Quirk Database1930sCzechoslovakiaStreamliner / space-age
Tatra T87
The Tatra T87 is a streamlined sedan made by Tatra in Czechoslovakia from 1936 to 1950. Its weirdest quirk: A dorsal fin runs down the engine cover, and a third 'cyclops' headlight sits in the middle of the nose.
An air-cooled V8 hung out the back, a dorsal fin down the spine and a third headlight in the middle of the nose. It was more slippery than most cars built 40 years later, and it still has the presence of a submarine.
Weird features:Headlights
Quick facts
- Maker: Tatra
- Years: 1936–1950
- Country of origin: Czechoslovakia
- Body type: Streamlined sedan
- Engine: Approx. 2.9-liter air-cooled V8, rear-mounted
- Weirdest quirk: A dorsal fin runs down the engine cover, and a third 'cyclops' headlight sits in the middle of the nose.
- Sold prices logged: 2 (latest: €302,500 at Bring a Trailer, Sep 19, 2025)
- Full story: Tatra T87: The Air-Cooled, Rear-Engined, Dorsal-Finned V8 Streamliner From 1936
Sold prices
| Date | Venue | Car | Price | Mileage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bring a Trailer | 1941 Tatra T87 | €302,500 | ~370 mi (589 km) shown, TMU | Result for 1941 Tatra T87 at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | 1950 Tatra T87 | $134,000 | Not stated | Result for 1950 Tatra T87 at Bring a Trailer ↗ |
Prices as published by each auction site, in the currency the car sold in. "TMU" means total mileage unknown.