The Nazi Killer: 1938 Tatra T87 - Jay Leno’s Garage

[@samael__33]

I dont know if jay checks the comments himself but I hope we can let him know how much people all around the world appreciate what he is doing here, thanks jay.

[@anthonycastelluci9225]

Agreed! Its all basically online lectures for Advanced Car Geek majors.

[@RBCharger]

I am pretty sure that he does read the comments. For one, he says he reads the comments and I believe him. The other thing is that his comments in videos reflect what people write here. I have heard him say things in the videos about things I have personally wrote in the comments.

[@t4705mb6]

You studied well! That was magnificent virtue signalling!

[@estebanquito356]

This is better than his Late show to be honest

[@mikevale3620]

I'm fairly certain Jay checks these comments and from this Aussie in the middle of a pandemic WINTER in bleak southern Australia, I wholeheartedly support sentiments that Jays videos are a ray of sunshine for this subscriber.

[@AegnorCZ]

As Czech I wanted to show this car to one of my foreign friends and found your channel. Im honored by your positive feedback for the car and Im glad one of them is in a good hands. Keep it alive!

[@rimmersbryggeri]

These are legendary, too bad theres not so many of them. I have seen some for sale in car magazines when I was a kid here in sweden.

[@cjackfly]

Pretty cool. Jay is a good dude. I've shook his hand while my Czech wife was with our baby. 😎

[@miroslavseda9136]

Yes, the Czechoslovakian automotive industry was unbeatable before 25th February 1948 (the Communist putsch). Until let's say the Sixties it was still comparable to the "West", but after the Warsaw's pakt invasion in 1968, everything changed... This is no doubt one of the most beautiful cars in the Thirties and also an impressive car even now. Just a brilliant masterpiece, a true jewel of design, technology and materials.

[@Lennart942]

Im from Denmark. I remember my dad talking about these. I think Jay Leno should get a Škoda 120 aswell. Standing beside this Tatra.

[@horacel.8693]

Some time ago I saw one of these cars in a small town in Uruguay, South America.

[@ModelA]

Seeing the cars in Jay's collection without all the production has been the BEST episodes ever!

[@lpccali]

Fr fr bro

[@lpccali]

Chang Noi wow

[@MicahTischler]

@Chang Noi Paul Shinn is, in short, saying "less is more" ... and, in this context, I certainly agree.

[@servicarrider]

More intimate. More like talking to a bud.

[@MicahTischler]

@@servicarrider Indeed. Jay's not making banter with anyone, he's just walking you through it, giving you a tour, and, critically, is free to just digress however he wants to. It's almost like denim Jay is still somewhat TV host, but coveralls Jay is the loving curator of all things automotive for the whole world.

[@Nakamura65]

Fun fact, two Czechoslovakian explorers Zikmund and Hanzelka drove around the world, through the africa from north to south, Azia and south america in two of these. They were among the first people to cross the Nubian dessert in car, crossing from Egypt through Wadi Haifa to Chatum in Sudan.

[@CsImre]

They were pretty famous for that in the Eastern Bloc, I've read their book about their African trip as a kid. Massive book, lots of pictures.

[@Nakamura65]

@@CsImre yeah they were among the last people to be allowed to climb and sleep atop of the Great Giza Pyramid for example

[@malter87]

it's spelled Asia

[@Nakamura65]

@@malter87 you have to excuse me a bit, English isn't my native language and in my native language its spelled with Z, so I made a tiny mistake

[@wildman510]

What's azia? Is that some town or something?

[@trnka2351]

I’m of Czech background and my Grandfather always proudly talked about Tatra cars and trucks. Good solid Czech engineering.

[@FilFee]

And also those nice Red and cream streetcars!

[@SammyPsk]

We still drive tatras here in slovakia and czechia :D not cars, but trucks

[@fine_egg2601]

We dont drive tatras here in cezch and Slovakia but trucks

[@darenzy]

With a good reason, in Czech rep. they have a saying "Tatra nezna bratra", meaning "Tatra doesn't know its brother". Brother meaning more like competitor.

