Sunday, 20 September 2020

Tatra T77 - Six Seater Rear Engine Streamlined Car with Jaray Bodwork at the Prague Motor Show


The 1935 ATK Automobiltechnische Zeitschrift, volume 3 (pg 78) featured a write up on the new Tatra T77a.

From the completely streamlined front, to the air-cooled three-litre eight-cylinder engine in the rear, the new Tatra conveniently provides seating for 6 people by using the full width of the car. Between the rear seats and the engine compartment is a roomy trunk. In the space between the front wheels there are two spare wheels, the battery, tools and spare parts. The streamlined windshield with wide, sloping front windows rises organically out of the streamlined body, that includes the fenders. The roof is so narrow that the side windows slope inwards, avoiding any reflection. The visibility that is thus created is almost equivalent to that of an open car, because the occupants have a completely clear view on all sides. Entry into the car for passengers is simple as they do need to any higher than a normal step.

The three-liter engine, which has 65 brake horsepower, gives the car, occupied by 5 people, a top speed of around 150 km/h. An average speed of 90 km/h can easily be achieved on suitable roads. The fuel consumption is only 14 liters per 100 km. In other words: thanks to the low aerodynamic drag of its Jaray designed body, this six-seater car consumes no more fuel than a four-seater standard sedan with a two-liter motor, despite its three-liter engine, and at a much higher top and cruising speed: full proof of the superiority of the properly built streamlined car.