GMA T.50: putting the finishing touches on chassis #99
London’s Savile Row has its own lingo – sartorial shorthand for the processes involved in creating attire of distinction. ‘Pinked’ is just such a term: making something with extra care. That was our inspiration for a unique set of luggage tailor-made for the commissioning client of Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) T.50, chassis #99.
Any one of the 100 T.50s slated for production is a mechanical masterpiece. Perhaps, the company namesake’s crowning glory to an exceptional career in automotive engineering – on-road and track.
Spiritual successor to an equally game-changing McLaren F1 of 1992, T.50 was ‘pinked’ from the word go. Take its 3.9-litre, Cosworth-developed, naturally-aspirated V12 for a start. 661 bhp; 470 Nm of torque, and a 12,100 rpm redline. Now, weave around it a lightweight, carbon-fibre construction; three-seat configuration and rear-wheel drive; manual, six-speed transmission; feral performance, and an obsessive attention to detail that prioritises driving pleasure down to screws and washers…
Still, the owner of chassis #99 wanted more: ultimate individuality.
“We’ve specialised in leather goods since 2005,” says Simon Jordan, Creative Director and founder of Jordan Bespoke. “Our relationship with GMA began in 2021, when Gordon Murray wanted a ‘thank you’ gift for those who’d helped bring T.50 to life. So, we produced a ‘Folio Document Case’ in the same leather as the launch car.” It clearly met his brief. “That led to us manufacturing luggage for each of the T.50s built to date. The 4-piece set we’re handcrafting to Gordon’s exacting standards uses our ‘performance’ Tuscan leather, finished in black – with some pretty detailed angles and surfaces neatly covered. But the #99 project was different from day one.”
That difference translated into a complex interplay of colour and materials throughout the car’s interior. “Our client shared with us the technical sheet from GMA,” Simon explains, “which meant we had to do some detective work to replicate the cabin’s upholstery and trim. But after 20 years in this business, I know what to look for, and who to contact.”
A little digging at our Bicester Motion base unearthed #99’s secrets. “The dash frames the driver’s view,” Simon notes, of the wraparound ‘Luffield’ leather and ‘2940’ Alcantara adorning its upper facia. “Elsewhere, ‘Brooklands Green’ and Alcantara ‘9073’ pick up on #99’s exterior paint, while Huntsman Savile Row supplied its ‘House’ cashmere for standout areas of the seats, headrests, centre console and door inlays.” The hide, it turns out, is Bridge of Weir leather, applied – like the Alcantara – in two shades.
Our task was far from straightforward: realise our client’s vision for his T.50 in luggage for #99. “It’s a one-off,” Simon continues, “and the opportunity to extend such a personal statement onto what became a 6-piece set was incredibly rewarding.” No other T.50 shares its configuration. “We alternated between our Tuscan leather and Alcantara to devise two styles of ‘Twin Touring Luggage’. We then carried that over to a ‘Tech Bag’ and ‘Tech Case’, completing the suite with a ‘GTO Helmet Bag’ and ‘Folio Tech Case’.”
Even the stitching corresponds to that found in #99’s cockpit. “We went all out to showcase our premium materials,” Simon adds. This included Tuscan quilted linings; carbon-effect leather; black, genuine seatbelt webbing for handles and shoulder straps, plus YKK Excella zips. “YKK’s story is fascinating, and this particular product represents its highest quality ‘zipper’, with every element beautifully polished.” The results speak for themselves: a very satisfied, Dubai-based gentleman who praised the passion, knowledge and expertise of Jordan Bespoke. Not to mention the impeccable fit of his custom luggage. “This is probably our finest achievement,” Simon concludes. But it’s what we do, ‘pinking’ every job.
Each Item can be personalised making the article Unique & Memorable choosing from the following custom options:
- Tuscan Leather, Suede or Cotton Canvas colour
- Lining Art
- Lining colour
- Seat Belt Webbing Colour
- Stitching Colour
- YKK Excella Zip Tape Colour
- Blind Embossed – Initials, Logo, Chassis or Registration number
- Enamel Badge Design
Once we receive your information – we will confirm by producing a detailed design sheet
