Beautifully Restored Tatra T77 Shows Revolutionary Aerodynamic Body in All Its Glory

This fascinating car from the pre-war era quickly became the car of choice for the European elite, and it is still seen, to this day, as one of the most influential vehicles of the 20th century. The car’s design was the brainchild of engineer Hans Ledwinka, who was known for his innovative and bold designs, with input from his son Erich and German Erich Überlacker and a helping hand from Zeppelin designer aerodynamicist Paul Jaray.

It featured a rear-mounted air-cooled engine, independent suspension, and an advanced four-speed gearbox, and it was built in limited numbers by Tatra of Czechoslovakia between 1934 and 1936. Only 106 T77 units were ever produced, to be more exact, one of which you can see in the gallery attached to this article.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the T77 is its aerodynamic body, designed to reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency. The sleek vehicle boasts a surprisingly low-drag bodywork shaped in a wind tunnel with a fin on the engine’s cover at the back, making it look like a glossy fish car from the future.

At the time, it was the world’s most aerodynamically advanced vehicle, with a reported drag coefficient figure of 0.245 for the 1:5 scale model. For some perspective, know that most conventionally bodied cars during the 1930s had drag coefficients that exceeded 0.5. Even that fin on the back had a purpose beyond aesthetics - it increased lateral stability under high speeds.

Another innovative feature of the T77 was its rear-mounted air-cooled engine. This setup helped reduce the automobile’s overall weight and improve its balance. Despite the relatively small 2.97-liter V8 mill, the T77 provided plenty of power. It was capable of 59 hp and allowed the Tatra to achieve speeds of over 90 mph (145 kph), which was an impressive performance back in the pre-war days.

The remarkable aerodynamic shape and the rear-engine layout remained a Tatra staple for many years. Even the last Tatra production car, the Tatra 700, was still fitted with an air-cooled V8 engine mounted behind the rear axle.

Given the low production numbers, the Tatra T77 is now an extremely rare vehicle and highly sought-after by collectors. More so, considering only five restored and drivable T77s are known to still be in existence today.

The stunning example you see here is one of those five, and it’s in remarkably good condition inside and out. That’s because it has benefitted from a full restoration to return it to its former glory, which was completed in 2022. As it turns out, the rebuild began in 2012, and no expenses were spared during the decade-long process, which was also documented on a dedicated website (Million-Dollar-Tatra.com). If you’re interested in the actual numbers, know that the total cost exceeded $1 million.

While the Tatra’s ash wood framing was found in an advanced state of decay and needed replacement, the sheet metal is said to have been largely free from corrosion. A French artisan took care of rebuilding the rotten ash wood framing, and they saved as much of the original framework as possible. The car’s original large Webasto sunroof was replaced with a solid roof, and new front and rear bumpers were fitted, as the original ones were missing.

The T77’s exterior was painted a dark blue shade, while the interior was refurbished in period-correct gray leather. The ivory instrumentation combined with the walnut-trimmed dashboard gives a rich finish to the interior of the car.

The restoration didn’t focus only on the cosmetic details, though. The T77 also benefitted from an equally-detailed mechanical overhaul. The original air-cooled V8 was completely rebuilt, and the components that were beyond repair were replaced with new ones fabricated to the original factory specifications.

Now, some of you might be curious about the history of this particular unit and whose hands it went through. Count Jaromír Egon Czernin-Morzin is listed as the first owner of this Tatra T77, the ninth production chassis completed. No details are known about the car’s whereabouts during and after World War II, but it’s believed it was driven until the mid-1970s. A German enthusiast bought it in 2005 after it had spent several decades in a barn in Slovakia. The current owner purchased it in 2007 and shipped it to the United States.

This impeccable 1934 Tatra T77, currently located on Amelia Island, Florida, is set to roll across the auction block at the beginning of March, so get ready to open your pockets if you dream of adding this historically significant car to your stable.