Hätte, wäre, wenn…

Fast wäre alles gut gewesen. Und eigentlich hätte es klappen können, sogar: müssen. Doch dann – kam es anders. Wir werden hier bald die wahre Geschichte des grossartigen Bugatti EB110 erzählen. Und wie er an die Wand gesetzt wurde. Denn was da alles so geschrieben wurde, vor allem in Bezug auf Romano Artioli, das bedarf dringend ein paar Korrekturen. Aber es ist halt: heikel.

Ein erstes Kapitel dieser eigentlich traurigen Geschichte lesen sie hier: Paolo Stanzani. Ihm gebührt die ganze Ehre.

Mitten in der Nacht vom 22. auf den 23. September 1995 wurde das Werk von den italienschen Finanzbehörden geschlossen. Die über 200 Arbeiter, die im nächsten Morgen in die Fabrik wollten, standen vor verschlossenen Türen. Am 4. April 1997 wurde das Konkursverfahren abgeschlossen. 1998 kaufte Volkswagen die Namensrechte an Bugatti. Leider.

Die Fabrik in Campogalliano steht seit damals leer. Zuerst wollte eine Möbelfabrik einziehen, doch auch diese ging bankrott, bevor der Umzug stattfinden konnte. Horacio Pagani hatte auch einmal Interesse, doch 2008 wurde das Gelände von einem italienischen Immobilienunternehmen übernommen, das ein riesiges Einkaufszentrum und eine «Urban Style Area» plante. Auch daraus wurde nichts. Und so steht die Bugatti-Fabrik heute noch als Mahnmal für zu grosse Träume, der einstige Hauswart mäht noch immer regelmässig den Rasen, im Büro von Romano Artioli steht noch immer der Tisch, an dem viele Fehlentscheide gefällt wurden. Traurig ist zudem, dass die Bugatti EB110 auch heute noch nicht die Anerkennung geniessen, die sie unbedingt verdient hätten – während alles andere als seltene Ferrari aus jenen Jahren teilweise für mehrere Millionen gehandelt werden, schafften die Bugatti viele Jahre kaum mehr als ihren Neuwagen-Preis. Unterdessen (Anfang 2023) ist es anders, der Markt ist vollkommen überhitzt.

Für mehr feine Automobile empfehlen wir unser Archiv. Diese Geschichte photographierten wir im Rahmen von #theitalianjobs. Was es nun aber auch braucht: eine Sammlung dieser Bugatti EB110. Wir haben mehr Bilder, viel mehr.

Chassis-Nummer: ZA9AB02X0PCD39004

Motoren-Nummer: 042

Wurde über Girardo & Co. verkauft, angeboten mit folgendem Text: «Built in 1993, this Bugatti EB110 was used by the Bugatti Experimental Department to develop, and verify, the performance of the SS model. In May 1993, this EB110 SS Prototype was used at the Nardo test facility in Italy to record and certify the performance of the Supersport model. The car offered here is the car that obtained a maximum speed in excess of 350 km/h! To assist the 3,500 cc, double-overhead camshaft, 60-valve V12 Bugatti engine to break the speed record, Bugatti removed as much weight as possible, including the lights, sound insulation, heat insulation and the passenger rear-view mirror. The EB110 SS was the fastest production car of its day, thanks to this prototype achieving an incredible 355 km/h at Nardo. To put that into perspective, the Ferrari F40 achieved 324 km/h, Porsche 959 Sport 319 km/h and Jaguar XJ220 341 km/h. Having broken the production car speed record, this EB110 SS Prototype was then used by the Bugatti factory at the official presentation of the EB110 in Japan, at the Ark Karajan Hill Plaza in Tokyo, with pictures from this event accompanying this car. Later in 1993, this car was featured in the Japanese car magazine, Super CG (Car Graphic, being driven through the streets of Tokyo, before participating in the 1994 International Bugatti meeting in Italy. After the rally, this EB110 SS Prototype was exhibited at the Place Saint Marc in Venice, before returning to the Bugatti factory at Campogalliano where it was photographed. Since leaving the Bugatti Factory Experimental Department, this EB110 SS Prototype has had only one owner, in Japan, where the car has regularly attended Japanese Bugatti Club meetings and is offered today having covered a mere 12,000 kms.»

