The Tatra 97 (T97) is a Czechoslovak mid-size car built by Tatra in Kopřivnice, Moravia, from 1936 to 1939. The Tatra 97 was designed to complement two full-size cars in the Tatra range: the Tatra 77 launched in 1934 [2] and the Tatra 87 launched in 1936 [3] along with the Type 97.

Feb 18, 2023 · The Tatra T97 was probably the most influential car that no one has heard of. From its beginnings in the aerodynamics of Zeppelin airships the Tatra was the result of the application of rational thought. But how did the goats of the Tatra mountains influence the design, and why did the car later become known as the “Nazi killer”?

The Tatra 97 featured a streamlined, aerodynamic design that was cost-efficient yet luxurious. Its rear-mounted engine and unibody construction were innovations that set it apart from other vehicles of its time.

The Tatra line of streamlined cars debuted on March 5, 1934 with the debut of the T-77, followed by the T-77a and the T-87. Introduced in 1936, the Tatra T-97 concept has possible roots in sketches of Hungarian engineer Béla Barényi.

The Tatra 97, or T97, was a mid-size car built by Tatra in Kopřivnice, Moravia from 1936 to 1939. Despite its futuristic design and unique features, only around 500 units were produced. Unfortunately, the car's production came to an abrupt end due to the outbreak of the Second World War, specificall

With a rear mounted 4-cylinder engine, the T-97 could cruise easily at 68 mph with a maximum speed of 78 mph. These figures are most impressive for the late 1930s and speak volumes of the aerodynamic efficiency in the car’s design. Much like the larger T-87, the car still had great road handling and ride.

Due to the car's aerodynamic efficiency, the T97 could cruise easily at 68 mph with a maximum speed of around 80 mph. It had a four-speed manual transmission, a pressed steel platform with a central tube for added rigidity, a width of 63.4 inches, and stood 57.1 inches tall.

Tatra was arguably the first production car to take advantage of effective streamlining. The T97 used a horizontally opposed, rear-mounted, four cylinder engine with a rigid backbone chassis, four-wheel independent suspension and hydraulic drum brakes.

Feb 19, 2025 · Jeff Lane's 1938 Tatra T97 is a unique and historically significant automobile, reflecting the innovative engineering and distinctive design features of its time. As one of the last cars produced by Tatra before World War II, the T97 showcases the aerodynamic principles championed by renowned Czech engineer Hans Ledwinka.

Jan 29, 2025 · The T97 has an impressive drag coefficient of just 0,36, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars of its time, despite the bulging ‘frog eye’ headlamps. Full rear wheelarch spats help smooth the air flow past the car.