Before it became synonymous with multi-million-dollar hypercars, Bugatti was a niche luxury car manufacturer with one of the most captivating histories in the automotive world. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was a trailblazer in the luxury car market, crafting vehicles for the ultra-wealthy while simultaneously asserting its dominance in motorsports. However, after World War II, the brand went dormant until the 1990s, when it was revived under new ownership.
In 1991, Bugatti introduced the EB110, its first modern supercar, named to commemorate 110 years since the birth of its founder, Ettore Bugatti. The EB110 was such a marvel that even Michael Schumacher added one to his collection. At the time, sports sedans were beginning to gain serious momentum in the market, with AMG’s Hammer and the BMW M5 already cemented as icons, alongside other high-performance four-doors that enthusiasts today would go to great lengths to own—like the legendary Lotus Carlton. The hypercar segment had yet to emerge as a distinct category, so for Bugatti, competing with Bentley and Rolls-Royce in the ultra-luxury sedan market seemed like a promising strategy to expand its reach among elite clientele.
Bugatti’s Ambitious Super-Luxury Sedan Plan
Bugatti envisioned creating a super-luxury sedan unlike anything else in existence, one that would boast all the hallmarks of a true automotive legend: an immensely powerful engine, a design by the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro, and a cabin so opulent that even Bentley would take notice. However, the timing of this ambitious project could not have been worse. Financial turmoil struck Bugatti, and only three examples of this extraordinary sedan were completed. Whether this makes the car a tragic missed opportunity or an ultra-rare gem is up for debate, but one thing remains certain—it is one of the rarest sedans ever built.
The Bugatti EB112: The World’s Rarest Luxury Sedan
Making its grand debut at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, the EB112 was designed to accompany the critically acclaimed EB110 as the second vehicle in Bugatti’s modern lineup. The brand spared no expense in its creation, enlisting Italdesign’s legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro to sculpt its striking yet divisive curves and equipping it with a newly developed Volkswagen-engineered V12 for ample power. Upon its reveal, the EB112 received widespread acclaim, with Automobile Magazine famously dubbing it “the most beautiful car in the world” (though opinions may have shifted over time).
Constructed two years after the EB110, the EB112 carried over its supercar sibling’s carbon fiber monocoque chassis, which was then wrapped in an all-aluminum body. This level of engineering was exceptionally advanced for its era—even by supercar standards—let alone for a luxury sedan.
Only Three EB112s Were Ever Built—And Each One is Unique
Unfortunately, the EB112’s arrival coincided with a disastrous period for Bugatti. By 1995, the company was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, leaving the prototype and two unfinished EB112 models abandoned at the factory. That same year, Gildo Pallanca Pastor, a wealthy Monaco-based businessman, stepped in to acquire Bugatti and its remaining assets. Among those assets were the two unfinished EB112 prototypes, which his boutique automotive company, Monaco Racing Team, later completed. These cars, like the original prototype, were powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 producing 450 horsepower.
In the end, only three EB112s were ever completed and made roadworthy, each featuring a distinctive color: Burgundy Red (chassis #39001), Dark Anthracite (#39002), and Black (#39003). Each car also had minor variations, including differences in rear lighting. According to widely accepted sources, the Burgundy Red EB112 remains in the possession of its designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, while the Black EB112 was retained by Gildo Pallanca Pastor himself.
Of the three, the Dark Anthracite EB112 is the most well-documented. Originally ordered in 1993 but only completed in 2000, it was sold to Swiss Bugatti importer Chevalley. This particular EB112 resurfaced in 2021 when an exotic car dealer in Germany listed it for sale. However, the final selling price of this ultra-rare automotive masterpiece remains a mystery.
About the Author