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Chassisnummer: 39012 (um genau zu sein: ZA9AB01E0NCD39012)

Motorennummer: 0041

Stand zum Verkauf bei Copley Motorcars, angeboten mit folgendem (eigenartigen) Text (Stand Juni 2021): «1994 Bugatti EB 110 GT Prototype, Serial Number ZA9AB01E0NCD39012, Engine Number 0041, Blu Bugatti with light grey leather, 3.5 litre 553hp V12 engine with FOUR! turbo chargers, 6 speed manual gearbox, carbon fibre monocoque, carbon fibre/aluminum body panels, permanent all-wheel-drive, magnesium alloy wheels, adjustable rear wing, Marcello Ghandini signature scissor doors, 39012 is one of just 139 EB 110 and the vision of Romano Artioli who breathed new life into the storied Bugatti name, building his new factory in Modena and who would enlist the services of many Italian design luminaries – Marcello Ghandini – designer of the Miura, Countach and Diablo, Paolo Stanzani – technical director with Lamborghini with the Miura and Countach, Nicola Materazzi – a prolific designer responsible for so many but notably the 288 GTO and F40, with these names collaborating to bring to market what can be considered the very first super sports car and the precursor to both the Veyron and Chiron, our EB 110 Prototype completely refurbished prior to delivery to its first private Swiss owner in 2000, then arriving in the States a number of years ago into an imposing collection, with just 1,095 kilometers (680 miles,) our EB 110 Prototype stunning in its Blu Bugatti color is ready to dazzle on the street or show field.»

Das wird nicht besser, bloss weil das Fahrzeug am 5. März 2022 von RM Sotheby’s versteigert wird (Schätzpreis 2’000’000 bis 2’500’000 Dollar). Aber es gibt mehr: Bilder.

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Chassis-Nummer: 39022.

Stand bei Curated zum Verkauf (Stand Juli 2020), mit folgendem Text: «This left-hand drive EB110GT is one of the final three cars completed at the factory in 1993. It was subsequently sold to its first owner, Bugatti director Jean-Marc Borel, and road registered in Luxembourg in 1996. In July 2001 the car was imported into Holland where it formed part of second owner Mike Dawud’s private collection until purchased for Gran Turismo Classic in 2003. Finished in silver grey metallic with matching two-tone leather interior, the vehicle is presented in excellent order throughout, appearing as if it left the factory only yesterday. It comes complete with tool kit, owner’s wallet, warranty/service booklet (recording all owners), full-service history and owner’s manual. The car has covered a mere 11,000 kilometers (approximately 6,800 miles) from new.»

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Chassisnummer: ZA9AB01E0PCD39023

Wurde 2015 von RM Sotheby’s (Arizona) nicht zugeschlagen, Schätzpreis 575’000 bis 775’000 Dollar.

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9AB01E0PCD39031

Motoren-Nummer: 044

Wurde 2014 von RM Sotheby’s (Monaco) für 280’000 Euro verkauft. Wurde später über Girardo & Co. verkauft, angeboten mit folgendem Text: «This Bugatti EB110 GT entered assembly at the Campogalliano factory on 17th April 1993, with factory testing commencing on 7th May and completed production on 11th May. This car was delivered new to Mr Polhman, a resident in Germany, fitted with a temporary license plate ‘M-063683’, being registered in Germany two days later. The car was finished in the very-rare colours of Verde Scuro Metalizzato with grey leather interior, one of only 8 cars finished in this combination. By December 1994, this EB110 GT was serviced, having covered 10,000 KMs. Less than 18 months later, in June 1996, this car was serviced again, this time displaying 19,800 KMs, clearly this was a car being driven and enjoyed! In the late 1990’s, this EB110 was displayed at the Essen Motorshow, by which time the car was displaying Germany license plate ‘HNC 0551’. The car passed through Austria before joining a prominent collection in Northern Italy. In 2014 this EB110 GT changed ownership, again forming part of a collection which includes a Ford GT, Ferrari 365 GTC and 365 GTB/4 Daytona. In July 2014, the owner brought this car to the UK where it was MOT’d, displaying 24,694 KMs and registered with the license plate ‘K174 KOO’. Today the car is presented having been fully detailed and still displaying less than 25,000 kms.

