Description

The Bugatti Type 57 G “Tank” Le Mans was a purpose-built racing version of the Type 57, created specifically for endurance racing in the mid-1930s. It stands apart from the luxurious grand touring variants of the Type 57 line, trading opulence for aerodynamic efficiency and competitive performance on the track.

The “G” variant, introduced in 1936, was built around the same 3.3-liter inline-8 engine found in the road-going Type 57, but with extensive modifications for racing. The engine was naturally aspirated and finely tuned, producing close to 170–180 horsepower. It was mounted on a specially designed lightweight chassis to reduce overall weight and improve handling under race conditions.

One of the most striking features of the Type 57 G was its fully enclosed, aerodynamic bodywork, which earned it the nickname “Tank.” The body was developed with wind resistance in mind—a bold departure from the open-wheeled racing norms of the time. Its streamlined, wind-tunnel-tested shell gave it a futuristic appearance and contributed to its success on long, high-speed circuits like Le Mans.

The pinnacle of the Type 57 G’s racing history came in 1937, when a “Tank” variant driven by Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist won the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright. This was a monumental victory for Bugatti, marking its first and only overall win at Le Mans, and proving the effectiveness of the aerodynamic concept. The car averaged a speed of over 85 mph for the duration of the race—impressive for the era.

Following its 1937 success, Bugatti returned to Le Mans in 1939 with an improved version of the Type 57 G. Once again piloted by Jean-Pierre Wimille, this version won the race, making Bugatti a two-time Le Mans winner. Tragically, Jean Bugatti was killed later that year while test driving the 1939 Le Mans-winning car, casting a shadow over what had been one of the marque’s greatest achievements.

Very few Type 57 G “Tank” cars were built, and original examples are exceedingly rare. Some have been reconstructed based on surviving chassis and historical data, often appearing at historic racing events and museums.

The Bugatti Type 57 G Le Mans car represents a fascinating intersection of early aerodynamics, endurance racing, and the final years of prewar Bugatti competition. It remains one of the most significant racing cars ever built by the marque and a symbol of Jean Bugatti’s vision for innovation and speed.