[@whalesong999]

I got into motorcycles while in high school and saw my first Jawa on display at our Harley-Davidson showroom as an alternate lightweight brand. Was so impressed with the craftsmanship of those machines. Later on, saw the CZ brand a a prime competitor in motocross. Always different and highly practical design themes.

[@thatoldbob7956]

Dear Mr. Leno, I am watching your program the 1938 Tatra Plan (as I remember) and your rear drive car. There is another Tatra, a regular car of the time, picking my father in every morning in 1933 or ‘34. I am 94 years old now. I was already very interested in cars and motorbikes. That Tatra was a simple basic car. The driver, my friend, of that car liked that little boy and opened the hood let me look around. I grew up since the age of 3 in my grandfather steel works shop. As I remember: that front drive has a hood which is opened with the fenders together. It had a 4cylinder boxer, air cooled. The starter had a handle under the dash which had to be pulled and via a cable pulled in the solenoid. Brakes were Cable operated so needed adjustment due to stretching. The ride in it was very similar to my 1960 VW. You did not talked about the starter and the 6 volt battery, I wonder if the Tatra-Plan still had the hand pull starter. Itsa small restorer, in the last 20 years I rebuilt all my motorbike I built from 1945 to 1954. They are all ready: two KS600 Zündapp s One 1944 NZ350-1 DKW and a 1936 and a 98 cc SHB Sacs. I am a structural engineer but since I grew up in a steel shop I worked as others in the shop And inherited it just before the government took it away. Robert SILAS P.Eng.

[@bennyhannover9361]

Hi Bob, I am from Germany. I believe you mean either the Tatras Type 11 and Type 12 produced from 1923 to 1932 !? They were H2 (corrected wrong in my book from 1980) engines with 1,056 litre volume and 12 HP until 1926 and later 14 hp, top speed 60 to 70 kilometres per hour. Ledwinka invented more or less the Citroen 2 CV over 15 years before. The car was succeeded by the Type 57 (1931 to 1936) and the 57a (1937 to 1939) and the 57b (1939 to 1949), these had 1155 cc engines with 20hp /22hp and 25 hp. Top Speed was 85 km/h for type 57 / 57a and 90km/h for type 57b.

[@bennyhannover9361]

here you can see a type 57 cold start in winter 2016 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6bKloBprZWMqNk

[@bennyhannover9361]

This is a handcrank of a Tatra 12 from 1929 in Czech way : kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXmulJKigbp5irM

[@babaganoush6106]

@@bennyhannover9361 hi I dont think he had anything to do with the 2cv. It seems he did create a backbone chassis which it is likely influenced lotus.

[@t16205]

Thanks for sharing, very interesting!

[@code6400]

I am Czechoslovak and this is one of the best video about Tatra T87! Thank you Jay!

[@meekerdb]

I'm a fan of Czech engineering. As someone quipped, "They're like German engineers, but without the money." I own a CZ Enduro, a Jawa ISDT and Jawa 353. And I love quirky but successful cars. I own a 3-cyl Saab 96 Sport and propane power Morgan +8. It's great the way you explain the mechanics and engineering of the cars. I'd even like to see more video of the cars being worked on and the internals. Especially the really unusual parts like the Tatra V8 and the rear drive to the wheels. It was fascinating when you explained the Doble steamer operation.

[@jochenstacker7448]

I gotta Czech it out! I'll get me coat...

[@denis5305]

Sir, the town where Tatras were being made is called Koprivnice. If by any chance you get nearby. Today they still produce trucks, still with its central tube chassis which features great terrain capabilities. And factory museum is really worth seeing. Along the way, in another beautiful town called Olomouc, some crazy IT billionaire, setup Veteran Arena. Museum of classic cars, mostly 20’s and 30’s production. Major share Made in Czechoslovakia. You might like this one as well.

