The Bugatti EB110 stands as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design, encapsulating the essence of speed, innovation, and exclusivity. This super sports car of the 1990s, unveiled on September 15, 1991, marked a new era in the realm of high-performance vehicles.
With a ceremony that paid homage to Ettore Bugatti on his 110th birthday, the EB110 was introduced to the world, featuring a powerful 3.5-liter V12 engine, four turbochargers, all-wheel drive, and a groundbreaking carbon monocoque, setting new standards for supercars.
A total of 122 EB110s were meticulously crafted, comprising:
84 Bugatti EB110 GT models, celebrated for their comfort and luxury
31 Bugatti EB110 SS models, known for their enhanced performance and agility
6 Bugatti EB110 SS Dauer models, modified and sold by Dauer with significant improvements in performance
1 Bugatti EB110 SS Le Mans and 1 Bugatti EB110 SC, both dedicated racing cars, highlighting Bugatti's foray into motorsport
A few prototypes and mules that served the development
The motorsport journey of the EB110 is as fascinating as its engineering marvel. Among the fleet, two race cars were officially constructed by Bugatti: the EB110 LM for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1994, and the EB110 Sport Competizione (SC), developed for Gildo Pallanca-Pastor, the Monegasque businessman and race car driver, and owner of the Monaco Racing Team. The EB110 SC made its notable entry into the racing scene at the two-hour race in Dijon on June 9, 1996, wearing the number 18. Despite showing great potential and a promising start, this race marked its last appearance on the track. Pallanca-Pastor, behind the wheel, showcased the EB110 SC's capabilities by ascending the ranks before an unfortunate collision ended its journey prematurely. The end of the EB110's motorsport career coincided with financial difficulties faced by Bugatti, leading to a temporary halt in production and the cessation of its racing pursuits. Despite this, the legacy of the EB110, especially the unique race cars, continues to resonate within the automotive world.
The EB110, with its array of models from the luxurious GT to the performance-oriented SS and the exclusive Dauer modifications, alongside its brief but memorable racing history, epitomizes Bugatti's resurgence in the late 20th century. The car's advanced features, such as the carbon monocoque and the V12 engine with quad-turbochargers, have left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape. Thirty years since its debut, the EB110 is celebrated not just for its technological advancements and world records, but for embodying Bugatti's ambition to blend high performance with luxury, making it a beacon of automotive excellence. The EB110's story, from its conception to its racing endeavors, showcases Bugatti's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, honoring the legacy of Ettore Bugatti and continuing to inspire the future of super sports cars.
The Bugatti EB110 not only set benchmarks with its engineering and performance but also offered an array of captivating colors that enhanced its allure. At the time, potential owners had the choice of 10 colors and there were additional 3 special orders, catering to the tastes of discerning clientele who valued personalization alongside performance. The palette ranged from subtle grays to vibrant yellows, deep blacks to rich blues, meticulously ordered here by shade for clarity:
Bianco Monaco (Monaco White):
A pristine and elegant white that emphasized the EB110's sleek lines.
Grigio Chiaro Metallizzato (Metallic Light Gray):
A soft, light gray that offered a modern look with a metallic finish.
Grigio Metallizzato (Metallic Medium Gray):
A balanced gray that bridged the gap between light and dark with a metallic sheen.
Grigio Scuro Mezzo (Metallic Dark Gray):
A deeper gray that added a sense of mystery and sophistication.
Blu Bugatti (Bugatti Blue):
A signature blue that was as vivid as it was iconic, capturing the essence of Bugatti's heritage.
Blu Scuro (Metallic Dark Blue):
A darker, richer blue for those who preferred a more understated elegance.
Verde Scuro (Metallic Dark Green):
A deep, dark green that stood out for its uniqueness and depth.
Giallo Bugatti (Bugatti Yellow):
A bright, striking yellow that exuded excitement and vibrancy.
Rosso Scuro (Metallic Dark Red):
A luxurious dark red with a metallic finish that was both bold and beautiful.
Nero Metallizzato (Deep Black):
A profound, deep black that offered ultimate sophistication and a commanding presence.
For those seeking exclusivity beyond the standard options, three special orders were available:
Grigio Chiaro Freddo (Cold Light Gray):
A special variant of the light gray, offering a unique twist on the classic shade.
Rosso Vernice (Varnished Red):
A special, more vivid and brighter red that demanded attention.
Nero Vernice (Varnished Black):
An intense, deep black with a unique finish that added an extra layer of elegance.
These colors, ranging from subtle to bold, allowed each EB110 to be a statement of individual style, further solidifying its status as a bespoke masterpiece of the automotive world. The choice of colors available at the time highlights Bugatti's commitment to offering not just performance and luxury, but also personalization, making each EB110 truly one of a kind.