Vehicles

Tatra 87, 1937 Designer: Hans Ledwinka Silver grey laquered metal L. 474 cm, w. 167 cm, h. 150 cm Made by Tatra Werke, Nesselsdorf, Czechoslovakia (1938) Restored by Ecorra, Koprivnica (Nesselsdorf), Czech Republic No other car manufacturer realized the streamlined form in mass-produced vehicles as radically as the Czechoslovak company Tatra in Nesselsdorf (Koprivnica).Under the direction of the Austrian designer Hans Ledwinka this unusual vehicle was designed on the basis of developments by Paul Jaray, a pioneer in aerodynamics. Its avant-garde streamlined form left its decisive mark on the history of modern design. Characteristic for the Tatra 87, which in contrast to the preceding model Tatra 77 was given an all-metal body, are the short front hood, the long drawn-out rear, air scoops situated between roof and hood and opening towards the front, side windwos inclined towards the interior, as well as the three piece windshield. The rear with its dorsal fin was considered sensational, the absent rear window showing the form to its best advantage (a rear view was possible through the ventilation slits in the back hood).The drag coefficient of this consequently, aerodynamically designed body is not even remotely approached by many of today's vehicles. In the history of automotive design, which is certainly not lacking in variety, the Tatra 87 is a nearly unique manifestation. Hans Ledwinka 1878 Klosterneuburg, Austria - 1967 Munich Studied at the 'Technische Fachschule für Maschinenbau' in Vienna. As of 1897 employed at the Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau Fabriks-Gesellschaft (later called: Tatra-Werke). 1905-1945 technical director of the company. Moved to Munich in 1954 after being a prisoner of war for many years.