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1923 Bugatti Type 32 "Tank"
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1923 Bugatti Type 32 "Tank" | May 6, 2008
Ettore Bugatti started designing a new 8-cylinder engine as early as 1913. World War I postponed production, however, and so the existing 4-cylinder models remained in production well into the 1920s. After the peace had returned to Europe, development continued and eventually a 2-litre, 8-cylinder engine was created.

This 'Type 29/30' was built of two blocks of 4-cylinders and featured 3 valves per cylinder. Mounted vertically in the head, the valves were actuated by one overhead camshaft. The engine produced between 75 and 100 bhp.

Bugatti originally intended to mount the new engine in an existing 4-cylinder engine chassis, which proved to be incapable of taking the load of the larger and more powerful 'eight'. Therefore, Bugatti created a new, strengthened 'Type 30' with live axles front and rear chassis. What was unusual was the use of hydraulic front brakes, which had been used very successfully by the 1921 French Grand Prix winning Duesenberg (also posted on this site).

This radical streamlined version of the Type 30, known as the 'Tank', was constructed for the 1923 French Grand Prix, where it placed 3rd. In total, five Type 32 ‘Tanks’ were produced. None were ever terribly successful on the track.

The 'Tank' was quickly abandoned as Bugatti focused on the development of the Type 35. The nickname 'Tank' was used once again over a decade later for a special streamlined sports racer that scored two Le Mans wins.

This car is part of the Schlumpf/Musee National de l'Automobile in Alsace, France.
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