[@labinko9038]

Brent Meeker, maybe some info. When I was gro ing up in old CSR In the 40' and 50' The story was that CZECOSLOV. Front wheel 2 cycle car seda called "MINOR" I think it was 3 cyl. Sweden Engineering purchased it and The SAAB car was born. I do not remember Jawa 353? There was later in yers very small Jawa with 39cc called 50. Next was Robot 90cc,hand shift lever mount on gas tank, next was Jawa 125, 175, 250cc Perak Monoblok ,the all 1 cyl. 2 cycles., than 350 2. Cycl. 2 cylinder, and 350 this time gray Colored Jawa Ogar. All other Jawa Factory color was Red. Than other Manuf. Of arms was CZ they also Made motocycl but all were Black. One time the storywas that in time When Jawa 250 Perak was made, 50% 0f All 250cc in the world werw Jawa. Incredible litle beatifull lookink Bike. Car Tatra was 3 rd oldest car maker in the World. Two friends with 2 Tatras Made almost world trip crosing The highest mountains in the world. See: Hanzelka and Zigmund book about the trip,long time ago. At one point retired NATO general Alex Haig Purchased the Tatra limusine Div. Also see TATRA.CZ or TATRA.SK Now living since 1967 in Calif. Good Luck ! Where are you located? In 1963 I worked right Next door to Tatra co. In City of Ostrava. Moravia - Czechoslovakia.

[@meekerdb]

@@labinko9038 The first Saab car was a two-cylinder two-stroke built around 1950. As far as I know it was mostly copied from DKW. DKW's were quite popular in Sweden before the war because 2-stroke didn' t need their crankcase oil heated before they could be started on a cold Swedish morning. I've never heard of the "MINOR" (except the Morris Minor, which is quite different). I have two histories of Saab and both of them describe the first car, the Saab 92, has having been inspired by the DKW but with improvements due to their designer Sixten Sason. The Saab car project was undertaken in 1946 to utilize the production and engineering capacity of Saab aircraft after the war. I have 1966 Saab Sport which I've owned since it was new. The Jawa 353 is the same as the Perak. I own a 353 and also a 654, the 360cc enduro comeptition model. I live in Camarillo CA.

[@paveldrakous4685]

@@meekerdb.. Look for Aero minor..

[@Speedgovernor]

I’m probably the only one who likes more these pandemic specials. No boring guests. No gimmicky cars or commercial style of products promotion. Pure car enthusiast in his own way ❤️

[@surality]

Most definitely 👍

[@bushtruck]

I just started my channel where i take trucks up into the mountains and wreck em. Hoping to make a few folks laugh.

[@dougsfan9984]

Agree

[@georgepriv7674]

Count me in to that as well

[@jerrycraig6522]

You're definitely NOT the only one, I love these interesting, and filled with knowledge videos that Jay shares with us!!!

[@flemingpandel5287]

Tatra is one of the most interesting car companies of all time. Their Backbone chassis concept combined with the air-cooled engines is immensely versatile, from small economy cars over luxury sedans to heavy duty off-road trucks, it has proven itself time and time again for almost 100 years. The T111 and T813 with their air-cooled V12 Diesel engines are among the most legendary trucks ever built.

[@altergreenhorn]

It is and a little add to Mr Ledwinka life more precise to his son life (2:40): Mr Ledvinka Jr. went to the Austria after WW II and start working in a company called Steyr Puch. He created a famous military vehicle Pinzgauer this wehicle and its precesedor Haflinger was the reason why Mercedes decide to outsorce his first 4x4 in to the Austria in to the Steyr Puch plant (today Magna Steyr plant Btw: Mr Puch had similar destiny as Mr Ledvinka had) Mercedes G cars used a name Puch G as well and that is a reason. People behind Tatra didn't basicaly invent only a VW beetle but a Mercedes G as well.

[@Evanderj]

@@altergreenhorn Thats fascinating, thanks for the info! I adore Pinzgauers, but was unaware of that

[@cynthiamallinak4513]

My Husband has been obsessed with Tatra’s for fourty years! Thanks for showing the inside, outside and fabulous undercarriage. Made his week!

[@miroslavk.5049]

I born in Czechoslovakia so Jay's recognition of my ancestor's skills is highly rewarding and a reason to be proud of my origins. Thank you Jay, enjoy that beauty.

