Bugatti Type 32

File:Ernest Friederich, troisième sur Bugatti Tank Type 32 au GP de l'A.C.F 1923 (à Tours).jpg

Designed especially for the 1923 French Grand Prix in Tours, this original car by Ettore Bugatti was designed to be simple and quickly assembled.

The first prototype with an aerodynamic aluminium body was built in six months around the 1,991cc in-line 8-cylinder engine used in prior Bugatti Type 30. The engine rated 90 hp for the competition and weighted for approximately 650 kg.

Compared to the previous competition model, the Type 29,{{efn|name="Type 29"|AKA "The Cigar", nicknamed for its conical shape}} the Type 32 only shared the motorization with the previous model.

Type 32 was small in size, with a wheelbase of 1,994m, like the Bugatti Type 13, 5 models of Type 32 were produced. In addition to the prototype, four racing capable cars were made,

Each model came with the 2.0 L (1991 cc/121 in³) straight-8 engine based on that in the Type 30.

It was a longitudinal engine with eight cylinders in line and five bearings with main bearings on the crankshaft. It had 3 valves per cylinder, two intake and one discharge, operated by a single camshaft

Brakes hydraulically actuated at the front and mechanically actuated (metal cable) at the rear.{{Cite web|url=https://www.supercars.net/blog/1923-bugatti-type-32-tank/|title=Bugatti Type 32 Tank|date=6 April 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.bugatti-trust.co.uk/bugatti-type-32/|title = Bugatti Type 32|date = 30 October 2014}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportscarmarket.com/profile/1923-bugatti-type-32-tank-replica|title = 1923 Bugatti Type 32 Tank Replica}}

The Type 32 was the first Bugatti to be fitted with roller-bearing big ends in order to improve the bottom-end reliability.{{efn|name="Rollbears"|Bugatti was rather later than most manufacturers in the incorporation of a fully pressurised oil system, preferring a splash "spit and hope" delivery method.}}

The Type 32 also broke new ground (for a racing Bug) by using a three-speed and reverse transaxle unit, the exceptionally short wheelbase and long straight-8 engine making a conventional gearbox difficult to accommodate. It also heralded a hydraulic front brake actuation.{{cite web |website=archive.wikiwix.com |url=http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/1028/Bugatti-Type-32--Tank-.html |title=Wikiwix[archive] |access-date=2020-12-16 |archive-date=2021-04-10 |archive-url=https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20210410182344/http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/1028/Bugatti-Type-32--Tank-.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}

Despite the low center of gravity, its grip on the road was not good. The reason for this was due to its aerodynamics being similar to that of a wing profile, which meant that the vehicle could tend to rise at high speeds. Also, its short wheelbase contributed to the problem.

• Track: 41.4 in (1052 mm)
• Power: 90 hp (67 kW)

4 race-capable cars were built for the 1923 French Grand Prix. The following Type 32 participated at the Tours race:

• No. 6, with Ernest Friderich, who finished third at the finish
• No. 18, driven by the Prince of Cystria, retired on lap 12
• No. 11, driven by Pierre de Vizcaya, retired at the start after an accident
• No. 16, driven by Pierre Marco, retired on the third lap3

During the race, the Type 32 reached the top speed of 180 km / h on the main straight.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} The French GP was Type 32's only GP race. However, for example the No. 6 (chassis No. 4059) was acquired by Mr. Junek from Czechoslovakia, who was racing with the car for the rest of 1923 and won for example the 3rd hill climb [http://sebr.cz/fotky/ Schöberbergrennen].

Type 32 was replaced by the brand's most successful model in racing, the Bugatti Type 35.

Another tank-bodied Bugatti racer, the 1936 Type 57G, was much more successful.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bugattirevue.com/revue12/types.htm|title=The Bugatti revue: Bugattis by type}}

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Category:Grand Prix cars