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9ABO1EOPLD39033

Wurde im Mai 2018 von Bonham’s in Monte Carlo versteigert, Schätzpreis 600’000 bis 800’000 Euro.

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9AB01E0PCD39034

Wurde von Bonham’s im Juni 2017 für 605’000 Dollar verkauft.

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9AB01E0PCD39040

Motoren-Nummer: 00036

Auktion: RM Sotheby’s, London 2022, The Gran Turismo Collection, Schätzpreis 1’500’000 bis 2’000’000 Pfund, angeboten mit folgendem Text: «The example offered here was built for dispatch to Saudi Arabia, finished in Blu Bugatti over a Grigio Chiaro leather interior, as noted by an order summary filed by Bugatti Automobili SpA on 21 April 1993. This is available to view as part of the car’s history file. Though the supercar was destined for the Middle East, it is understood that the Bugatti stayed in storage in the UK. Early mechanical issues were rectified on return to Bugatti, as noted by retained receipts. The supercar was sold to its next owner in the United States, but later returned to British shores, and was registered with the DVLA in October 2004 as part of a significant collection. The Bugatti sold at auction in 2005, where it was acquired by a Swiss enthusiast who kept the EB110 GT until 2012, when it became part of The Gran Turismo Collection. Maintained by Joe Macari and H.R. Owen while being enjoyed sparingly by its consigning owner, the Bugatti is the recipient of four newly fitted tyres. The odometer reads only 11,202 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.»

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9AB01EOCD39052

Wurde 2012 von RM Sotheby’s (Monaco) nicht zugeschlagen, Schätzpreis 220’000 bis 260’000 Euro.

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Chassisnummer: ZA9AB01E0PCD39056

Wurde im Januar 2018 von RM Sotheby’s für 967’500 Dollar verkauft.

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9AB01E0RCD39065

Wurde über Girardo & Co. verkauft, angeboten mit folgendem Text: «The EB110 we’re offering is chassis 39065, one of the 84 road-biased GT variants which left the Campogalliano factory between 1991 and 1995. It is notable in that it was fitted from new with the lightweight wheels and carbon-fibre front bumper from the rarer track-focused Super Sport model, illustrating the bespoke nature of these exotic supercars. This EB110GT was completed on 30 March 1994, finished in Grigio Chiaro with a dual-tone grey leather interior. Two weeks later, on 13 April, the Bugatti was delivered via Autexpo in Bolzano to its first owner, who assigned the car the Italian registration ‘AB 110 GT’. The following January, the car was serviced by the factory’s Servizio Assistenza Technica arm, when the mileage was noted as 1,470km. Chassis 39065 passed through the hands of two further Italian owners over the course of the next four years, during which time it was spotted parked outside the Metropole Palace in Monte-Carlo during the 1998 Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. A suitably glamorous supercar for a suitably glamorous location. In 1999, the Bugatti left its homeland, winding up in Belgium, where it was serviced by the marque’s official concessionaire Alvan Motors. A French collector in Aix-en-Provence by the name of Didier Cazeaux was this EB110’s next owner. He registered the car on 24 December 2003, just in time for a Christmas-morning blast. And said blast clearly made an impression on Cazeaux, because he kept chassis 39065 for the next 17 years. It wasn’t until June of this year that Cazeaux parted with his beloved Bugatti, selling it to a Monaco-based collector who had the car registered in the world-famous principality. This last owner’s first port of call was B Engineering in Italy, the foremost Bugatti EB110 specialists, whose staff comprises many former Bugatti Automobili employees who worked at ‘La Fabbrica Blu’ assembling Italy’s greatest forgotten supercar, and R3 Rally Racing. The extensive maintenance work commissioned included rebuilds of the engine, gearbox, torque tube and EPROM electrical system. In the absence of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este this year, the Italian fashion guru Guglielmo Miani took his Fuori Concorso event on the road in October for a turbo-themed rally across northern Italy. We could think of no better place to send the chassis 39065 for its post-overhaul maiden outing – after all, it is one of the most mind-bending turbocharged cars ever produced. As the photos in our history file show, the Bugatti was in esteemed company.»

