A rare piece of automotive history is about to hit the auction block: a Bugatti EB 112, a luxury four-door sedan that represents one of the greatest “what-if” moments in supercar history. This specific example, which has traveled only 241 miles since its inception, is expected to fetch between $1.75 million and $2.3 million at an upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction in Monaco.
A Vision Interrupted by Bankruptcy
The EB 112 was born during a turbulent era for the Bugatti brand. In the late 1980s, under the leadership of Romano Artioli, Bugatti underwent an Italian revival. The goal was to move beyond niche supercars and establish the brand as a leader in high-end luxury sedans, drawing aesthetic inspiration from the legendary Bugatti models of the 1930s.
Designed by the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro, the EB 112 was intended to be the flagship of this new era. However, the timing was tragic for the company. Shortly after the concept was presented in 1993, Bugatti went bankrupt. The project was abandoned, leaving behind three unfinished shells that would eventually become legendary collectors’ items.
From Unfinished Prototypes to Road-Ready Icons
The survival of the EB 112 is due to the intervention of Gildo Pallanca Pastor. After the company’s collapse, Pastor acquired the three unfinished units and tasked his firm, the Monaco Racing Team, with completing them.
While the original plan included one drivable prototype and two static design models, Pastor’s team successfully transformed all three into fully roadworthy vehicles. This particular unit was held by Pastor until his passing in 2015 and has remained a pristine, low-mileage relic ever since.
Engineering and Performance: The V12 Powerhouse
Unlike the quad-turbocharged EB 110, the EB 112 opted for a different mechanical philosophy. It features a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine, providing a more traditional, high-revving luxury experience.
Key technical specifications include:
– Chassis: Carbon fiber (shared with the EB 110).
– Drivetrain: All-wheel drive with a 38:62 torque split.
– Transmission: Six-speed manual.
– Estimated Output: Approximately 456 hp and 590 Nm of torque.
– Performance: A projected 0–62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).
Bespoke Luxury and Rare Details
The interior reflects the era’s peak luxury, featuring high-end black leather and knurled metal accents throughout the dashboard and door panels. As a dedicated four-seater, the cabin includes thoughtful period-correct touches, such as a small TV unit positioned for second-row passengers.
True to the brand’s attention to detail, this specific car is accompanied by unique memorabilia, including:
– Bespoke luggage designed specifically for the vehicle.
– A custom umbrella styled after the famous elephant sculpture by Rembrandt Bugatti.
Why This Matters
The EB 112 is more than just a car; it is a rolling artifact of a failed industrial dream. In the automotive world, “lost” projects often gain massive value because they represent a unique direction a brand could have taken. Had Bugatti survived in the 1990s, the EB 112 might have paved the way for the modern luxury grand tourers we see today.
This auction offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of a “lost” timeline—a vehicle that exists only because a collector refused to let a brilliant design die with a bankrupt company.
