Bugatti EB112

The Bugatti EB112 research of Italdesign arose out of a close analysis of Bugatti saloons of the past in order to fully appreciate the creative genius behind them and recover the aesthetic and functional starting points required to convey the same expressive force. The influence of formal retro hints is evident, particularly from models of the 1920s and 1930s, such as the Atlantic, the Tipo 55 2 door and the Tipo 32 Tank and 57 Tank. Great luxury was also evident inside the passenger compartment, created using leather and walnut but without renouncing high-tech equipment such as a videotape system and small monitor positioned in the dashboard in front of the passenger. The engine was located in a front mid position, in other words within the wheelbase and not straddling the axle. This achieved the effective balancing of weight that gave the Bugatti EB112 its superior stability and handling. The transmission was permanent four-wheel drive and the aspirated engine was derived from the unit fitted to the EB 110: a 6000 cc V12 with five valve heads. The result of cutting-edge technology with an aluminium body and carbon chassis never before fitted on a car of this type, the Bugatti EB112 set out to be an authentic Bugatti, that encapsulated the dual vocation of the great brand with its association with top-class saloons and sports cars. Romano Artioli dreamed of following up the EB110 Coupé with a saloon just as Ettore Bugatti had done with the Type 57 Galibier. A concept car, still retaining by the brand, was shown at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show but never reached production and in September 1995 Bugatti threw in the sponge and production ground to a halt. After the company’s bankruptcy certain assets were put up for auction and were bought by Gildo Pallanca Pastor, along with a large quantity of spare parts. One lot included three pre-production Bugatti EB112s, in mid build. In 1998 he managed to make two complete cars in 1998 in his Monaco Racing Team workshop, one bordeau and one black. A few years later the first EB112 was bought by a russian collector, while the second car, stayed in Gildo Pallanca Pastor’s ownership for the next 19 years. The car is impressive to look at and its lines are reminiscent of the Panamera, but it precedes it by 20 years. It’s the work of Giorgetto Giugiaro, and inspired by the backbone that ran the length of Jean Bugatti’s 1936 57S Atlantic. The car’s roof slopes right down to the back bumper as in a fast back. It’s a fair comment to describe it as a precursor of today’s sports saloons. The Bugatti EB112 starts with the advantage of inheriting the technical refinement and luxurious equipment developed for the EB110. It shares a carbon fibre chassis, aluminium bodywork and an all leather interior. Engine turned aluminium fittings are inspired by the Type 35’s dashboard to complete the ensemble. The plan was to sell the Bugatti EB112 with a Porsche 928 engine, but this one was fitted with the Bugatti V 12, 6 liters, 60 valves and normally aspirated. Its 455 BHP propelled this luxurious saloon from 0 to 100 kph in 4.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 kph. The car has all wheel drive and a six speed gearbox.