The Fifth 57G ‘Tank’ Bugatti
One of our customers had a dream:
There are 3 sports racing cars in this picture but according to the history books actually 4 Type 57G 'Tank-bodied' Bugattis were produced. We have a customer who asked us to make it 5
![57G bugattisx4](images/uploaded/57G-bugattisx4.jpg)
Our interesting project started with this:
We bought an authentic, die-cast, scale model and scanned it with our 3-D scanner
![57G model](images/uploaded/57G-model.jpg)
We managed to find a Type 57 donor chassis:
As you can see, it did however require a lot of restoration and repair work
![57G chassis](images/uploaded/57G-chassis.jpg)
Working from the 3-D scans of the model:
Templates were made so that body panels could be formed - this isn't something you see every day
![57G 3D scans](images/uploaded/57G-3D-scans.jpg)
Then the metalwork began:
We have tried and tested relationships with highly-skilled sub-contractors conveniently located to our business. In this case, specialist panel beaters were appointed to complete this stage of the project
![57G metalwork](images/uploaded/57G-metalwork.jpg)
Meanwhile a new engine had to be made:
We are very privileged to have access to original Bugatti drawings with dimensions and technical specifications. Our own highly-talented, ingenious, engineers and technicians made a fully working, race-specification engine
![57G engine](images/uploaded/57G-engine.jpg)
After successfully producing a rolling chassis:
The body was removed and everything painted. If everything was painted first, parts and components might be scratched and damaged during the re-build of the vehicle
![57G body painted](images/uploaded/57G-body-painted.jpg)
The body had to be painted too:
And another specialist sub-contractor was appointed
![57G painted bodywork](images/uploaded/57G-body-paint.jpg)
The major components were fitted to the chassis:
And as you can see, everything came together perfectly
![57G chassis parts](images/uploaded/57G-chassis-parts.jpg)
The freshly painted body was returned and fitted:
The next stage was to connect the plumbing, electrics and instruments
![57G electrics](images/uploaded/57G-electrics.jpg)
The fifth 57G Bugatti was completed shortly afterwards:
Just in case you’re wondering, it really wasn’t our idea, our customer specifically instructed us to make sure the car was painted to look old
![57G Bugatti](images/uploaded/57G-Bugatti.jpg)
The car raced at the 2014 Goodwood Members' Meeting:
Driven by Stephen Gentry, the vehicle was thoroughly put through its paces and finished well ahead of several GP Bugattis. It was a highly successful first outing and a perfect end to a most challenging and interesting project
![57G Bugatti Goldwood](images/uploaded/57G-bugatti-goldwood.jpg)