Tatra T12 Truck- 1927

Hans Ledwinka was one of the most original and logical thinkers ever to work in the motor industry. He believed the automobile was destined to become an object of everyday use to modern man. His creations in such varied areas as engine design, frame and structures, suspension systems, and aerodynamics attracted worldwide attention. He created the first Steyr car in 1918. By 1921, he was the chief engineer at Tatra. He designed the Tatra T11 which was the first car constructed from the start as a Tatra. The T11 was replaced by the evolutionary T12 which you see here. The T12 was designed as a “people’s car.” For its time, it was robust and reasonably fast. It has independent rear suspension along with a central backbone frame. This made the T12 very tough and durable which was an important feature at that time.