In November, students of the Master’s in Transportation and Car Design at SPD partnered with BBurago to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary. Their task? To design a 1:43 scale model that would capture the essence of BBurago’s legacy and future vision.
A Vision to Celebrate 50 Years of Excellence
BBurago, known for producing high-quality, mass-market car and motorcycle models, including Ferrari replicas, wanted a product that could serve as a symbol of their 50-year history. The students’ task was to create a model that reflected the brand’s DNA, a blend of tradition, quality, and modernity while remaining relevant to contemporary audiences.
The design brief called for a sporty, four-wheeled car, echoing the spirit of Ferrari, but without entering the hypercar category. The aim was to create a model that connects with everyday enthusiasts, merging performance with accessibility.
From Concept to Creation
The project ran from mid-November to late January. Students began with research into BBurago’s history, followed by sketching and conceptual design. After Christmas, they moved into 3D modeling, refining their work based on feedback from the BBurago team, who provided insights remotely from Hong Kong.
The Winning Design and Final Review
In late January, the final designs were presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair, where BBurago’s team selected a winning project. A few weeks later, a ceremony was held to announce the winner. The winning design was then finalized for production, with plans for a soon release in 1:43 and 1:85 scales.
A Collaboration Built on Innovation and Tradition
This was BBurago’s first collaboration with a design school, and they were impressed by the students’ creativity. The project aimed not only to create a new model but also to strengthen BBurago’s brand awareness and reaffirm its leadership in the model car industry.
A Legacy of Design
BBurago has a tradition of celebrating milestones through design. For its 20th or 25th anniversary, the company worked with renowned designer Giugiaro. This latest project continues that legacy, symbolizing both BBurago’s history and its future.
As the collaboration draws to a close, both BBurago and the students of SPD look forward to future partnerships, driven by creativity and innovation.