Curves of steel: Sleek, slick and aerodynamic

The Czechoslovakian-built Tatra T77, precursor of this car, was unveiled in Berlin in 1934. In many ways, it presaged the Volkswagen Beetle with its air-cooled rear-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration and short, sloping hood. (It is said that Tatra designer Hans Ledwinka discussed many of the car's particulars with Ferdinand Porsche, designer of the cars that became the Beetle.) But the T77 and T87 were anything but "people's cars." They were fairly expensive automobiles for their day.

The Tatra's aerodynamic design allowed maximum performance from the car's air-cooled engine. Despite power output of only 75 horsepower, the T87 could reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Unfortunately, the Tatra was badly imbalanced. With most of its weight in the rear, the Tatra's tailfin could only do so much to insure stability. The car's tendency to fishtail in fast turns proved fatal to many drivers.