1936 Tatra T87

222328roadCzechoslovakia

Engine: 2.5L air-cooled V8, single overhead cam per bank, 94 bhp

The Tatra T87, introduced in 1936 and produced until 1950, is a landmark of pre-war automotive engineering conceived by Hans Ledwinka. Its fully monocoque body, rear-mounted air-cooled V-8 engine, and aerodynamic form were radical for the era and are credited with influencing the Volkswagen Beetle. This example was acquired in Germany in driving and complete condition, and subsequently underwent a thorough restoration near Friedrichshafen that included full body stripping and refinishing, complete structural woodwork replacement, and a new leather interior.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold €115,000 (≈ $127K)
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
Date unknownPrivate sale
Current vendor
partial documentation
Purchased in Germany while reportedly complete and roadworthy. Had the car restored by a restorer named Drescher near Friedrichshafen; the car was featured in a German automotive magazine prior to restoration work beginning.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

—Restoration
Mr Drescher (near Friedrichshafen)
Comprehensive restoration carried out in Germany: all structural timber replaced, bodywork fully stripped and repainted to a high standard with expert panel work, and the interior retrimmed in fresh leather throughout. The optional sliding sunroof was retained.
Work was performed after the car appeared in the January 2014 German Octane magazine feature.

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