[@BB-1990]

Here's something to be proud of Heritage wise. The Czechs make the best beer in the world. So good Anheuser Bush stole the Budweiser name. Even my cousins in Germany said it was best beer in Europe and we bought some that was sitting in the sun. We took it across the border while smuggling black market cigarettes. It was the best beer i ever had.

[@miroslavk.5049]

@@BB-1990 Czech Bud is indeed an excellent beer, one of my preferred. Unfortunately, as you mentioned Budweiser's name was stolen by Anheuser Bush and now the Czech Republic can't produce it under the name "Budweiser". So the original brewery is producing and exporting beer called Czechvar for markets outside the Czech Republic while inside the country they sell the beer under the name Budweiser - Budvar. We knew this beer as a Budvar all my life until Anheuser Bush bought the brewery, Budweiser in that time was that nasty beer made in the US which is like yellow bubbly water for us, it has nothing to do with a real Budvar, rich dark gold beer full of flavor and slightly bitter taste of hop, just a divine marvelous beverage. However, saying that "the best beer" is very relative as it is to say the best wine. Best beer and wine is one you like more than any other, YOU! For another guy, it could be Pilsener Urquell, another crown jewel of the Czech beer industry. I prefer red wine from Tuscany or Napa but if you will ask me about my preferred beer it would be Velkopopovicky Kozel (Kozel Master's lager 12) - but, as I said it is MY best beer. Try it, you will not be dissapointed.

[@CsImre]

Yeah though the chief designer was Hans Ledwinka who is identified as Austrian, was accused of collaboration with the German occupation forces and jailed for five years in Czechoslovakia. After his release in 1951, he refused to work for Tatra, and retired to Munich, Germany where he died in 1967. Fun fact, according to some he was the real designer of the VW Beetle, as Porsche copied the design form him.

[@Kilinho98]

@@CsImre Ledwinka is Czech Ledvinka and it means "kidney bag"

[@darenzy]

Tatra nezna bratra! Greetings from Serbia

[@manowartank8784]

Watching all the Jay's praising words as a Czech guy really makes me a bit prouder of my ancestors, Tatra is really one of the Czechoslovak marvels. Thanks for sharing!

[@manowartank8784]

@spudnic88 Yeah, Czech guns are aswell one of the examples of our great machining (in past), i like early machineguns and automatic rifles from 30s most, thanks to Ian from Forgotten Weapons channel :D

[@andymelendez9757]

They also make wonderful Bass Violins!

[@realhorrorshow8547]

Czech engineering is/was justly famous. The Nazis needed the Skoda works far more than they needed the Sudetenland. But Britain got the BREN gun before them.

[@jorgefernandez9310]

When I lived in Cuba, I used to see the buses that were imported from Checkoslovakia and they were beautiful.

[@davidtuttle7556]

I had a chance to visit your country two years ago. I only had a week when I really needed 2-3 months. Beautiful country. Good ppl. Great beer.

[@Eachitndie]

Actually, I really like it when there are no other guests.

[@MicahPotts]

Agreed!

[@xprettylightsx]

I find my self agreeing completely with this statement

[@dragospahontu]

He should ban guests unless they are part of the platform.

[@stevie65able]

Reminds me a lot of his early episodes when most of the videos were just about his cars, and he was the only one on camera. Much more personal this way.

[@dragospahontu]

@@stevie65able I like the quality of the old ones but there were a lot of bad guests

[@scoutrifle6827]

One guy and a car, nothing else needed. Jay's phenomenal at presenting his collection!

[@billybob9961]

Scout Rifle You know I was thinking the same thing what a cool show Jay is the best Car Guy perhaps ever but certainly one of the best today

[@kradius2169]

... Great video for sure. One guy? ... One crew, perhaps.

[@mynamehappy]

Jay, I know you probably won't read this yourself but I just love your videos. With all the senseless hate and madness going on in the world right now it's really comforting to just sit back and watch you talk about your collection. Your passion for your cars is so much fun, and your laid back manner makes me feel like you're talking to me as an old friend. It's so refreshing. To both you and your team from the bottom of my heart, all of you are just fabulous decent people. Please keep up the great work.

