This is the 1990 Bugatti 110 (project 035) ‘A2’ prototype (39001). The prototypes/concepts of the EB110 are perhaps more interesting than the production version itself. The first batch consisted of cars ‘A0-A7’, which ‘A’ indicates the project utilized an aluminum chassis. The first series of A-prototypes came in the form of Italian car designer Marcello Gandini’s project 035 ‘110’ prototypes A1-A5, built from 1990-1991 (also A0, a design study). A6 (the 6th aluminum chassis delivered to Bugatti by Carbone Industries) was built as an epwood design study under architect and member of the Artioli family, Giampaolo Benedini and mechanical engineer, Nicola Materazzi during a re-study of the model in 1991, where the name would then be changed to EB110. From here, cars ‘C6 to C16’ were constructed (C for carbon chassis), from 1991 until 1992. Following this, came the development of the 7 Supersport EB110 prototypes (C9 was an EB110 GT prototype used as a cosmetic mule for the SS version). The 7th and final aluminum A7 was constructed under the Benedini styling group as another styling model. The ‘A2’ prototype was completed in 1990 finished in ‘Dark Blue Metallic’ and was chosen as the car of focus after a test day on the Monza track in 1991 with both the A1 and the A2. The ‘A1’ was subsequently dismantled and the A2 was renumbered to be 39001. The original A1 chassis, 110-0000, was then reused in 1991 for a styling study. The functional A1 prototype used 17-inch MXX tires developed by Michelin which Bugatti realized were not big enough to allow the engine to put all of it’s power to the asphalt. Michelin handled this issue by mounting new 18-inch tires (325/30x18 at the back) onto the A2 prototype. The A2 believed to still survive to this day, in running condition.
How many made? 5 ‘Project 035’ cars total (A1-A5) built, each different in construction (+A0 design study)
Engine: 3.5 L V12 engine coupled with 4 turbos, 5 valves per cylinder with around 550hp
Debut: On January 15th of 1991, Misano track in Italy.
Top Speed: N/A
0-60: N/A
Photo Credit: @dodi_cars_france_photos, @augustinchampagne.photographie, @nemo_photographie
Research: @rarecarsonly