The Tatra 97, also known as T97, was a mid-size car manufactured by Tatra in KopÅ™ivnice, Moravia from 1936 to 1939. Despite its innovative design and distinctive features, only about 500 units were produced. Unfortunately, the car’s production was abruptly halted by the outbreak of the Second World War, specifically the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany.
h/t: vintag.es
The T97 was designed to complement Tatra’s two full-size cars, the Tatra 77 and Tatra 87, launched in 1934 and 1936. All three models had air-cooled rear engines and shared similar aerodynamic fastback four-door sedan bodies. However, the T97 had a flat-four engine instead of the large V8 engines used in the T77 and T87. It also featured two headlights and a one-piece windscreen, while the T77 and T87 had three headlights and a three-piece windscreen. With its 1,759 cc flat-four engine, the T97 could generate 40 horsepower (30 kW) and reach a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).
Tatra already had a mid-size car in the same class, the conventional Tatra 75, launched in 1933. Despite this, Tatra continued to produce the Type 75 alongside the futuristic Type 97. Interestingly, the Type 75 outlived the Type 97 and remained in production until 1942.
The Tatra 97 was an innovative vehicle that demonstrated the company’s commitment to design and innovation. It is unfortunate that it did not have the opportunity to succeed, but its legacy remains as a testament to Tatra’s contribution to the automotive industry.