[@justfrank6774]

Does anyone else watch these videos of Jay, especially during COVID, and realize that his profession is actually "super knowledgeable, car guy and museum owner" and his hobby has been/is comedy ? LOL

[@Marauder252]

Jay never spent the money from the tonight show. He only used what he made from stand up.

[@davidmadej5955]

This was probably the best episode I’ve seen. Well detailed about the car, historical aspects mentioned plus a story about the car, and the engineering perspective and engineers who built the car and a detailed outlook on the times they lived in. If only Jay could do this for every car he uploads.

[@WireWeHere]

Agree.

[@altergreenhorn]

It is and a little add to genius Mr Ledwinka life (2:40) more precise to his son life : Mr Ledvinka Jr. went to the Austria after WW II and start working in a company called Steyr Puch. He created a famous military vehicle Pinzgauer this wehicle and its precesedor Haflinger was the reason why Mercedes decide to outsorce his first 4x4 in to the Austria in to the Steyr Puch plant (today Magna Steyr plant Btw: Mr Puch had similar destiny as Mr Ledvinka had) Mercedes G cars used a name Puch G as well and that is a reason. People behind Tatra didn't basicaly invent only a VW beetle but a Mercedes G as well.

[@WireWeHere]

@@altergreenhorn It's like a few friends talking about an interesting but mostly unfamiliar car, and having Earth stop by.

[@mikosoft]

When you mentioned the car never overheats the traveler pair from Czecholovakia called Zikmund and Hanzelka they chose T87 for their Africa travels specifically because it won't overheat. They said the car was reliable and pretty much never broke down apart when they crashed because of brake line failure which later turned out to be a sabotage.

[@lahvac3]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanzelka_and_Zikmund

[@martin-it4jb]

went to a cinema to a film about these two

[@vivianhall6506]

I never was able to like Jay’s style of comedy. But his passion for all automobiles. That I appreciate a lot about Jay. I grew up less then 1/2 a mile from his garage. Back in the 90’s. There used to be a 76 gas station near by where he would fill up. Always said hi to us kids and would make a corny joke. Sometimes we would berate one of his odd looking cars. But he still was chipper and never said anything mean to us dumb kids. To this day I still see him around in one of his many cars. Still waves and keeps on driving. He truly is a car guy! And all the miscellaneous lil facts & stories he has about every car that comes on his show. Just amazing! Good thing you quit your day job and pursued your hobby full time!!!

[@57slanecek]

Když jste zmínil, že auto nikdy nepřehřívá cestovatelskou dvojici z Českolovakie zvanou Zikmund a Hanzelka, vybrali si T87 pro své cesty do Afriky speciálně proto, že se nepřehřeje. Říkali, že auto bylo spolehlivé a v podstatě se nikdy nerozbilo, když havarovali kvůli poruše brzdového vedení, což se později ukázalo jako sabotáž.

[@57slanecek]

@Jerry V ...Kdepak,M.Zikmund je od nás,z Plzně...ale je to jedno :-))

[@oklongr]

Nice episode, thank you. Czechoslovakia (now Czech rep. and Slovak rep.) was a significant player in the industry and engineering. Tatra, Wikov, Škoda, Praga, Aero, Walter... and many more. Now even most of native Czechs aren't able to name some of that I mentioned. I love Tatras. I was born quite close to Kopřivnice. If you are interested in, try to search more about Ledwinka's "Tatra conception" and "backbone chassis", which is still used in Tatra trucks. Ledwinka was proud Austrian, he spoke only German but he admired good people regardless they were Czech or German. Some say that the war caused that the industry went down, but i think it was the communists and their nationalisation of factories. They "killed" all the businessmen and tradesmen. The planning system instead of supply-demand and almost no contacts with West, that was really killing. By the way, also Hans Ledwinka had troubles. He was accused of collaboration with the German and he was jailed. Commies also judged our WW2 pilots in fake processes and jailed them for years because they were "capitalistic democrats and enemies to socialistic country". They were risking their lives day after day for six years and now that? And there are still some people that admire communists. Yes, they gave us social system and health insurance, but... After the war we recovered quite quickly but we still haven't fully recovered 30 years after the communism era. Be carefull about nacistic and communistic ideas and tendencies. Just live your life as best as you can, think twice and remember that the worst we ever faced in history often came as a "good idea".

