The revival of a legendary automotive marque is a monumental task, fraught with immense challenges and subject to intense scrutiny. Yet, when successful, these endeavors often yield some of the most captivating and unique automobiles, forever etched in automotive history. Such is the compelling narrative of the Bugatti EB110, a testament to entrepreneurial ambition and engineering prowess, born from the vision of Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli. In the late 1980s, Artioli acquired the storied Bugatti trademarks with the ambitious goal of producing a world-class supercar. Despite succumbing to the economic downturn of the early 1990s, his Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. left behind an indelible legacy in the form of the EB110, a machine rightfully regarded as a worthy successor to Bugatti’s prewar icons.
Artioli’s unwavering dedication was embodied in the construction of a state-of-the-art factory in Campogalliano, Modena, the heart of Italy’s renowned “Motor Valley.” This impressive facility, a symbol of his grand vision, mirrored the technical sophistication and grandeur that Ettore Bugatti himself would likely have appreciated. However, the true stars of this modern Bugatti era were the cars themselves: the EB110 GT and its more potent sibling, the EB110 Super Sport. These machines, created to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Ettore Bugatti’s birth, represented a significant leap in automotive engineering.
The EB110’s chassis was initially conceived in aluminum by the esteemed Paolo Stanzani and later reimagined in advanced carbon fiber by Nicola Materazzi, a former chief engineer at Ferrari, known for his work on the F40. This foresight in utilizing carbon fiber, now a standard in modern supercars, underscores the EB110’s groundbreaking nature. The construction of this sophisticated carbon fiber frame was entrusted to the French aerospace company Aérospatiale, ensuring the precision and quality control demanded by the aviation industry. This advanced composite material was chosen over the originally planned aluminum honeycomb due to the latter’s perceived flexibility for such a high-performance mid-engine vehicle. The striking bodywork, evolving from a concept by the legendary stylist Marcello Gandini, received its final production refinements from Giampaolo Benedini.
Powering this mechanical marvel was a distinctive 3.5-liter V-12 engine, equipped with four turbochargers and 60 valves, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, another innovative feature that anticipated modern supercar technology, managed the V-12’s formidable 553 horsepower, ensuring both tractability and exhilarating performance. This potent powertrain enabled the EB110 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds, with an astonishing top speed of 212 mph. As racing veteran Phil Hill aptly described it for Road & Track, “You can cruise at over 200 mph like you’re on an ordinary road. It’s just an outstanding car.”
The EB110 GT, produced in a limited run of approximately 85 units, represents a unique bridge between Ettore Bugatti’s original creations and the modern Bugatti S.a.S. It is an essential piece for any discerning marque collector or supercar aficionado, solidifying its place as an indispensable part of any complete Bugatti collection.
A Notable Example: EB110 GT Chassis 068
Chassis number 068 stands out as a particularly noteworthy example of the celebrated Campogalliano supercar, having passed through the hands of a few devoted collectors and receiving meticulous attention from renowned EB110 specialists. According to the Bugatti EB110 Registry, this is approximately the 51st of 85 EB110 GT models produced. It was completed as a second-series car, featuring a revised cooling system and a modified rear bumper.
Ordered in May 1994 by Zdenek-Auto for a client in the Czech Republic, this Bugatti was finished in Bugatti Blue paint with a unique, non-standard dual-tone gray leather interior. Delivered in August 1994, the EB110 was regularly driven and consistently maintained by its first owner.
In 2001, the car was acquired by its second owner, also in the Czech Republic. He promptly entrusted it to Dauer Sportwagen in Nuremberg, Germany. Dauer, famed for their Le Mans-winning 962 and the official licensed continuation builder and servicer of EB110s post-Bugatti Automobili’s receivership, replaced the original engine (number 090) with the currently installed engine (number 063), a correct GT-specification motor. At this time, the car also received the revised rear fascia panel it now features, complete with a central Bugatti logo.
The EB110 GT remained in the Czech Republic until 2012, when it was exported to Italy for exhibition at the prestigious Auto e Moto d’Epoca concours d’elegance in Padua. Acquired by a prominent Italian collector, chassis 068 was part of a collection of exceptional supercars until its offering by RM Sotheby’s in late 2016.
Following an appearance at the London Concours d’Elegance in June 2017, the Bugatti was sold in 2018 to an enthusiast in Denmark. It more recently came into the possession of the current consignor, who initiated significant servicing with B Engineering in Emilia-Romagna. B Engineering, the current rights holder for EB110 production and an officially marque-endorsed maintenance facility, invested over $12,000 in the car’s upkeep. Supported by service invoices from both Dauer and B Engineering, this gently used Bugatti displays 31,930 kilometers (approximately 19,840 miles) at the time of cataloguing.
This beautifully presented EB110 GT is poised to capture the admiration of any supercar enthusiast or Bugatti collector. It is an ideal candidate for concours d’elegance events or for experiencing its groundbreaking high-performance engineering and design firsthand, promising visceral thrills at speed. It stands as a proud embodiment of Romano Artioli’s ambitious yet short-lived dream, a muscular thoroughbred exuding the panache and style that has long defined the legend of Le Pur Sang.
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