After becoming defunct in the 1960s, Bugatti was revived for the first (but not last) time in 1987 by Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli. Now called Bugatti Automobili S.p.A., the revival was short-lived and only produced a single production model: the EB110 GT — although a large saloon prototype EB112 was made as well.
Only about 84 EB110 GTs were ever made, one of which is now up for auction via Bonhams as part of The Miami Auction taking place next month.
Short and Sweet
While Artioli’s Bugatti was short-lived, falling to financial difficulties in 1995, the EB110 GT is nevertheless legendary. Powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC quad-turbocharged V-12 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission with all-wheel drive, the vehicle produced 553hp and 451lb.ft of torque at 8,000rpm. It also boasts four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension and an Aerospatiale advanced carbon chassis.
Physical Prowess
But perhaps its most notable characteristic is its beautiful physical design. For the prototype, Bugatti tapped Paolo Stanzani as the technical director, who eventually chose Marcello Gandini for the design. Gandini was already known for his work designing the Lamborghini Miura and Countach (working with Stanzani), Alfa Romeo Montreal, and Lancia Stratos Zero — although the company accepted proposed sketches from the likes of Berton, Paolo Martin, and Giorgetto Giugiaro.
From Gandini’s prototype, the EB110 GT got its scissor doors, large windshield, and overall wedge shape, however, Bugatti wanted something less angular. Gandini took his initial design and restyled it, resulting in softer lines, redesigned headlamps, and new front bumper ducts. Considered among the first supercars to feature active aerodynamics, the EB110 GT also boasts a speed-sensitive rear wing and manually-operating air flaps in back. The gap between the first and second design was about 2 years.
After Gandini refused to make any more changes, Artioli went to Gianpaolo Benedini for further restylings. However, Benedini’s work can mostly be seen on the interior.
The EB110 GT for Sale
With a striking aluminum bodywork on the exterior, the current EB110 GT up for auction is from 1994 and has a chassis number 092. Showing 18,890 miles on the odometer with the original engine, the vehicle has an ownership history across Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States.
The inside of the car is just as beautiful, with a Grigio Chiaro finishing over dark gray Grigio Scuro leather on the seats, dashboard, and panelling. It’s accented with Bugatti Blue on the steering wheel and gear lever gaiter, however the listing states that these may have been added on later.
A spectacular example of a legendary and rare vehicle, chassis 092 shows how well the EB110 GT has held up over 30 years later. And if Artioli and Stanzani hadn’t had this vision for a new supercar, the vehicle perhaps would’ve not led to Volkswagen’s eventual acquisition of the Bugatti name, which still produces models under the marque to this day.
Spec Sheet
Model: EB110 GT
Model Year: 1994
Engine: 3.5L DOHC quad-turbocharged V-12
Transmission: Six-speed manual with AWD
Power: 553hp and 451lb.ft
Mileage: ~18,890 miles
Pricing & Availability
Estimated to sell for between $1,450,000 and $1,650,000, this EB110 GT example will be crossing the auction block at The Miami Auction, which commences May 3. Head over to Bonhams for more info on how to register.
Recap
Auction Block: 1994 Bugatti EB110 GT
Bugatti’s rare EB110 GT is crossing the auction block in May from Bonhams. The V-12 supercar is presented here with aluminum bodywork and elegant leather interior.
