Tatra 603 1968

Ladies and gentlemen, today we're going to explore the fascinating history of Tatra, a Czech automobile manufacturer that can lay claim to being one of the most innovative and influential in the industry. Tatra is often associated with the early development of the Volkswagen Beetle, and we'll get to that in a moment.

Tatra's story begins in the late 19th century when it started as a manufacturer of horse-drawn carriages. But it was in the early 20th century that Tatra made its mark in the automotive world with innovative designs and engineering prowess.

One of Tatra's most significant contributions to automotive history came in the form of the Tatra 11, introduced in 1923. It was a small car with a rear-mounted air-cooled engine – a layout that would later become a hallmark of the Volkswagen Beetle.

Fast forward to the 1930s, and Tatra introduced the Tatra 77, a groundbreaking car that was not only aerodynamically advanced but also featured a rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 engine. This design influenced several future car models, including the aforementioned Volkswagen Beetle.

Speaking of the Beetle, here's where Tatra's story intersects with Volkswagen. Tatra's chief engineer, Hans Ledwinka, had developed several rear-engine, air-cooled cars, including the Tatra V570 and Tatra V800. These designs were undoubtedly influential on Ferdinand Porsche, who later designed the VW Beetle.

Tatra, believing that the Volkswagen Beetle resembled their own designs too closely, filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen in the 1960s, seeking compensation for patent infringement. This legal battle earned the nickname "Nazi killer" because it challenged the origins of the iconic Beetle. The lawsuit eventually led to a settlement, with Volkswagen agreeing to pay Tatra.

Aside from its role in the Beetle's history, Tatra produced a series of notable vehicles. The Tatra 87, for instance, was a streamlined luxury car in the late 1930s that could reach remarkable speeds for its time. It was nicknamed the "Czech Secret Weapon" due to its handling in SS officers hands on autobahn. Also see: https://www.classicdigest.com/readers-stories/Andreas/720

Tatra continued to produce innovative cars during and after World War II, including the Tatra 600 and Tatra 603, both featuring distinctive styling and rear-mounted V8 engines.

In summary, Tatra is a manufacturer that deserves recognition for its pioneering spirit and innovative designs. While it may not have become a household name like some other automakers, Tatra's contributions to automotive history, including its involvement in the early development of the Volkswagen Beetle, are undoubtedly significant.