Today we’re going to be focusing on one of the Bugatti EB110 prototypes and that’s the 1990 Bugatti EB110 ‘A1’ prototype (chassis 110-0000). The ‘A1’ or ‘Aluminum 1’ prototype was completed in 1990 finished in sliver over a black interior (no interior for later design study), and is considered to be the first ever 110 prototype, under project code 035. The A1 was the first overall prototype ever built out of a total of 6 aluminum-bodied development cars, and was tested at the wind tunnel in Turin, Italy in the year 1990. The A1 features the very angular early prototype-stage body design which was created by the famous Italian car designer, Marcello Gandini. The A1’s first ever ‘shake down’ took place on August 23rd of 1990, and the first official test run of the A1 occurred in Italy at the Monza track on January 14th of 1991. The A1 project development was largely the responsibility of an engineer by the name of Pavel Rajmis, and the test drivers who had the opportunity to drive this machine during testing were Loris Bicocchi, also known as the ‘high-speed expert’, as well as Jean-Philippe Vittecoq. The A1 prototype use 17-inch MXX tires developed by Michelin which Bugatti realized were not big enough to allow the engine to put all of its power to the asphalt. It was decided to shift focus towards the next prototype, which would eventually become known as the ‘A2’, therefore leaving the A1 to be dismantled in order to direct focus and utilize the parts on this new project. On January 15th of 1991, Accompanied by two other prototypes (39002 & 39003), A2 carried out its first tests on the Misano track in Italy. The A2 believed to still survive to this day, in running condition. As far as the A1, the chassis was reused in 1991 in order to create an assymetric non-functional design study, which is exactly the body that is pictured here located in the Netherlands.
How many made? 1 of 6 aluminum chassis ‘A0-A6’. This being the first functional prototype EB110.
Engine: 3.5 L V12 coupled with 4 turbos - 550hp
Debut: august 23rd, 1990
Top Speed: N/A
0-60mph: N/A
Photo Credit: @lambolog
Research: @rarecarsonly