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9AB01E0RCD39068

Motoren-Nummer: 063

Wurde 2016 von RM Sotheby’s (Due Milla) für 616’000 Euro verkauft. RM Sotheby’s, Arizona 2023, Schätzpreis 1’600’000 bis 2’000’0000 Dollar, angeboten mit folgendem Text: «Benefitting from a short ownership chain of a handful of doting collectors, and attention from some of the world’s most respected EB110 specialists, this Bugatti is a particularly noteworthy example of the celebrated Campogalliano supercar. According to the research of Johann Petit’s Bugatti EB110 Registry, chassis number 068 is approximately the 51st of 85 examples built to GT specifications, and it was completed as a second-series car equipped with a revised cooling system and a modified rear bumper. Ordered in May 1994 by the dealer Zdenek-Auto on behalf of a client in the Czech Republic, the Bugatti was finished in Bugatti Blue paint and appointed with an interior upholstered in dual-tone gray leather in a non-standard special-order configuration. After being delivered to the first owner in August 1994, the EB110 was frequently enjoyed on the open road while being consistently maintained. In 2001 the Bugatti was sold to its second owner, another enthusiast residing in the Czech Republic, and he immediately submitted the car to the specialists at Dauer Sportwagen in Nuremberg, Germany—the company responsible for the Le Mans-winning Dauer 962, and the officially licensed continuation builder and servicer of EB110 examples following Bugatti Automobili’s receivership. At this time the original engine number 090 was replaced by the motor currently installed, engine number 063, a correct GT-specification motor. The car was also fitted with the revised rear fascia panel it now wears, featuring a centrally-placed Bugatti logo. The EB110 GT remained in the Czech Republic through 2012, at which point the car was exported to Italy and exhibited at the Auto e Moto d’Epoca concours d’elegance in Padua. Sold to a noted Italian collector, 068 enjoyed the company of numerous flagship supercars until the collection’s offering by RM Sotheby’s in late 2016. After being presented at the London Concours d’Elegance in June 2017, the Bugatti was sold in 2018 to an enthusiast based in Denmark before more recently passing to the consignor, who soon submitted the car for servicing to B Engineering in Emilia-Romagna, the current rightsholder to EB110 production and official marque-endorsed maintenance; over $12,000 was invested in the maintenance of the Bugatti at this time. Accompanied by an owner’s manual and warranty booklet and documented with service invoices from Dauer and B Engineering, this mildly used Bugatti displays 31,930 kilometers (~19,840 miles) at cataloguing.»

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9AB01SORCD39071
Motoren-Nummer: 094

Auktion: Bonhams, The Zoute Sale 2023, Schätzpreis 800’000 bis 1’200’000 Euro. Seltene Farbe, Indian Red. Wahrscheinlich nur zwei Besitzer, nur etwas mehr als 7000 Kilometer – und in den vergangenen 18 Jahren unbewegt…

