The Bugatti EB110 stands as a testament to automotive audacity in the 1990s. A symphony of cutting-edge engineering, it boasted a quad-turbocharged, five-valve V12 engine, all-wheel drive, and a liberal dose of carbon fiber – a potent cocktail of technology for its time.
Yet, the EB110’s allure extends beyond its mechanical prowess. It’s a story of a legend reborn, a fleeting glimpse of brilliance, and a poignant reminder of the fickle nature of the automotive industry.
Bugatti, a name synonymous with automotive artistry and engineering excellence, boasts a heritage steeped in racing glory. This French marque, born in the early 20th century, reigned supreme in motorsports during the roaring twenties and thirties. However, the post-war era witnessed a gradual decline, culminating in the company’s demise in 1952. While fleeting attempts were made to resurrect this storied name, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that a true renaissance began to take shape.
Under the stewardship of an Italian entrepreneur, the project to revive Bugatti took root. The first order of business was the construction of a state-of-the-art factory in Campogalliano, Italy. The goal was clear: to create a car worthy of the Bugatti name, a car that would rekindle the spirit of the legendary marque after a decades-long slumber. Thus, the EB110 GT was born, a masterpiece sculpted by a dream team of automotive luminaries, including the design maestros behind the Lamborghini Miura and Countach – Marcello Gandini leading the charge.
Gandini’s influence is unmistakable, particularly in the iconic scissor doors, a signature feature of the Countach. Engineering director Paolo Stanzani, a veteran of sports car development, infused the EB110 with a racing pedigree, aiming to create a vehicle that could tame the streets with the ferocity of a track-bred machine.
The EB110, a mid-engined marvel with all-wheel drive, emerged as a pioneer in its segment, joining the nascent wave of all-wheel-drive supercars from Europe and Japan. The burgeoning sports car market provided the ideal stage for this audacious revival, with Europe and North America targeted as key markets.
At the heart of the EB110 resided a potent 3.5-liter V12 engine, a 60-valve symphony of power, unleashing a staggering 553 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission, a purist’s delight, was the sole transmission option. This potent combination translated into blistering performance, propelling the EB110 from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.2 seconds.
Despite its imposing presence, the EB110 was a testament to weight consciousness. Exotic materials like carbon fiber were strategically employed in the suspension, contributing to a remarkable power-to-weight ratio. The result? The EB110 reigned supreme as the world’s fastest production car in 1991, achieving a breathtaking top speed of 340 km/h, surpassing even the legendary Porsche 959 and Ferrari F40.
Bugatti’s resurgence gained further momentum when Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher acquired a vibrant yellow EB110 in 1994. The American debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1996, though overshadowed by an Oldsmobile victory, served as a powerful statement, captivating the imagination of automotive enthusiasts.
However, the global economic downturn of the mid-1990s cast a long shadow over the EB110’s future. The dream of mass production was shattered, with only 139 units ever produced. The North American version, the Bugatti America, remained a tantalizing “what if,” as the company faced financial turmoil and eventual liquidation. While the actual car remained elusive for most, toys and scale models became coveted collectibles, offering a glimpse of the EB110’s unique allure to a wider audience.
As Bugatti’s assets, including the esteemed Lotus marque, were sold to Chinese interests, a glimmer of hope emerged. The German firm Dauer acquired a license to build a limited number of enhanced EB110s. These bespoke creations, dubbed the EB110 SS, surpassed their Italian predecessors in refinement, boasting increased power (603 horsepower) and a higher top speed of 350 km/h. While no longer the speed king, the EB110 SS cemented its place as an ultra-exclusive icon, with only five examples ever created. Dauer’s modifications were subtle, primarily focusing on performance enhancements while preserving the car’s distinctive aesthetic.
In 1998, Volkswagen acquired the Bugatti brand, ushering in a new era for the legendary marque.
The stage was set for a successor, a car that would not only pay homage to the EB110 but also elevate Bugatti to new heights of automotive excellence – the Veyron.