[@NormAppleton]

The Nazis needed the Skoda werks and invaded the USSR with so many Skoda t38's because they were reliable.

[@mickeycz]

@@NormAppleton yes, true indeed... the necessary Blitzkrieg hardware was mainly from Czechoslovak production

[@SlosII]

Czechoslovakia was only damaged during the war but completely destroyed by the communists.

[@mickeycz]

@@SlosII well, let's say the damage of the war, created a nourishing basis for the communist... (but to be clear: those self-labelled 'communist' had nothing to do wirh communism (or marxism) - it was just a pseudo-intellectual sauce to cunningly cover their fascist aspirations - but that's another type of subject). Mind you, that even until the early 1990 you could still find a number of these cars around in Prague... early 2000, I almost acquired a 603 myself, but something came in-between. This model, however, is and will stay epic forever.

[@SlosII]

@@mickeycz hmm, yeah, I'm not entirely sure how this ties in with my remark that Czechia was damaged in WWII but completely destroyed after WWII....

[@TheViewmaster1971]

Cars like these are EXACTLY why I love Jay's channel!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@buddyroeginocchio9105]

Oh wow! I'm an old car guy, gasoline in my veins and all that. I've known "about" the Tatra but never had a close up like this. Jay, you made your career on late night TV but this is your greatest contribution to history. Thank you, we love all that you are doing for the fun of cars.

[@DanielLopez-tb2fl]

Nothing to add,really.

[@Gremllion]

Yep the hell with TV in Hollywood and other than a stand-up comic I don't think Jay fit in with the pervert Hollywood lifestyle that goes back all the way to the 30s and forties. I'd like to see and would be willing to bet he's probably only been married once maybe twice and was probably loyal to his wife and if he's got a kid he's got to be really cool

[@buddyroeginocchio9105]

@@Gremllion You nailed it, Jay is married once, to Mavis Nicholson since 1980.

[@SuperRogier]

I have seen one in a museum in The Netherlands and it looked way more modern than other cars with a similar age. Pretty fast too with a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mp/h).

[@peterjaray8518]

Being a great grandson of Paul Jaray, things like these are always nice to see! Cheers Jay!

[@Bonavil1]

Járay Pál tervezése is benne van.

[@zollotech]

Thanks Jay. Love the videos where you do the filming since you are always showing us what car guys want to see, not just closeups that don't make sense. Keep it going please.

[@popeyeman69]

I love these episodes Jay, it's more like a talk between friends. I wouldn't mind if every episode from now on was like this Awesome and stay safe

[@DRAINTVofficial]

my dad raves about these. He only saw them as child when someone important was pass through his town in Czechoslovakia

[@josephsmith1893]

What is Czechoslovakia?

[@marcuss6773]

@@josephsmith1893 until 1993 czechia and slovakia were one country czechoslovakia

[@dragospahontu]

Mine as well, I guess its an Eastern European thing. He also wants to buy a Volga.

[@moej.priest6861]

@@josephsmith1893 something not ameriCON ;))

[@Zephyrmec]

The body is very similar to my 36 Lincoln Zephyr, Edsel Ford’s creation, with deep metal stamping by Briggs. The Chrysler Airflow was an attempt at streamlining as well, but was not successful.

[@spazmonkey3815]

I am amazed how Jay takes the time to explain all this. it's comforting to know there are people like Jay on this planet.

[@mountainhobo]

I remember them on the streets in the early 60s in Europe. They were not common by any stretch, but you could still see them. That strange alien-like fin in the back was its calling card.

[@SimplyTakuma]

They made the car almost in to the 50s. Near 4000 are made.

[@AlejjSi]

Yes, they were rare. Before WW2, they cost as much as a Cadillac. And people weren't really so rich back then. And after WW2, they were built especially for the secret state police and members of the Communist party. There was a story of someone commited suicide in the early 50s (when the political trials run all over East Europe) only because a black Tatra 97 pulled up in front of his house. Such was the fear of the car associated with the secret police. And they even didn't come to arrest him, they just wanted to ask for some information.

