Bugatti EB110 SS Prototype

Furlonger are fortunate to have handled the sales and managed the servicing and maintenance of numerous EB110s and Veyrons. With an increasing number of cars now in our care, our affinity and knowledge of the model has grown exponentially over the past few years, with some of the most important examples coming through the Furlonger showroom and workshops.

We are delighted to offer one of the most significant Bugatti EB110s produced, chassis no. 39004, better known as ‘SS04’ or ‘S4’ – one of a handful of EB110 Supersport prototypes.

Just six months after the launch of the EB110 GT, Bugatti announced the Super Sport model at the Geneva Salon in 1992. The car displayed, formally known as prototype #C9, was the very first physical proposal of the SS derivative, but was in fact an extensively modified version of the GT. #C9 would eventually become a Super Sport, #SS08. Although #C9 (now #SS08) presented superbly and generated an astoundingly positive reaction, some of its cosmetic features were not technically or aerodynamically efficient and were not integrated into the SS production versions. The car we are offering for sale, #SS04, would serve as the transition from the SS concept to the SS production version.

#SS04 was the first EB110 Prototype specifically built as a Super Sport. It was the first EB110 to possess a different chassis code from the GT (02 instead of 01). Being the earliest prototype, it retained an earlier version of the engine with a code ‘A’, whereas the Super Sport block was designated with a code ‘B’. Initially designated the ‘EB110 S’, while the production models will be named ‘EB110 SS’, standing for ‘Sport Stradale’, this was later changed to ‘Super Sport’. Interestingly, unlike the traditional method of a manufacturer keeping a prototype, Bugatti had already allocated #SS04 to a client in Japan.

Following its completion Bugatti quickly put #SS04 through its paces as a prototype to further develop and perfect the SS platform. Further, Bugatti would use #SS04 as a promotional vehicle, displaying it at the Ark Hills Complex in Tokyo in April 1993, beside three EB110 GTs and the EB112. The car’s presence created quite the stir among media channels and journalists, resulting in monumental success in establishing the brand’s resurrection.

Sokichi Shikiba, a name synonymous with Japanese motorsport, would be #SS04’s primary custodian. Shikiba became a racing driver in the 1960s, which was a key point for Japanese car manufacturers as this marked the beginning of their participation in motorsports. Shikiba’s most memorable moment in motorsport was winning the 1964 Japanese Grand Prix in a Porsche 904 GTS, where he battled his close friend Tetsu Ikuzawa in a Prince Skyline 2000GT. Shortly after finishing his racing career, Shikiba founded Racing Mate, a company that produced racing accessories such as helmets, gloves and preparation kits for Honda. Racing Mate saw great success in Japan, and eventually prompted Bugatti to select Shikiba as a fitting ambassador when they became interested in the Japanese market. He played an important role in reviving the Bugatti brand in Japan, serving as a consultant and marketeer.

In 1994, Shikiba took part in the Bugatti Rally International adventure alongside 10 other EB110s, driving across parts of Italy and finally returning to the Bugatti factory in Campogalliano. Following the trip #SS04 remained in Japan, being used sparingly for numerous meetings and events such as the Japan Bugatti Club gatherings and Nicole Racing Day at Mount Fuji Circuit. During Shikiba’s ownership of #SS04, the car underwent some modifications that made it somewhat resemblant of a standard car. These changes included the fitting of production side quarter panels and engine hood, with a slightly reconfigured engine bay and newly black painted cylinder head covers.

With Shikiba’s passing in 2016, naturally the car passed through the hands collectors and enthusiasts across the globe, even making its way back to Campogalliano for another factory visit during a photoshoot in 2021.

Being the first EB110 specifically built as a Super Sport, and possessing a primary role in the brand’s resurrection not only in Japan, this EB110 SS Prototype represents an incredibly important period for Bugatti, serving as a stark reminder of the marque’s innovative stance and cutting-edge development in the ‘90s. Outperforming the likes of the 959 Sport, F40, and XJ220, the EB110 SS has unjustifiably remained under the radar for far too long. EB110s seldom appear for sale in both GT and SS form, but with so few produced and in circulation, #SS04 poses an extraordinary opportunity to acquire what is likely one of the most collectible examples to leave the gates of Campogalliano. Showing a mere 12,600 kilometres and presenting in superb condition throughout, #SS04 would make a fine addition to any collection of prominent and highly collectible supercars.

Our workshop will conduct a comprehensive engine-out service as part of the sale.