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24H Le Mans - 100 Years - Bugatti Type 57G "Tank" - 1937

The Bugatti Type 57G nicknamed “Tank” was a work of art on wheels, a true testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Bugatti brand. Built-in the company's manufacturing plant in Molsheim, Alsace in 1936 and 1937, only three of these rare and coveted racing cars were produced. The Type 57G represented Bugatti's relentless pursuit of perfection, as they aimed to reclaim their rightful place at the top of the French motor racing world, a position that had been dominated by foreign brands. With its sleek and aerodynamic body design, the Type 57G was built for speed and performance. The development was overseen by Jean Bugatti, son of the company's founder Ettore Bugatti, who combined the Type 57S chassis with a powerful 3.3-litre in-line eight-cylinder engine, and a 2.98-meter wheelbase to ensure the lowest possible centre of gravity. The engine of the 57G delivered an impressive 200 horsepower, allowing it to reach high speeds and outpace its competitors. The car was a true masterpiece of engineering, a true reflection of the Bugatti brand's pursuit of excellence. The car was immediately successful, with driver Jean-Pierre Wimille at the helm. He won both the Grand Prix de l'A.C.F in Montlhéry and the Grand Prix de la Marne in 1936 - the first two competitions for the ''Tank''. At the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans, Bugatti entered two Type 57Gs, one of which went on to claim victory with an average speed of 136.99 km/h (84 mph) and a total distance of 3,287.938 km (2,043 miles). This marked Bugatti's first win in the prestigious race and solidified Wimille's status as a brand legend.