[@AlejjSi]

@@SimplyTakuma Indeed. The late post WW2 ones can be recognized by a more rounded shape and the middle headlight is integrated more into the truck cover.

[@kartikshankar5790]

Much awaited episode on this car. The Tatra. Thanks Jay. I'm actually loving this pandemic edition because we are getting to see more and more cars of your own collection, especially the older cars. Keep it going and we want to see more Original and Unrestored cars of your own collection, rather than modern cars. There is plenty of vidoes and information on the newer ones but not on older and unrestored cars especially such rare cars like Tatra. Thanks and regards from Karthik, Bangalore, India

[@mikevale3620]

Agreed, like Jay's Citroen 2CV sitting in the background of his garage.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

@@mikevale3620 We keep getting teasers, seeing it just from the front

[@rokmulec498]

Jay, for ages I wanted to hear you talk more extensively about Tatras and show us yours. Thank you so much for this awesome video.

[@msmirandagirl]

Another great video Jay. I know Tatra stayed into the Soviet era and continued building cars with the rear engine air cooled V-8. Again they were upscale and primarily intended for CP apparatchiks. One or two Soviet era Tatras have come up on the Bring a Trailer auction site. My father was Czech, grew up in Prague, and worked for a time for the other Czech car company, Skoda. He had completed his studies at Charles University and he was drafted into the Czech Army and was sent to Skoda's military division and designed rangefinders for anti-aircraft guns. When the Nazis invaded he was able to escape to Paris where he continued to work on his designs. And when France fell he got to Portugal and then to England where he gave his designs to the Allies. It's an interesting little story from the war years.

[@Andythenurse]

Saw one of these as a kid in London. Forty years on and I finally know what it is. I was starting to think I'd imagined it.

[@thinman8621]

Never heard of a Tatra until now. Masterpiece of engineering, especially in 1938.

[@Spazik86]

They are mostly making lorries (still today) and are mostly spread around former Eastern Block.

[@dwo624]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKaog3Sah6iHnJo

[@AtheistOrphan]

Thinman - They sued VW for copying their design with the Beetle.

[@Saeglopur89]

They are even in Dakar rally with their trucks! :)

[@kristof2507]

It is Czech(Czechoslovak) car manufacturer and when they were on their peak, the communist made them manufacture only crap for USSR.

[@boss12]

A very stylish car. Seems hard to believe when you think about the design.

[@wellend89]

I just want to say these are tremendous, tremendous films. I watch multiple times and you always find something new and interesting to take away, it's an amazing service you're doing here Jay!

[@tonysimi1776]

This is the best episode you have done. Just Jay and his car! A joy to watch thanks Jay for letting me go for a drive with you!

[@glasschameleon4548]

I never was able to like Jay’s style of comedy. But his passion for all automobiles. That I appreciate a lot about Jay. I grew up less then 1/2 a mile from his garage. Back in the 90’s. There used to be a 76 gas station near by where he would fill up. Always said hi to us kids and would make a corny joke. Sometimes we would berate one of his odd looking cars. But he still was chipper and never said anything mean to us dumb kids. To this day I still see him around in one of his many cars. Still waves and keeps on driving. He truly is a car guy! And all the miscellaneous lil facts & stories he has about every car that comes on his show. Just amazing! Good thing you quit your day job and pursued your hobby full time!!!

[@earlofsmeg]

I grew up in Sawtelle, but when I got my license back in '96, I would drive all over L.A. and would regularly see him all over the city as well with sometimes ridiculous looking automobiles. Went to his show couple of times. He was good back then. At his peak I would say.

[@t16205]

I love it when he cracks a joke. He is a gem

[@Lockbar]

people in the neighborhood: "Hey look at that cool car,..oh wait...its just Jay again" (yawn) But seriously, this car is awesome.

[@beckhanra]

I like them hinges on headlights, you actually "open" the glass like a tiny door in order to change a light bulb.

[@mickeycz]

being born in Czecholsovakia myself, I always adored this car. Great presentation!... greetings from the South of France!

[@IndieRockability1]

Thanks for being so humble and giving Jay! I know this won’t last forever but what you do is greatly appreciated by me and so many others!

