Tatra T-77A (1938)

Tatra T-77A (1938). Made in Czechoslovakia.

Tatra was known for building high quality cars with innovative engineering. The Tatra T-77 was designed by Hans Ledwinka and Paul Jaray. Ledwinka was Tatra's chief designer and specialized in developing rear engine cars. Jaray specialized in aerodynamic styling. He designed aircraft and zeppelins. The T-77 was the first successful streamlined car to be marketed to the public. It had a drag coefficient of 0.24. The car came with a fully enclosed undercarriage to improve aerodynamics. The center light is geared to turn with the front wheels as the car is steered. To save weight, magnesium was used for the engine block, the transmission, parts in the suspension, and various body components. The weight of the car was about 4000 lbs. During development, the car was prone to wobble at high speed. The dorsal fin was added to stabilize the car.

The Tatra T-77A used a rear-mounted 3.4L, 16 valve, OHV, V-8 motor capable of 75HP which was hooked up to a 4-speed manual transmission. Top speed was 93 MPH.

The Tatra T-77 was known as the "Czechoslovakian Secret Weapon". During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia during WWII, Tatra T-77's and T-87's were very appealing to Nazi officers. These cars were fast and powerful (for the time). As a result, many of these cars were commandeered by high ranking Nazi officers. Although the cars were fast, they were difficult to control in corners due to the awkward weight distribution from the big rear mounted engine. It has been said that more high ranking Nazi officers were killed driving Tatra's and in in combat.


Below is a link to an article about the Tatra T77A.

The Tatra 77a Was A Czech 'Secret Weapon' Because It Was So Good At Killing Nazis

jalopnik.com/the-tatra-77a-was-a-czech-secret-weapon-because-it-was-1826228447?fbclid=IwAR0A2NfC1hhvYdlBtwmLzrS0mO7tdXOcjL6zQG3UKT48DPf6qrq_wUBNkkU