Tatra Tatraplan T600

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

A milestone in automotive design, the futuristic Czech-made Tatraplan was one of the first truly aerodynamic cars to be made and was heavily influenced by aviation technology (particularly the methods used to construct the Zeppelin airship) and by pioneering research conducted by the Hungarian aerodynamicist, Paul Jaray, in the 1920s.

Largely designed by Tatra’s chief engineer, Austrian-born Hans Ledwinka, it had a slippery teardrop form with a smooth underside and a prominent dorsal fin that allowed it to cut through the air far more efficiently than any other cars of the era. Other innovations included a self-supporting steel monocoque body (years ahead of its time), a rear mounted air-cooled engine and fully independent suspension.

The efficient short-stroke all-aluminium flat-four air-cooled 2-litre engine was able to push the car along at up to 80mph on just 52bhp, testament to the low drag coefficient of just 0.32. Entering production in 1948, it quickly cemented its credentials by winning numerous rallies, including taking the first four places in the 1949 Austrian Alpenfahrt. In production until early 1953, it sold steadily despite a high price tag of £1,000 with 6,342 produced in total, of which about a third were exported to 22 different countries (including the RHD Australian market) although none were officially sold in the UK.

This LHD car, registered in 1952, is one of 184 sold new in Sweden and was imported from there to the UK by the vendor in 2010. There is very little specific history but it is known that the Tatra has had seven previous keepers and comes with a 90-page owner’s handbook in English and a nice photo of a previous owner with the car in the 50s or 60s.

Mechanically the car is said to be in pretty good shape and it runs and drives although it has not been out on the road yet - the engine has just had £1,000 spent on it with specialist Tim Bishop of Connaught Green Motors and the twin carburettors have also been overhauled although further fine tuning may be required. The brakes work but are probably not up to MOT standard.

The green paint comes up well with a wash and while obviously not original, is perfectly presentable overall although there is some micro blistering on top of the front wings. The brightwork is past its best and some of the door and window rubbers are either dried out or missing although there are some new ones among the spares package that accompanies the vehicle. Inside, the Tatra needs a headlining (again, a new one is included) and the original green cloth seats with matching door cards are serviceable but quite worn and a retrim would probably work wonders.

In basically sound condition and believed to be complete, this is a straightforward restoration project that should amply reward the fine tuning and detailing that it now requires. Incredibly rare and equally fascinating, it would make a fine addition to any collection.

For much more detailed information about the history of the Tatraplan, its development and marketing, see www.tatraplan.co.uk