History of chassis GT39049

Chassis GT39049 was a 1993 EB110 GT allocated for use as a press and promotional car. It was finished in the trademark EB110 colour scheme of Blu Bugatti with Grey upholstery and interestingly came with a unique fascia panel between the tail lights.

Once the marketing division were finished, GT39049 headed to Bugatti’s experimental department where it was used to help develop a US-friendly iteration of the EB110.

In early 1994, Bugatti then elected to convert GT39049 to run on bio-fuel, in this cas methane and petrol. The project was undertaken in collaboration with alternative fuel specialist, Florgas. GT39049 was duly dispatched to the Florgas facility in Rovigo where, over the course of a few months, it was reconfigured by Florgas boss Loris Dall’Aglio and his team.

Thanks to the use of a sophisticated electronic injection system and the higher octane rating of methane gas, the EB110’s engine was able to achieve a rating of 650bhp which represented a significant gain over both the original GT (553bhp) and even the SS (611bhp). Other special equipment included custom pressure reducers, new fuel cells, trick charging valves and an array of telemetry systems that enabled set-up and monitoring of the methane levels and lambda values.

On July 3rd 1994, Bugatti took GT39049 (now dubbed the EB110 GreenGas) to the Nardo test track where Loris Bicocchi hit 344.7kmh (214.1mph) and set a new speed record for a bio-fuel vehicle.

Afterwards, GT39049 was freshened up in preparation for a series of motor show and road test appearances to promote Bugatti’s achievement.

Having been re-fitted with much of its original equipment, GT39049 subsequently made its way to the USA where it resided for many years.

Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Bugatti – https://www.bugatti.com