Tatra 87 (1936)Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tatra 87

1936 — Czechoslovakia

Pre-War (before 1946)Other EuropeanCommunist Era Cars
Engine2,968 cc
DrivetrainRWD

Tatra 87

The Tatra 87 stood as one of the most advanced automobiles of the pre-war era, featuring breathtaking streamlined aerodynamics with a drag coefficient unmatched until the 1980s. Designed by Hans Ledwinka, it utilized a rear-mounted air-cooled V8 engine and central tubular backbone chassis that influenced countless later designs. The distinctive dorsal fin integrated the rear engine cooling vent into the bodywork, creating an iconic silhouette. Despite its pre-war origins, production continued into the post-war period, cementing Tatra's reputation for innovative engineering and unconventional design solutions.