1946 Tatra T87 Saloon Limousine

• Landmark of passenger car aerodynamics
• Imported from Czechoslovakia into Germany and then to the UK in 1990
• Restored in the late 1990s
• Numerous upgrades

The name of Tatra is forever linked with that of Hans Ledwinka, one of the most original engineers ever to turn his attention to automobile design. Tatra's chief engineer, Ledwinka began experimenting with the application of low-drag aerodynamics to passenger car design in the early 1930s in collaboration with his colleague Erich Übelacker and Zeppelin aerodynamicist, Paul Jaray.

In 1934 the first of Tatra's 'aerodynes' appeared; this was the T77, the world's first series-produced car designed with aerodynamic efficiency as the foremost consideration. Tatra's advertising hailed it as 'the car of the future', and when compared with its contemporaries the T77 must have looked like it had come from another planet. Just as advanced beneath its streamlined skin, the T77 featured Ledwinka's trademark, independently-suspended backbone chassis and was powered by a 3.0-litre air-cooled V8 engine mounted at the rear, while the extensive use of magnesium alloy for the engine, gearbox, suspension and body kept the weight down to 1,700kg (3,700lb). Although its 60bhp engine was relatively modest in output for a large, six-seater luxury car, the T77's staggeringly low drag coefficient of around 0.21 meant that it was still capable of reaching 145km/h (90mph). A conventional car would have required twice as much power. In 1934 the T77 was superseded by the T77A, which benefited from a 3.4-litre engine and higher (150km/h) top speed.

Although the T77 was fast, economical and comfortable, the handling had sometimes come in for criticism. Introduced in 1936, Ledwinka's response was the T87, which was both shorter and lighter than the T77. Powered by a 3.0-litre V8, the T87 was good for a top speed of 160km/h (100mph). The model resumed production after WW2 and was produced up to 1950, by which time a little over 3,000 had been sold.

This T87 comes with German documents dating from 1983 when it was imported into Munich from Czechoslovakia by a Herr Hansa. In 1990 the car was sold to the UK and owned by one Russell McLeave. The current owner acquired the Tatra in 1995 and completed its restoration. The car was finally registered and MoT'd on 10th April 2003. Our vendor advises us that the wheels are not standard and that upgrades include disc brakes, alternator electrics, and the carburettor from a 3-litre Ford (all original parts and numerous spares are available, buyer collects). Offered with a V5C document, this wonderful Tatra is described as in good condition throughout, starting and running well.