News & Features September 6, 2007, 1:49PM EST

1995 Bugatti EB110 GT Coupe

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Bugatti EB110 GT Coupe

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The first carbon fiber road car

To bolster his audacious plan, Artioli engaged Stanzani and Gandini to design the car, later adding ex-Ferrari engineer Mauro Forghieri as technical director. The body structure was developed by aircraft manufacturer Aérospatiale, which created it in carbon fiber, the first time ever for a road car.

The initial offering was the EB110 GT, unveiled to the world in September 1991 in Paris. Built in a spectacular, cost-no-object state-of-the-art factory, it was everything Artioli clamed it to be. With its sophisticated specification, high performance, and high-dollar price tag, it was at its release the ultimate in a sports car for the road. The styling was the only question mark, with many considering it rather unattractive; however, at least Artioli got some value for the money he paid Gandini, as it was one of the more original ideas from his pen in this period.

The EB110 GT was at first enthusiastically received in spite of its almost half-million dollar price tag, but ultimately became another victim of the bursting of the speculative bubble in the high-end auto market and the coming of yet another ultimate supercar, the McLaren F1.

A second model, the Giugiaro-designed EB112 four-door, was shown in 1993 and one was even crash-tested, but it never saw production. The purchase by Artioli of Lotus Cars from GM in the same year certainly didn't help the cash flow, either.

More than a stripped-out racer

The EB110 GT offered considerable value for money, as it is a surprisingly usable car. It's no stripped-out racer for the street, having an interior that boasts lots of leather, wood, and a high-end stereo. You are cosseted while enjoying the outrageous performance. The EB110 generally impresses as a well-developed production car, not a slapped-together prototype show special designed to attract attention.

They are solidly built, with a chassis more than able to handle the prodigious power. The fact that they came with a three-year cost-inclusive service plan, like an Audi lease, showed that the makers had confidence in them and intended the cars to be used, not posed in. (It's not known who handled the service calls after the bankruptcy.)

The fact that the Club Bugatti France actually welcomes owners of the EB110 is testament to the regard even traditional Bugattistes have for Artioli's effort. While these cars are highly thought of by those who know them, their values have not appreciated in the past few years. They generally sell in the mid $200,000 range. Even this example, with its Bugatti director ownership history and very low mileage, reached the same number. It's hard to see a real opportunity for any immediate increase in prices, although you probably won't lose money owning a good one for a few years.

The slightly ironic footnote to the EB110 saga is the fact that Artioli retained rights to the Bugatti name even after his company folded. There is little doubt that the move paid off in 1998 when Volkswagen paid to take it off his hands. It's good to know that someone has made money from Bugatti recently.

Years Produced: 1992 -- 95

Number Produced: 154 (some sources say 130)

Original List Price: $350,000 approx.

SCM Valuation: $180,000 -- $300,000

Tune-up Cost: $1,900 -- $3,100 approx.

Distributor Caps: $275 (2)

Chassis # Location: Door jamb

Engine # Location: Between cylinder heads

Club Info: Club Bugatti France 14bis boulevard Voltaire 92130 Issy les Moulineaux, France

Website: www.club-bugatti-france.net

Alternatives: 1986 -- 88 Porsche 959, 1991 -- 93 Jaguar XJ220, 1994 -- 98 McLaren F1

Investment Grade: B