Tatra: 1927-1933

In 1927 the company was renamed Tatra (Zavody Tatra to be precise, which translates to Tatra Works Ltd.). Finally, the successful Tatra marque was reflected in its manufacturer's name.

The model T52, an elegant 90 km/h mid-sized automobile, was introduced in 1930 and remained in production into 1938. Its 1.9-litre four generated 30 bhp. Various body styles were available as seen below.

But the big news for that year was the appearance of the large and luxurious T70 - possibly a replacement for the previously mentioned T17 and T17/31 models which it exceeded in size - and the ultra-luxury top-of-the-line T80, both having similar chassis dimensions (such as a wheelbase of 3800 mm).

The 65 bhp six-cylinder motor used to power the T70 was based on the one used in the T17/31 but with a capacity of 3.4 litres. Stopping power was provided by 4-wheel double-circuit hydraulic brakes. Improvements to the suspension and an increase to 70 bhp, by upping the engine capacity to 3.8 litres, came a few years later in the form of the T70a. Its synchronised 3-speed transmission had a free-wheeling option. Both models were discontinued in 1938.

What differentiated the prestigious T80 from the T70 was the first use of a twelve-cylinder power plant in a Tatra automobile. This car was to demonstrate that Tatra could compete with luxury car-producing companies in the West. It was one of the largest cars of the day

The Ledwinka-designed T80 was constructed using the usual high-standard Tatra practice, especially the suspension which provided a smooth and quiet ride appropriate for such a high-class automobile. The central-tube chassis and independent swing-axle suspension, both perfected for years, were quite uncommon for automobiles of this size. A low centre of gravity, low unsprung weight, and a high power-to-weight ratio were some of its other notable features. The water-cooled L-head 5.99-litre V12, the highest capacity engine ever installed in a Tatra automobile, produced a healthy low-rpm output of 120 bhp and gave a maximum speed of 140 km/h to the big and heavy (2500kg) T80.

Fierce competition in the luxury car market segment and the high price of the T80 were some of the reasons for few sales, 22 to be precise, in its production years from 1930 to 1935. The President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czechoslovakia both owned T80s.

The small T54 followed in 1931, along with the sporty T57 "people's car". The T54 was powered by a 1.45-litre air-cooled 4-cylinder motor giving 21.7 bhp. It had a top speed of 80 km/h and could accommodate up to 4 passengers. Production of it stopped in 1934. Meanwhile, the T57, nicknamed "Slippery Mover", was the successor to the T11/T12 and was powered by an air-cooled 1.15-litre 4-cylinder engine with an output of 18 bhp. As always, standard Tatra construction practices were applied. It was made in 1935 and became, with some changes, the T57a in 1936. Yet again it became the T57b in 1938 and stayed that way until 1949. An impressive 22,000 of all the T57s were sold.

In 1933 the rather popular T75 was presented, and by 1942, sales had culminated in 4,500 units. A 1.68-litre 4-cylinder air-cooled engine powered the various versions providing a top speed of 100 km/h. Hydraulic brakes were standard.