Rare Tatra 87 Listed for Seven Million Crowns
A rare post-war Tatra 87 produced in 1948 has been listed for sale on the Rájveteránů.cz portal with an asking price of 7 million crowns. The streamlined luxury sedan represents a rare market appearance for the Czechoslovak classic, which finished its total production run of 3,023 vehicles in 1950. The vehicle on offer underwent a restoration in 2007 by the Czech restoration firm Ecorra.
Air-cooled V8 engine drives aerodynamic body
The Tatra 87 features an aerodynamic body built around a central backbone chassis that splits into a Y-shape at the rear. All four wheels feature independent suspension paired with swing axles at the rear. Power comes from an air-cooled, 3.0-liter V8 engine mounted behind the rear axle. The engine generates 75 horsepower (55 kW) at 3,600 rpm. During its production era, the vehicle achieved a top speed of 160 km/h with a sustained cruising speed of 135 km/h, making it the fastest Czechoslovak car of its time and among the fastest globally.
The Diplomat Post-War Era
After 1948, the Tatra 87 could no longer be commonly bought for private ownership. The vehicles were allocated primarily to government ministries, state institutions, and diplomatic missions, which earned the post-war variants the nickname “Diplomat.” Post-war models featured a redesigned front fascia incorporating three recessed headlights. The central headlight could pivot, controlled either by a dashboard switch or, as an optional extra, linked directly to the steering wheel.
Production History and Market Valuation
Production of the Tatra 87 began in 1938 following prototype development that started in 1936. Out of the 3,023 total units manufactured across two production series, 1,652 cars left the factory after the end of the Second World War. Surviving examples command high prices among collectors. The specific history of the 1948 vehicle currently listed on Rájveteránů.cz remains largely undocumented beyond its 2007 restoration records.
How many Tatra 87 vehicles were built?
How many Tatra 87 vehicles were built in total?
Manufacturers produced a total of 3,023 Tatra 87 vehicles across two distinct production series between 1938 and 1950.
What modifications distinguish the post-war Tatra 87 models?
Post-war models feature a revised front end with three recessed headlights, new fenders, and updated bumpers, alongside the state allocation restrictions that earned them the “Diplomat” moniker.
Who performed the restoration on the 1948 model listed for sale?
The Czech company Ecorra completed a restoration on the vehicle in 2007.
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