Bugatti Type 32

The Bugatti Type 32, commonly called the Tank de Tours, was a streamlined racing car built in 1923 for the French Grand Prix held at Tours on 2 July of that year. Its nickname came from a body shape that resembled the battle tanks of the period and from the race venue. Built around a 2.0 litre straight-eight engine based on that of the Type 30, it was the first Bugatti fitted with roller-bearing big ends, used a three-speed transaxle and had hydraulic front brakes. Five cars were made, a prototype and four race-capable cars. Despite a low centre of gravity, its wing-like aerodynamic profile tended to lift the car at speed and gave it poor grip. The French Grand Prix was its only Grand Prix, where it reached 180 kilometres per hour on the main straight and Ernest Friderich finished third. It was replaced by the Type 35.