Bugatti Type 32 Classic Cars for Sale

The Bugatti Type 32 was a racing car which was built during 1923, and was affectionately known as “The Tank” or “Tank de Tours”. Only four of these cars were ever made. Designed by Ettore Bugatti, the Bugatti Type 32 was the first car to incorporate aerodynamics in its design process.

Innovative Design of the Bugatti Type 32

The Bugatti Type 32 was designed and built for the 1923 Grand Prix of France at Tours. Ettore Bugatti had seen how the air flowed around an aircraft wing, and decided to design a car based on the same basic shape. The resultant streamlined Bugatti Type 32 had a cigar like appearance and was often referred to as “The Tank”. This innovative type of airflow design was only later adopted by Formula One designers from the 1970s onwards. The Bugatti Type 32 also had several other design firsts, including roller-bearing big ends, hydraulic front brakes and a three speed gearbox. The car was powered by a two litre straight-8 engine, similar to that previously used in the Bugatti Type 30. Although the ground clearance of the Bugatti Type 32 was kept low to prevent lift from the wing shaped body, it was still not low enough. Only four Bugatti Type 32 cars were ever constructed.

End of the Bugatti Type 32

The Bugatti Type 32 was recorded as being able to reach speeds of 117mph but was difficult to handle due, in part, to its streamlined design and the aerodynamic lift achieved at these high speeds. As a result, the racing bug only came third in the ACF Grand Prix. The car was given a bad reception from critics and press who not only criticised the Bugatti Type 32's poor track record but also the lack of styling, even if it was ground-breaking by design. Hence, the Bugatti Type 32 had a short life span with production ceasing the same year it started. However, the innovative design features of the Bugatti Type 32 were in part adapted in the design of the Bugatti Type 35 car which replaced it. The Type 35 car proved to be the most successful racing car design in history. Although the Bugatti Type 32 was less than successful in its day, the quirky appearance of “The Tank” has meant that two out of the four cars produced are thought to still be in existence.