• Ultra rare and appreciating supercar
• Faster than an F40, less expensive than a McLaren F1
• Four turbos, four wheel drive, 542bhp and 343km/h
• Still available for less than it cost new almost 20 years ago

The Bugatti EB110 was designed by engineer Paolo Stanzani and stylist Marcello Gandini, co-creators of the iconic Lamborghini Countach. Beneath the skin there were similarities, the short-stroke V12 engine with forward mounted gearbox having been pioneered on the Countach. Had the EB110 stopped there it would have constituted a remarkable enough debut for a fledgling manufacturer, but Stanzani added five valves per cylinder, four turbochargers, a bespoke six-speed gearbox and four-wheel drive. A carbonfibre chassis built by Aerospatiale, compact overall dimensions and excellent traction combined to ensure exceptional agility, grip and balance no matter what the conditions.  With 542bhp available, the Bugatti EB110 could reach 100km/h from standstill in less than 4 seconds on its way to 343km/h, eclipsing the Ferrari F40 as Italy’s flagship supercar of the 1990s. While, understandably, headline writers emphasised its performance to the exclusion of almost everything else except the price ($456,000), the EB110 was also a well built product possessing a roomy and lavishly equipped interior. It is believed that 95 examples of the EB110 GT model (Michael Schumacher being one high profile owner) and 31 of the stripped out SS variant were built, 1992-1995, making it considerably rarer than any of its rivals except the contemporary McLaren F1.

Chassis ‘39052’ is offered from private European ownership and shares garage space with an EB110 SS which its custodian has decided might be regarded as extravagant! He has therefore decided to part with the GT, a car he describes as mechanically ‘perfect’ with a service completed in April 2011 at B Engineering in Campogalliano, Italy (staffed by the car’s original build team) at a cost of €11,800. The total mileage covered to date is 16,250km. French registered therefore EU tax paid, this EB110 GT looks great in silver with grey leather, is an appreciating asset and will reward the keen driver with useable performance which even now few cars can challenge.

Photo credit: Boris Adolf, www.borisadolf.net