*** This car will be offered at the 2012 Motorclassica Auction to be held in Melbourne on Sunday 28th October 2012 ***
1948 Tatra T87 Aerodynamic Limousine
Chassis number 3480332
Known today as a manufacturer of all wheel drive trucks and lorries, the Czech company Tatra is one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world. Its first passenger car was introduced in 1897 from what is the oldest vehicle factory in Central Europe and the second oldest in the world, though the Tatra name did not appear until 1919. It was in the 1930s and 1940s that Tatra was at the peak of its powers producing a range of aerodynamically streamlined luxury limousines that reached it apotheosis with the T87. As The Autocar Magazine said of one of its forerunners in 1935 it is, “A design of great interest embodying in principle the ideals of many designers.”
This 1948 Tatra T87 is one of the very first cars from the later production period of 1948 – 1950 and is a very fine example of what is a most rare vehicle. This car was found in Slovakia in 2000 and was purchased and then imported to Australia in 2002 by its current owner. This T87 was then subject to a US concours standard restoration by Sleeping Beauties of Brisbane, Queensland, a company renowned for exhibiting high quality restored cars at Pebble Beach. It is believed to be one of only a handful of T87s built with a T603 2.5 litre V8 engine and a sunroof. Accompanying the car is another original 3.0 litre T87 engine that was sourced during the restoration period before it was appreciated that the T603 was indeed its original power source. Whilst now an older restoration the car has travelled very few miles since the restoration was complete and it still presents fabulously today. This iconic vehicle is ready for presentation at major motoring events around the world. Jay Leno has one in his collection and rates it one of his most favourite cars!
Estimate AUS $240,000 – 260,000
Specifications
Engine: 2.5 litre air cooled alloy V8
Transmission: 4 speed manual
Highlights
Restoration by Sleeping Beauties
Believed one of a handful built with the later T603 engine and a sunroof
Icon of industrial design by Hans Ledwinka
Scientific aerodynamic design
http://www.oldtimeraustralia.com/wp_car_dealer/tatra-t87-aerodynamic-limousine/