A Futuristic Mid-Size Car That Met an Untimely End » Design You Trust

The Tatra 97, or T97, was a mid-dimensions car or truck constructed by Tatra in Kopřivnice, Moravia from 1936 to 1939. Regardless of its futuristic design and special functions, only all-around 500 units had been created. Sadly, the car’s creation came to an abrupt end due to the outbreak of the Second World War, specially the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany.

h/t: vintag.es

The T97 was built to complement Tatra’s two total-measurement cars, the Tatra 77 and Tatra 87, which had been introduced in 1934 and 1936, respectively. All 3 versions experienced air-cooled rear engines and shared very similar aerodynamic fastback 4-doorway sedan bodies. Nevertheless, the T97 had a flat-4 engine rather of the substantial V8 engines utilized in the T77 and T87. The T97 was also characterised by two headlights and a 1-piece windscreen, while the T77 and T87 had a few headlights and a a few-piece windscreen. With its 1,759 cc flat-four engine, the T97 could create 40 horsepower (30 kW) and get to a prime speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).

Tatra by now experienced a mid-sizing motor vehicle in the exact class, the additional traditional Tatra 75 that it experienced introduced in 1933. Irrespective of this, Tatra continued to produce the Sort 75 alongside the futuristic Type 97. Curiously, the Style 75 outlived the Sort 97 and remained in manufacturing right up until 1942.

The Tatra 97 was a one of a kind and ahead-imagining automobile that showcased the company’s perseverance to innovation and design and style. It is a shame that it did not get a chance to prosper, but its legacy lives on as a reminder of Tatra’s contribution to the automotive business.