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9AB01E0RCD39092

Motoren-Nummer: 0122

Auktion: RM Sotheby’s, Miami 2022, nicht verkauft, angeboten mit folgendem Text: «According to the combined information of factory build records on file and a history report prepared by the Bugatti EB110 Registry’s Johann Petit, serial number GT092 was ordered in January 1994 and earmarked for delivery to the German market. Specified as a GT example, the Bugatti was finished in Grigio Chiaro paint over an interior trimmed in Grigio Scuro upholstery. Completed in September 1994, the EB110 GT was delivered two months later to the dealer Auto Koenig, and sold to an owner based in Mulheim, Germany, in January 1995. In September 1999 the Bugatti passed from the first owner to Franco Pastorelli, a Netherlands-based specialist whose shop Franco Auto has become renowned for expertise in tending to EB110 examples. Pastorelli serviced GT092 and sold it to an enthusiast residing in The Netherlands. Franco Auto service invoices dating from 2004 to 2017 demonstrate regular care for the Bugatti over the next 14 years. Believed to have enjoyed single private ownership for the entirety of its chapter in The Netherlands, the EB110 GT was regularly driven, and it even participated in local tourist rallies such as the 2014 Hertzberger Trophy. Following the owner’s passing the Bugatti came into the purview of his widow, and in July 2018 the EB110 was acquired by its third private owner, an enthusiast in Assens, Denmark, who maintains a large collection housed in a private museum. GT092 was notably displayed between the owner’s Bugatti Type 46 and his Bugatti Veyron. According to an invoice on file, in October 2022 the car underwent a service/refurbishment in preparation for its current availability that cost 165,817 Danish krones (the equivalent of $21,784). Accompanied by an owner’s manual, marque literature, a factory toolkit, and a rare and desirable luggage set, this nicely presented Bugatti EB110 GT is a well-maintained example that offers miles of future motoring enjoyment. As one of just approximately 85 production cars finished to GT specifications, serial number GT092 claims rarity in addition to its top-shelf design, engineering, and build quality. As an unmodified example that retains matching-numbers engine, body, and chassis stampings (per factory build sheets on file), and with all its body-number stampings clearly visible, GT092 is well documented with a prior registration, Franco Auto service invoices from 2004 to 2017, factory build sheets, and the history report by the EB110 Registry.»

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9AB01S0RCD39095

Auktion: RM Sotheby’s, Paris 2022, verkauft für 1’805’000 Euro.

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Die Super Sport:

Chassis-Nummer: ZA9BB02E0PCD39006

Auktion: RM Sotheby’s, New York 2023, Schätzpreis 3’000’000 bis 3’400’000 Dollar. Angeboten mit folgendem Text: «As with any modern supercar, the EB110, and particularly the Super Sport variant, evolved through a careful series of prototypes, including the important example offered for sale here. This car, chassis PCD39006, is one of just three prototypes created for development of the EB110 Super Sport. Manufactured in early 1993, the car was initially built only as a carbon-fiber frame and roll cage without any mechanical parts, to be used by the United Test and Assembly Center in France for non-destructive homologation tests. By June 1993, the chassis had been completed and equipped with a two-wheel-drive system. A specially modified engine (numbered 009) was fitted for fuel-homologation testing and to help develop a U.S.-legal EB110. The first group of EB110s had a significant issue with fuel delivery resulting from the car initially having two separate fuel tanks and fillers, one for each bank of the 3.5-liter V-12 engine. This caused the engine to run on only six cylinders if one tank ran dry before the other. Bugatti engineers used the prototype offered to develop a dual-tank system with a single filler to eliminate this problem. After its fuel-system testing, PCD39006 was returned to the factory to be retrofitted with an all-wheel-drive system and a new engine. This new engine was to become its most exceptional feature. Numbered 026, it had been used by Bugatti in an earlier prototype to set the world speed record for a production car at 213 mph on 24 May 1992 at the Nardò Ring in Italy. The car used for the world-record speed run, chassis number GT006, was dismantled by Bugatti in its pursuit of perfecting the EB110’s shape. After receiving its all-wheel-drive system and record-setting engine, PCD39006 was then retained by Bugatti as a factory prototype for use in addressing any ongoing issues with the model. In response to clients’ questions or complaints, Bugatti would look to this car to create suitable solutions which could then be implemented on later models. For this reason, it retains various factory modifications not found on other EB110s, including its twin-tank system with single fuel filler, a carbon-fiber engine lid cover, and a revised gear selector.
The car would remain with Bugatti as the company hit financial woes in 1995, eventually being sold through bankruptcy proceedings to its first owner in Holland on 12 December 1997. After his purchase, the first owner entrusted German automotive performance company Dauer Racing to bring the car up to legal road standards. After the dissolution of Bugatti, Dauer Racing, considered a foremost authority on the EB110, purchased most of Bugatti’s unused parts and chassis. Now presented in stunning concours condition, this exceptionally rare example showed just 3,528 kilometers (2,192 miles) at cataloguing time and is certainly among the finest and most unique EB110s in existence. Finished in factory-correct Grigio Metallic over Blu Scuro trim with bright blue seat belts, the car is documented by its original warranty and service booklet as well as a Bugatti Certificate of Authenticity».

