of the highest quality and are selected with the utmost care. Each car is unique, as it is made to order and hand-assembled. 

Our Type 55 was first registered on 1 February 1990. It is chassis no. 54 out of a total of 82 examples. Now in its third ownership, its current owner acquired it in 2007, when the odometer read just 13,750 km. It has since been well looked after and has taken part in many of the eponymous club’s outings across Europe. Preserved in very good condition, it now has 54,600 km on the clock. Its red and black bodywork complements its beautifully aged red leather upholstery perfectly. Accompanied by a wide range of accessories, this fine example is sure to delight enthusiasts looking for a unique driving experience!