There are several reasons why the Tatra 87, whose roots go back to the 1930s, has so many admirers. These include design in particular. The luxury sedan stands out with its extraordinarily impressive shapes, behind which is the so-called streamlined body – i.e. aerodynamically optimized.
By the way, after the war, at Volkswagen, in the air tunnel of the Tatra mountains, they measured an air resistance coefficient of 0.36.
The T87 is also an interesting Tatra concept. The basis is a central supporting frame, which splits in the shape of the letter Y at the back. The rear axle is on two pivoting semi-axles, all wheels are independently suspended.
The drive unit can be found behind the rear axle, and of course it is an air-cooled engine. The three-liter forked eight-cylinder has an OHC valve train, that is, with a camshaft in the cylinder head, which was not generally used until much later after the war. Previously, it mostly belonged only to sports cars.
Power was 75 bhp (55 kW) at 3,600 rpm, filling was provided by a twin-fall carburettor and the engine was air-cooled with a pair of radial fans driven by V-belts.
Despite the relatively modest power and relatively large dimensions (it was a large car at the time), the Tatra 87 was able to drive fast, thanks to optimized aerodynamics. The stated top speed was then an admirable 160 km/h, sustained 135 km/h.
The Tatra 87 was not only the fastest Czech (or, if you prefer, Czechoslovakian) car of its time, but it was even among the fastest cars in the world. At the same time, it was not excessively thirsty, the average consumption of around 12 l / 100 km was extremely favorable at the time. The main merit was once again aerodynamics.
The first prototypes were created in 1936, and two years later, serial production was in full swing. In the end, in two series, production reached 3,023 units – of which 1,652 specimens were created after the Second World War. The T87 lasted in production until 1950.
Photo: Mobile.de
Since we are big admirers of the Tatra 87, we regularly monitor whether any appear for sale. And now there is just such a thing. It is a machine from 1947, which is available, for example, through the Mobile.de portal in Slovakia. Unfortunately, the seller does not provide much information about the car, but mentions a complete history and the presence of the original powertrain.
In the photos, the car looks nicely preserved, we can also notice the red interior. The price corresponds to the status of this legendary car, so it is not low. The T87 is for sale for 250,000 euros, i.e. about 6.3 million crowns.
The Tatra 87: A Legend That Just Won’t Die
Ah, the Tatra 87 – a car that looks like it rolled off the set of a 1930s sci-fi movie. With a design that’s so elegant it could be a runway model, this luxury sedan doesn’t just catch the eye; it grabs your attention, demands it, and then probably makes you laugh with its cheeky charm! It’s basically the David Beckham of automobiles – universally adored and effortlessly cool.
Now, let’s talk about aerodynamics. This isn’t just some salty old sedan; it’s a streamlined masterpiece! If you’re unfamiliar with the Tatra 87’s impressive shapes, let me paint you a picture: you step into a world of swooping lines and contours that scream, “I know how to cut through air like a pro.” I’d love to see the folks at Volkswagen back in the day measuring air resistance in a Tatra wind tunnel while wearing lab coats and berets, because nothing says “serious automotive engineering” like a group of people eager to quantify how quickly their car could slice through the wind.
The engineering of the T87 is as clever as a magic trick at a stand-up comedy show. It features a central supporting frame that splits like a Y at the back. It’s like the car is trying to imitate the classic Y-move in dance competitions — “Look at me, I’ve got moves!” And let’s not forget, all wheels are independently suspended. I mean, who needs synchronized suspension when you can have a car that dances to its own tune?
And speaking of tunes, let’s get into that rear-mounted air-cooled engine. It’s got a three-liter forked eight-cylinder engine that sounds like it could outlast the most tenacious karaoke singer at your local pub! With 75 bhp at 3,600 rpm, it might not exactly be a lion roaring, but it’s like a giraffe that’s had its morning coffee—tall and just a bit zippy! That camshaft in the cylinder head? It was like the car version of a hipster beard—way ahead of its time!
Now, here’s the kicker: even with those ‘modest’ specs, the T87 could hit a top speed of 160 km/h. That means it was not just fast; it was ‘I’m-off-to-catch-some-bad-guys!’ fast. Oh, and it managed to do this without guzzling petrol like it was a bottomless margarita. I mean, a mere 12 liters per 100 km? That’s practically like it was sipping on eco-friendly smoothies.
First prototypes appeared way back in 1936, so not only is the Tatra 87 older than most of you millennials, but it’s also one of the few things out there that can claim to have seen the world change before Instagram was even a twinkle in Mark Zuckerberg’s eye. Can you believe they made over 3,000 units of this beauty? You’d need an army of mechanics to keep them all on the road, but at least you’d have fun explaining to your friends why your vintage car is something out of a James Bond movie.
