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.
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.
