Description

The Bugatti Type 57 G Le Mans, often referred to as the “Tank,” was a specialized racing version of the Type 57, developed in the 1930s for endurance competitions. It was a dramatic departure from the elegant road-going versions of the Type 57, focusing instead on performance, reliability, and aerodynamic efficiency. The car’s most distinctive feature was its fully enclosed bodywork, a design that earned it the nickname “Tank” and set it apart from the typical open-wheeled racers of the period.

At its core, the Type 57 G was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.3-liter inline-eight engine. This engine was based on the standard Type 57 unit but had been refined and tuned for competition use. It produced approximately 170 to 180 horsepower and was mated to a lightweight chassis specifically designed for racing. The car’s design emphasized simplicity and durability, with modifications aimed at surviving the grueling demands of a 24-hour race.

The car’s most important moment came in 1937 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Driven by Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist, the Type 57 G “Tank” won the race outright, giving Bugatti its first overall Le Mans victory. The streamlined body, developed with aerodynamics in mind, allowed the car to maintain higher speeds over long distances while reducing fatigue on both the machine and its drivers. It averaged over 85 mph during the race, a remarkable achievement for the time.

Bugatti returned to Le Mans in 1939 with a refined version of the Type 57 G. Once again, Jean-Pierre Wimille took the wheel and secured a second overall victory for the marque. This would mark the final major triumph for Bugatti before World War II disrupted automotive competition in Europe. Tragically, later that year, Jean Bugatti died while test-driving the 1939 Le Mans-winning car, cutting short the career of one of the industry’s brightest young talents.

Only a handful of Type 57 G cars were ever built, and surviving examples are extremely rare. Some have been meticulously reconstructed using original parts and archival references, and they occasionally appear at vintage racing events or in museum collections. Their unusual appearance, racing pedigree, and limited numbers have made them highly prized among enthusiasts and collectors.

The Bugatti Type 57 G Le Mans stands as a symbol of prewar innovation and racing success. It showcases the brand’s ability to adapt its luxurious engineering philosophy to the brutal demands of endurance racing, achieving both technical excellence and historic victory on one of the world’s greatest motorsport stages.