Fast forward to today, there’s one coughing up a cloud of nostalgia on Mobile.de – a 1947 model that’s attempting to seduce its way into your bank account for the not-so-small fee of €250,000. Yep, for that price, it better come with a unicorn and a promise to give you a magic carpet ride! But folks, this beauty has a storied past. The seller claims it has a complete history—unlike that one friend who ‘definitely’ went on a trip to Bali but can’t find any pictures to prove it.
If you’re considering investing in this piece of automotive history, remember: owning a Tatra 87 isn’t just about having an eye-catching car—it’s about making friends with fellow enthusiasts, starting conversations, and, let’s face it, flexing a little in front of your Instagram followers. Plus, with that gorgeous red interior? You’ve just thrown a cherry on top of a classic masterpiece. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement!
So, if you’ve got pockets as deep as the abyss and a love for quirky automobiles, be sure to check this beauty out. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next proud owner of a Tatra 87, able to regale your friends with stories of its aerodynamics while they stare in awe—or perhaps in utter confusion. Either way, it’ll be a fantastic ride!
The Tatra 87, an iconic automobile with roots tracing back to the 1930s, captivates enthusiasts for a multitude of reasons, most notably its groundbreaking design. This luxury sedan distinguishes itself with its extraordinarily impressive shapes, showcasing a pioneering streamlined body that optimizes aerodynamics, setting it apart from its contemporaries.
After World War II, Volkswagen conducted tests in the air tunnel of the Tatra mountains, resulting in an astonishing air resistance coefficient of just 0.36, a feat that underscores the vehicle’s aerodynamic prowess.
The T87 is also a fascinating representation of Tatra’s engineering concepts. Its structure features a central supporting frame that elegantly branches into a Y-shape at the rear, enhancing stability. The design incorporates a rear axle mounted on two pivoting semi-axles, with all wheels benefiting from independent suspension, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience.
The drive unit, ingeniously positioned behind the rear axle, boasts an air-cooled engine that was notably advanced for its time. This three-liter forked eight-cylinder engine utilizes an overhead camshaft (OHC) valve train—technology that was primarily seen in sports cars and would not become commonplace until decades later. This progressive design set the T87 apart from its peers.
With a power output of 75 bhp (55 kW) at 3,600 rpm, the engine’s performance is bolstered by a twin-choke carburettor and is cooled by a pair of radial fans driven by V-belts, distinguishing it within the luxury sedan segment.
Despite its relatively modest power and substantial size, the Tatra 87 achieved impressive speed figures, attributed to its meticulously optimized aerodynamics. It could reach a remarkable top speed of 160 km/h, with sustained speeds around 135 km/h, firmly establishing it as a remarkable performer of its era.
The Tatra 87 was not just the fastest vehicle emerging from Czechoslovakia during its time; it ranked among the swiftest automobiles in the world. Remarkably, it boasted a fuel consumption rate of approximately 12 liters per 100 km, a favorable statistic attributable to its aerodynamic design.
Serial production of the Tatra 87 commenced in 1938, following the development of the first prototypes in 1936. By the time production ceased in 1950, a total of 3,023 units had been manufactured, with 1,652 of those produced after the war, marking a significant legacy for the brand.
Our enthusiasm for the Tatra 87 drives us to keep a vigilant eye on the market for any available models. We recently discovered a 1947 specimen listed for sale on the Mobile.de portal in Slovakia. The seller notes a complete automotive history and the presence of the original powertrain, although specifics remain scarce.
In the listing photographs, the car appears beautifully preserved, showcasing a striking red interior that adds to its allure. The asking price reflects the status of this legendary vehicle—250,000 euros, translating to approximately 6.3 million crowns—underscoring its value in the automotive collectible market.
Tatra t85 for sale
Ke carburettor and is equipped with a pair of radial fans driven by V-belts for effective cooling. Although the horsepower may seem modest by today’s standards, it allowed the Tatra 87 to excel in speed and efficiency due to its superior aerodynamics.
The Tatra 87’s impressive engineering enables it to achieve a top speed of 160 km/h, all while maintaining a favorable fuel consumption rate of approximately 12 liters per 100 km. This remarkable efficiency, coupled with its design, made it not only the fastest Czechoslovakian car during its production years but also one of the fastest cars globally at the time.
First prototyped in 1936, the Tatra 87 began mass production by 1938, ending with an impressive total of 3,023 units produced by 1950—1,652 of these manufactured in the post-war era. This remarkable production history contributes to its status as a cherished classic, representing both a significant technological achievement in automotive design and a nostalgic reminder of an era gone by.
Currently, this iconic vehicle is attracting attention in the modern market, with a 1947 model listed for sale on the Mobile.de portal for €250,000 (around 6.3 million crowns). Given its unique historical significance and aesthetic appeal, the asking price reflects the Tatra 87’s legendary status and the passion it inspires among collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike.
If you’re looking to own a piece of automotive heritage that combines striking design, innovative engineering, and a rich history, the Tatra 87 awaits. It’s more than just a car—it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and a testament to the evolution of automotive excellence.
