1949 Tatra T-600 Tatraplan
Looking for something air cooled, rear engined, and totally different than a VW or Porsche?
For your consideration here...how about a Tatra?
The Tatra is the brain child of Hans Ledwinka, a contemporary of Ferdinand Porsche
that according to the history of design of the era, VW owes a bit of credit to Tatra for
what would become the beloved VW Beetle. It seems that Ledwinka came up with the
central spine chassis and swing axle before Dr Porsche put it in use, and
after a legal battle between the two companies, Tatra walked away with a settlement for
the design infringement...sadly it was far too late for the air cooled Tatra at that point
and it drifted off into obscurity.
This example is from 1949 and it is a restoration project.
It appears to be quite complete and solid overall and comes with
an absolute treasure trove of new parts that will greatly assist in the restoration.
Currently the front rolls on wide 5 VW wheels, but the correct 16" artillery wheels are included
in the same as well as the bumpers for front and rear.
New stampings for grille bars and hood trim have been done and are ready for finishing
A sweet enamel Tatra emblem goes on this flat spot (and yes, a beautiful one is included)
The trunk up front is full of parts and treasure, everything from some new rubber to even NOS wipers.
All the hubcaps and trim rings are present, there is even a nice stack of Tatra literature that comes with the car.
The windshield glass and trim is with the car as well, just not installed.
The headlight assemblies are also brand new!
Under the hood all looks proper and the correct aluminum defroster scoop that goes in the center
is present. Fuel tank and cap are here as well.
There is a little finish work that needs to be done around the headlights
But these new units sourced from the Tatra parts sources in the Czech Republic are great.
The interior is all here, windshield glass is wrapped up on the front seat
Original chrome grille bars are here as well but are a bit rough
Such a spectacular design!
And for you VW minded folks...it is possible to adapt and air cooled VW engine into one of these.
Love that dash!!
New taillight lenses sourced in Europe
New Tatra badge at the rear
Hood is loose on the car at the moment but will be screwed in place before delivery.
New chrome Tatraplan fender spears!
All the exterior handles have been rechromed
New chrome on the rear window trim as well
All the instruments have been restored and new warning lights and nice switches.
Fresh chrome for the speaker grille
Its got all the trimmings and jewelry that you would spend a lifetime looking for if it was gone.
Even the original banjo steering wheel and horn button are here.
Here is the gorgeous nose emblem for the car! Excellent shape
All fresh chrome on the handles
Out back the engine is in pieces but appears to be pretty complete.
This is an air cooled flat four with central fan much like a Porsche or VW
Distributor is here as well
The underside seems pretty solid, no holes in the floor
Some surface rust perhaps and grime from years of use
but the suspension and everything is intact and looks to be in order.
Certainly rebuilding/restoring is needed, but it seems a good basis to work with.
The body has a quick coat of two tone primer on it just to seal it
It is loosely assembled to look like a car again, but it will need to be put together properly.
Body work had been started on the car, but definitely needs blocking and sanding before paint.
No signs of any serious collision damage or major rust, just a lifetime of bumps and bruises.
Really a spectacular car and a great basis to start with.
These are extraordinarily rare here in the US and demand for them in Europe
seems to soak up every example that comes to market here...
and maybe that will be the fate of this car as well. I sure would love to see it stay in the States though.
Restore it, Rod it, make it Electric, no matter what you do with this bullet, I can guarantee it will
be the only one on your block and will turn heads and draw crowds at every stop.
Asking
$30,000 firm
For More Info...CALL
951-795-1175
Or Email oldbug@earthlink.net