Classic Cars: Tatra T87 Nazi Killer

The distinctive fin and aerodynamic body of the T87.

Today, Czech design is renowned for its retro cool. Cubism, Bauhaus and Art Deco have all left indelible marks on the country from its architecture to its interior design. These artistic movements did not simply die out in the early 20th century, but have left a lasting impression on Czech culture. Similarly, a little-known car brand named Tatra, developed a luxury car that was far ahead of its time in Czechoslovakia in 1938: the Tatra T87.

So what's special about the T87? Well, today it is a collectors item for car enthusiasts the world over. Owners include British architect Norman Foster and veteran US comedian Jay Leno. The latter has an extensive collection of classic cars. He recently presented his dark green T87 in a 30 minute video on his YouTube channel Jay Leno's Garage.

Jay Leno presenting his T87.

For those interested in either cars, history, design, engineering or even US automobile culture it is well worth watching. Leno, somewhat of a relic himself, provides an entertaining yet highly informative and detailed look at the T87 and its history.

After the Nazis took over Czechoslovakia in WWII, top SS officers requisitioned the luxury car for their own personal use. However, it was unusually fast for the time with a top speed of 100mph. Moreover, the car needed some practice to drive well as the rear-mounted engine made the car back heavy. Several high ranking officers came to their demise as they spun out of control when leaving the autobahn. The car became a hero and legend has it that it killed more Germans than the whole Czechoslovak army.

During Leno's presentation we learn that the chief engineer behind the car was Hans Ledwinka (erroneously referred to as 'Winkler' by Leno). This brilliant engineer, we are told, provided many of the ideas that were taken up by a certain Ferdinand Porsche. Tatra went on to win damages from Volkswagen after the war for stealing design secrets. However, Ledwinka himself died virtually penniless in 1967.

The most distinctive feature of the car is it's aerodynamic shape and the large wind fin on the back. Aerodynamics was taking off as a new science at the time and pioneering aerodynamicist Paul Jaray who helped develop the Zeppelin airship worked directly on the T87. Remarkably, as we see in Leno's video, the underside of the car is completely streamlined too, with barely a nook or a cranny for any extra air friction to cause drag. This car flies like the wind. 

Watch the video above to learn more and see the car in action.