Bugatti EB110 GT
The Bugatti EB110 is one of the most remarkable and tragic stories in automotive history. It was the first attempt to revive the legendary Bugatti name, undertaken by Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli, who built an entire factory from scratch in Campogalliano, near Modena, to produce the most technologically advanced supercar of its era.
The EB110's name honored Ettore Bugatti's 110th birthday (September 15, 1991). The engineering was extraordinary: a 3.5-liter V12 engine with five valves per cylinder (60 total) and four IHI turbochargers, producing 553 hp in GT form and 603 hp in the stripped-down SS (Super Sport) variant. Power was sent to all four wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The chassis was a carbon fiber monocoque — only the second production car to use this technology (after the McLaren F1, which was developed concurrently). The body was designed by Marcello Gandini (of Lamborghini Miura and Countach fame), though his original dramatic design was controversially smoothed out by Giampaolo Benedini.
Performance was staggering for the early 1990s: 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, a top speed of 213 mph (the SS managed 218 mph). Michael Schumacher bought a yellow EB110 SS — his personal car. It was one of the fastest cars in the world.
Tragically, Artioli's ambitions exceeded his financial resources. The purpose-built factory, the expensive engineering, and poor timing (global recession) led to bankruptcy in 1995 after just 139 cars were produced (96 GT + 33 SS + 10 prototypes). The factory was shuttered, and completed cars sat unsold for years.
Today, the EB110 is recognized as a masterpiece and prices have risen dramatically. The SS, with Michael Schumacher's endorsement and its more aggressive specification, is the more collectible variant.
The EB110 is exceptionally rare and virtually all are known and documented. GT models are more common than SS. Key issues: the quad-turbo V12 requires specialist maintenance (few mechanics worldwide understand it), the AWD system is complex, and parts availability is extremely limited. Carbon monocoque is durable but repair costs are enormous. Service intervals must be strictly maintained. Provenance documentation is essential. Michael Schumacher's yellow SS is the most famous individual car.
Total production: 139 (96 GT, 33 SS, ~10 prototypes/pre-production). Built 1991-1995 at a purpose-built factory in Campogalliano, Italy. The company went bankrupt in September 1995. Romano Artioli also briefly owned Lotus during the same period. A prototype Bugatti EB112 sedan was developed but never produced. Volkswagen Group later acquired the Bugatti name and produced the Veyron.