1941 Tatra T87 Aerodynamic Saloon

The Czech firm of Tatra is one of Europe's oldest car makers with a history that dates back to 1850. In the pre-war era, their T87 model was one of the most advanced cars for its time, combining streamlining with a radical layout that heavily influenced Dr. Ferdinand Porsche's design of the Volkswagen Beetle. The similarities were so profound that Tatra subsequently sued the German company for infringing 11 different patents.

Design features unique to the Tatra include the 'cyclops' third headlamp, rear fin, and full unibody construction with belly pan. These, along with its other aerodynamic features, allowed the T87 to nearly reach 100 mph. Power was from a rear-mounted 2.9-liter magnesium alloy, air-cooled overhead cam V8 that offered 85 horsepower. The suspension was fully independent, with hydraulic brakes.

Between 1936 and 1950, just over 3,000 examples were built. Though advanced for its time, sales were sluggish.

The late Martin Swig acquired this T87 after using it on a rally in the Czech Republic in the early 2000s. The car wears an older restoration that was done in the Czech Republic.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge Sale in Carmel, CA presented by Bonhams Auction. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $280,000, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012