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1948 Tatra T87

Czechoslovakian automaker Tatra licensed aerodynamicist Paul Jaray’s streamlined designs beginning in the early 1930s. Tatra chief engineer Hans Ledwinka was a champion of streamlining and rear-engine cars, as he believed these two features provided both fuel efficiency and increased speed. To facilitate an air-cooled engine, body designer Erich Ubelacker incorporated a prominent dorsal fin and large rear scoops to funnel air to the engine. Other design features include inset door handles to reduce air drag and flush rear fenders.

The T87 debuted in 1936 and remained in production with few changes until 1950. The T87 could reach speeds up to 100 mph and 18.8 mpg with only 85 horsepower – a testament to its masterful design and styling.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

ENGINE

HORSEPOWER

NUMBER BUILT

Czechoslovakia V8, 3.0 Litre (Air-Cooled) 85 3,056 (1936-1950)

Exhibited courtesy of The Elkhart Collection

DID YOU KNOW?

Tatra is one of the industry’s oldest names. The company was established in 1850 and introduced its first automobile in 1897.

An advertisement for the Tatra 87. The Tatra is red with swooping lines of wind blowing over the car.

ADDITIONAL TATRA LINKS

The Death Eaters, Chapter 1: Tatra T87

ABOUT THIS SERIES

Streamlined: Style on Motion was on display at the Museum in 2019.  This series of articles comes for the displays from that exhibition.

Streamlined: Style in Motion Logo. The text is in blue with an art deco feel. 5 parallel lines frame the word streamlined.