A Type 32 ‘Le Tank’ is set to return to Tours, site of the 1923 French Grand Prix, for the first time since competing there more than 90 years ago. The car will headline an historic revival held near the French town on 25-26 June.
The outlandish streamlined racer was involved in a close battle with Voison’s equally striking Laboratoire cars and Henry Segrave’s Sunbeam, with the British driver eventually taking the spoils. Now, 93 years on, the Bugatti will return to do battle with a Laboritoire. In excess of 20,000 visitors are expected to pack into the historic medieval town of Chinon to view the spectacle.
“The 1923 Grand Prix was a race between extraordinary men and the kind of personalities that the automotive world has only seen a handful: Ettore Bugatti and Gabriel Voison,” said organiser Michel Loreille. “Their creations met on the race track and added a human element to the technical aspects of the sport, marking a turning point in the history of racing cars.
As many as 150 cars will set off from the Place Jeanne D’arc on the morning of 25 June, taking a 200km winding route around Touraine’s chateaux and vineyards. The following day will be dedicated to motor racing, including a parade of classic and vintage motorcycles around the Place Jeanne D’arc.
