RM Sotheby’s is set to auction off an ultra-rare 1993 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport Prototype, one 30 ever made and one of only two laboratory chassis used for mechanical development, testing and homologation — expected to realize as much as $3,400,000 USD.
The automotive gem joins other legendary cars like the 2015 McLaren P1 and 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, all set to be auctioned as part of its upcoming New York 2023 sale, which begins later today, Friday, December 8.
A testament to the revival of the esteemed Bugatti brand in the late 1980s, the 1993 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport Prototype encapsulates a blend of ambitious engineering and exclusive luxury. The story of this Bugatti begins with Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli’s vision to resurrect the Bugatti name — resulting in the creation of the Bugatti EB110 GT and its more potent evolution, the EB110 Super Sport.
The EB110, named to celebrate Ettore Bugatti’s 110th birthday, was a marvel of its time. Crafted on a carbon-fiber chassis from Aérospatiale, a pioneering move in the automotive world at the time. It featured a 3.5L quad-turbocharged V-12 engine with a six-speed manual transmission. This setup delivered 553 hp in the GT and 603 hp in the Super Sport version, capable of a 0–60 time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 221 mph.
Chassis PCD39006, the prototype offered by RM Sotheby’s, holds a special place in the EB110 story. Initially built as a carbon-fiber frame for non-destructive homologation tests, it played a crucial role in refining the EB110 Super Sport. The car underwent several modifications, including a transition from a two-wheel-drive to an all-wheel-drive system and the integration of a twin-tank system to address early fuel delivery issues.
More than a test vehicle, this prototype is regarded to have played a crucial part of Bugatti’s development process. Unique features include a carbon-fiber engine lid cover and a revised gear selector, which were fitted as solutions to client feedback and technical challenges, making it distinct from other prototypes.
After serving Bugatti during its challenging financial period in the mid-1990s, the car was sold and subsequently maintained and upgraded by Dauer Racing, a company renowned for its expertise in EB110s. It then passed through a series of owners across Europe, making brief appearances in motoring events and winning accolades, before finally arriving in the United States.
Now, with only 2,192 miles on the odometer, this rare EB110 Super Sport Prototype, finished in Grigio Metallic over Blu Scuro trim, is set to be auctioned, with bidding to open today, Friday, December 8, via RM Sotheby’s official site.
