Tatra 77

Tatra 77

The Tatra 77 is a car model of the then Czechoslovak and Czech manufacturer Tatra today the luxury class. It was produced from 1934 to 1938 in two series and was the first mass-produced automobile whose body was constructed with according to the findings of aerodynamics and tested in a wind tunnel. The drag coefficient (Cd ) of 0.245 for a 1:5 scale model, 0:38 77a for the Tatra 77 and 0:33 for the Tatra at that time were very small for motor vehicles. Successor was the 1936 to two years in parallel built much more modern and faster type 87

  • 3.1 Type 77 Year of manufacture 1934-1935
  • 3.2 Type A 77 Year of construction 1935-1938

History

Prehistory

In 1931 began at Tatra after experiments with the small prototype of a rear engine car 570 V in great secrecy, the development of new large and luxurious cars with low air resistance. For this, the second version of the V 570 1933 received a first - limited - streamlined body, in which oriented further work. The prototype of the type 77 was the first car from which a model was tested in a wind tunnel, with the aid had been previously improved the shape of airplanes and airships. The intellectual fathers of this and a number of other Tatra cars of the same design were Hans Ledwinka as chief designer of the house for the technology and engineer Erich Übelacker for the streamlined body. The design of the body is based largely on the ideas and insights of the Hungarian engineer and aerodynamicist Paul Jaray.

Type 77

The Tatra 77 was launched on March 4, 1934 on the Prague Auto Show the public. In the same month, production started. It was the first series-produced streamlined automobile in the world and its appearance on the car market was a sensation. Since the car is low and the car floor should be as smooth as possible, the engine was placed in the rear, causing the usual in conventional transmission tunnel construction was no longer necessary with the exhaust pipe. The typical Tatra central support tube was maintained. A characteristic feature was the vertical rear center fin, which should compensate for the effects of crosswinds on the light front of the car to improve straight-line stability. The T 77 was powered by an air-cooled V8 engine in the rear with 2969 cc ( 75 mm bore, 84 mm stroke), a compression ratio of 5.3:1, overhead camshafts and an output of 60 hp ( 44 kW) at 3500 rpm. About a partially synchronized four-speed transmission, the power was transferred to the rear wheels. Housing parts of motor and gear composed of a magnesium alloy. All wheels were suspended individually in front by double wishbones, the rear of a swing axle. Both axles had transverse leaf springs. Front and rear there was hydraulically operated drum brakes. The top speed was 145 km / h Until 1935 101 pieces of these cars were built.

Type 77 A

In 1935 he was further developed into the type A 77. This was heavier by 100 kg and had an extended wheelbase by 10 cm, on 80 mm drilled larger-capacity engine ( 3378 cc ) and higher engine power ( kW at 3500 rpm PS/51 70 ), slightly improved handling and a top speed of over 150 km / h The type 77 A is slightly to the - to be distinguished in the center arranged third headlight from its predecessor - the first time in a Tatra. In 1936 the improved successor Type 87 appeared, the T 77 A was not set, but built because of the ongoing interest in 154 copies even further to 1938.

A total of 77 were produced in all versions 255 vehicles (excluding prototypes ) of type 77 and type with the other possible because of the often unrealized customer needs hardly a car.

Today, the Tatra 77 is especially true in his second run as a coveted collector car and classic cars.

Variants

  • Tatra 77
  • Tatra 77 A

Specifications

Type 77 Year of manufacture 1934-1935

  • Length: 5130 mm
  • Width: 1700 mm
  • Overall height: 1500 mm
  • Wheelbase: 3150 mm
  • Front track width: 1300 mm
  • Rear track: 1300 mm
  • Ground clearance: 220 mm
  • Engine: V8 engine with OHC valve timing, air-cooled ( 2 axial cooling fan )
  • Displacement: 2969 cm ³
  • Power: 60 hp (44 kW) at 3500 rpm
  • Max. Torque: 132 Nm at 2400 rpm
  • Synchronized single-plate dry clutch (type comet Mecano ), four speed manual with floor shift, 3rd and 4th gear: Gear
  • Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
  • Curb weight 1700 kg
  • Top speed 145 km / h ( factory specification )
  • Standard consumption: 14-16 l/100 km

Type 77 A Year of manufacture 1935-1938

  • Length: 5410 mm
  • Width: 1700 mm
  • Overall height: 1500 mm
  • Wheelbase: 3250 mm
  • Front track width: 1300 mm
  • Rear track: 1300 mm
  • Ground clearance: 220 mm
  • Engine: V8 engine with OHC valve timing, air-cooled ( 2 axial cooling fan )
  • Displacement: 3378 cm ³
  • Power: 70 hp (51 kW) at 3500 rpm
  • Max. Torque: 148 Nm at 2400 rpm
  • Synchronized single-plate dry clutch (type comet Mecano ), four speed manual with floor shift, 3rd and 4th gear: Gear
  • Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
  • Curb weight 1800 kg
  • Top speed 150 km / h ( factory specification )
  • Standard consumption: 14-16 l/100 km
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