Tatra T97- 1938

Design of the T97 was finalized by Erich Ledwinka, one of Hans Ledwinka’s sons, and was developed alongside the T87. It was in effect a slightly scaled down version of the T87 and was almost identical in style. The most obvious styling difference between the two models is the lack of the sixth window on each side of the T97. Unlike its larger sibling, the T97’s front windshield is a single flat pane of glass and it lacks the third front headlight.

The T97 is built on a self-supporting pressed steel platform with a central tube for added strength. With a rear mounted 4-cylinder engine, the T97 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 T87, the car still had great road handling and ride. After the outbreak of World War II in 1939, production of the T97 was halted due to the occupying German army taking over Czechoslovakian vehicle production. Only 508 examples of the T97 were produced between 1936 and 1939.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Zavody Ringhoffer–Tatra Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia
Drivetrain Configuration: Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4-cylinder, air-cooled, 1749cc,40 HP
Transmission: 4-speed manual plus reverse
Top speed: 125 km/h (78 mph)
Years Produced: 1936-1939
Number Produced: 508
Cost: —