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9BB02E0RCD39012

Motorennummer: 086.

Erstbesitzerin: Frau Müller. Auktionen: RM Sotheby’s, Paris 2019, zugeschlagen für 2’030’000 Euro. Dazu gibt es auch noch eine kurze Geschichte, hier.

Auktion: Gooding & Co., Pebble Beach 2022, noch kein Schätzpreis.

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Chassisnummer: 39015 (um genau zu sein: ZA9BB02E0RCD39015)
Motorennummer: 107

Auktion: RM Sotheby’s, Monterey 2021, verkauft für 2’755’000 Dollar.

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Chassisnummer: ZA9BB02E0RCD39027

Motorennummer: 0138

Auktion: RM Sotheby’s, London 2022, «Gran Turismo Collection», Schätzpreis 2’500’000 bis 3’000’000 Pfund, nicht verkauft, angeboten mit folgendem Text: «This EB110 SS was completed at the Campogalliano factory in Bianco Monaco over a dark blue leather interior with blue seatbelts, and was first registered for the road in April 1996. It is thought to have been delivered new to Monaco, where it remained until March 2012, when it was acquired by its current owner and entered The Gran Turismo Collection. The series of UK MoT certificates on file attest to occasional use over the years, with a slow rise in the odometer readings between tests. The Bugatti shows 24,467 kilometres on its dial at the time of cataloguing, and the most recent MoT certificate was issued in September 2022». Und dann nochmals: RM Sotheby’s, Las Vegas 2023, Schätzpreis 2’500’000 bis 3’250’000 Dollar.

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Chassisnummer: 39037.

Stand bei DK Engineering zum Verkauf (Stand Juni 2021), angeboten mit folgendem Text: «This is one of just 32 Supersports completed by Bugatti. One of the last five built, this car features the highest engine number fitted to a Supersports. Supplied new via Swiss importer A. Chevalley of Nyon to an investment firm in Fribourg. This Supersports is finished in Blu Bugatti over Grigio Chiaro leather interior. As was commonplace with the later built examples, this car benefits from a number of special-order options. Most prominently, this car features the significantly more user friendly GT specification interior, with carbon fibre dashboard inserts in place of the GT standard fit wood panelling. Further special options at the request of the first owner include a 20bhp power upgrade, putting this example around 630bhp! The driver’s seat was requested to be raised by 2cm and the car was also additionally fitted with a fire extinguisher and luggage set. Confirming its late production, this SS features electric seat controls in the centre of the dashboard as had been planned for the US specification cars. Completed in 1995, the car was delivered immediately to its first owners Frinvest SA in Fribourg. Its second owner, Antonio Puig of Barcelona raced at the time in the BPR Championship in the Venturi 400 GT and in fact, competed against the EB110 at Le Mans in 1994. In 2012 the car was sold to Monaco where it was registered ‘B110’ and seen on a number of occasions. In May 2015, the car was sold to Austria where it remained until with a private owner. It was on display with the Hödlmayr Classic Car Centre and then seen at Retromobile in 2018. In November 2019, the car returned to the famed Campogalliano factory for the reunion and celebration of the EB110. After which, we sourced the car for its most recent owner, once more returning the car to Monaco. The car was returned for a full service with no expense spared at B-Engineering in 2019 and upon arrival with use, the brakes were sent back for a complete overhaul. Now very much on the button and with us at our showrooms outside London, this extremely special EB110 SS is UK registered and ready for its next custodian.»

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9BB02J0SCD39038

Wurde 2015 von RM Sotheby’s (London) für 627’200 Euro verkauft.

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Chassis-Nummer: ZA9BB02EOSCD39040

Stand (November 2022) bei Girardo & Co. zum Verkauf.

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