Tatra T57b- 1938

In 1931, Tatra introduced the T57 model, with air-cooled, 4 cylinder, overhead valve engines placed in the front. The T57 was one of Tatra’s most popular models and remained in production until after World War II. The example shown here is a T57b. It was produced in various body styles. The T57 was nicknamed “Hadimrška” which means “swift little lizard.” The T57 was produced concurrently with the T97 and T87 to the right of this vehicle. While the T87 with its V-8 engine and streamlined body was Tatra’s premier offering, the T57 was a more economical car for the masses. It lacked the top speed and braking performance (because the brakes are mechanical) of the streamlined T87 model. Consequently, the T57 was produced in large volume–26,540 models.