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The Bugatti Type 32, commonly called the Tank de Tours, was a streamlined racing car built in 1923.

Four examples were made, each with a 2.0 L (1991 cc/121 in³) straight-8 engine based on that in the Type 30. "The Tank" finished third in the ACF Grand Prix that year. This was the first Bugatti to be fitted with roller-bearing big ends in order to improve the bottom-end reliability (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 an embryonic hydraulic front brake actuation.

Another tank-bodied Bugatti racer, the 1936 Type 57G, was much more successful.

Four Type 32 Tanks competed in the 1932 French Grand Prix in Tours. These streamlined-bodied Bugattis were good competition, but the event was won by a six-cylinder Sunbeam.
 
Despite a initial loss, the depart from cigar shaped racers was innovative step. From front to rear, the Tank featured enclosed bodywork which formed the shape of an airplane wing. Ground clearance was kept as low as possible but still was not low enough to cope with lift formed by the wing shaped body.

The Type 32 lended much of is chassis and engine characteristics from the Type 30 road car. Both cars shared the same inline-8 engine having a two litre capacity.

Another interesting aspect of the car was its front brakes. Thanks to special brake master cylinder the front brakes featured hydraulic assist. Such a setup was first seen on the Type 29/30 an was surley a first for the racing industry.

Desipte being rather unsuccessfull on the track, the Type 32 broke many design priciples in 1932. Not only was this one of the first cars to use Lemans type streamlining, the advent of Hydraulic brakes made this an inportant car from a design perspective.

The Type 32 was replaced only after being raced for one year. During that year little success was had. The press jumped on the design critsizing not only Bugatti performace, but thieir styling. Following the tank, Bugatti released an eniterly new Type which he thought would boost sales. Litle did he know the Type 35 would beomce the most successfull racing design in history.

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