Tatra
T77 (first series)

Why it matters

The Tatra T77 was one of the first series-built streamlined cars, combining a rear-mounted air-cooled V8 with a body shaped by aerodynamic research (a scale model measured a drag coefficient of 0.245). It strongly influenced later rear-engined designs. Only 106 first-series T77s, including pre-production chassis, were completed before the T77A.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

Designed mainly by Hans Ledwinka and Erich Übelacker with input from Paul Jaray, the T77 followed a prototype of spring 1933 and was built from 1934 until the T77A replaced it in 1936. Its 2,970 cc air-cooled V8 sat behind the rear axle and produced 60 hp, driving through a four-speed gearbox to swing-axle rear suspension on a central backbone platform. The period brochure claimed 150 km/h, and the base price was 98,000 Kč; about 250 T77s and T77As were made in total.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

The first-series T77 has a 2,970 cc engine (75 mm bore) and two main headlamps; the T77A has a 3,376 cc engine, a third central headlamp in the nose, a twin carburettor, an oil cooler and a longer body (5,400 mm versus 5,150 mm).

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   1934 Tatra T77 | Amelia Island 2023 | RM Sotheby's Level B

   • 106 T77 examples 1934–1936 incl. pre-production chassis (T77+T77A approx. 250)

   Accessed 2026-11-11
2. 2
   1934 Tatra T77 Level B RM Sotheby's

   • rear-mounted, air-cooled V-8

   Accessed 2026-11-12
3. 3
   Tatra 77: aerodynamická senzace Level C Automobil Revue

   • vzduchem chlazený osmiválec do V 90°
   • 2970 cm3
   • s rozvodem OHC
   • 60 k (44 kW) při 3500 min-1
   • při 3500 min-1
   • čtyřstupňová převodovka
   • centrální páteřový nosník čtyřhranného průřezu
   • výkyvné polonápravy, horní příčné listové pero
   • Rozvor 3150 mm
   • délka 5150 mm
   • šířka 1700 mm
   • výška 1520 mm
   • Pohotovostní hmotnost kolem 1750 kg
   • maximální rychlosti 150 km/h (dobový prospekt)
   • palivová nádrž 80 l

   Accessed 2026-11-12