[@MrCarGuy]

This car is one of the masterpieces of automotive design. It is always deserving to be in a museum of the best.

[@adsupra3221]

there is one also in Munich in the museum of modern art (Pinakotheke der Moderne) on the most special place in the room....

[@scottspy]

I've always loved Tatras but had never seen one from underneath, just amazing aerodynamics! I'm surprised more people don't know about these fabulous vehicles. How striking is that green leather? I love everything about this car and other Tatras from various years. Yet another great and informative video, how wonderful it be to get a personal tour of Jay's garage! 🙂

[@Goruthar]

Jay, you're a National treasure. you're unbiased observations about automotive history are wonderful.

[@tomking3942]

I love he’s driving for a while with the turn signal on. Just like modern cars

[@karlschuneman7960]

Old people have the tendency to do that.

[@jerrycraig6522]

It's kinda Jays "thing" !!!

[@jibberscrabst1114]

I figured somebody would have beaten me to that comment! Damn. I'm 58 and I'm turning into my dad that way, too. Turn blinkers should have a subtle but persistent audible 'beepers' to remind us, eh?!

[@philspaces7213]

I love when he shows his own collection. He does a very good job at passing along historical information

[@johnnykarate_SweepLeg]

Pandemic edition is like dad spending time with us and teaching us about cars.

[@snowthaimc9968]

Warm and therapeutic. Feels like a lazy Sunday afternoon with your much older friend before driving for a coffee together

[@fuckfannyfiddlefart]

Your dad isn't so rich. You really are simps

[@stephanieperry1815]

As a child my dad was a car guy,taking me to car shows .I saw one of theres in the early 60s .I thought it was the coolest vw,I'd ever seen.its so great to know what the car really was and its history. Thanks Jay

[@thecommenter578]

So a sedan from the 30s has more interior space than a 2020 full size SUV?

[@row0111]

well the doors are paper thin

[@Spazik86]

No safety features though :)

[@kowalskidiazdegeras9190]

Probably. And the genius and work put on it is many many times greater than in a modern "crossover".

[@kowalskidiazdegeras9190]

@LOVE & LOVE ONLY I don't get it. What does it have to do with the topic we're discussion? Please don't spam completely unrrelated stuff.

[@kenbrown2808]

by which you mean you can put some 2020 cars inside the sedan's passenger compartment.

[@alesmarek2474]

Great video indeed! Being from the Czech Republic, I just learned more about Tatra from this video than I ever heard in my country about Tatra in my entire life. Thanx Jay!

[@kobbetop]

For 1938 that thing is incredible. What might have been without the war...

[@martinkox6189]

It's not the case about the war. Its the case of communists right after the war who destroyed the industry. :-(

[@ZeroneAngel]

@@martinkox6189 Wich wouldn't have happened if ww2 didn't happen. So the original comment still stands.

[@mrkv4k]

40 years of communism killed Tatra, not the war. They were forced to produce trucks after the WWII, because they were the only company that had very high ceilings in their workshops. Things are slowly but surely getting better for Tatra company, but they are now in different market.

[@Bialy_1]

@@martinkox6189 They were as handicaped by national socialists as they were by communists both were using central planing to make people more miserable. Adolf flag was red for exactly the same reason why Soviet flag was red. There is good reason why first book of Stalin was published in Vienna(and in that time Adolf was living there aswell)...

[@martinkox6189]

@@Bialy_1 No doubt about that. But still it were communists who had much more time finish the job. As an example we have Germany splitted in half after the WW2.

[@bikepunk001]

Nice to see it here. Back in the days when Hans Ledwinka was born, we were all Austrians. 😄 Greetings from the Czech Republic. Thank you Jay.

[@wellend89]

"My country, 'tis of thee, Austria-Hungary, obey your king!"

[@Honzimus]

Hans Ledwinka, Ferdinand Porsche...german speaking Austrians, trapped by artificial czechoskovakian nation. The first left nationalistic state in 1928 the second in 1951.

[@mattpollack7848]

This could be the reason why I love Jay as much as we all do. It’s the ability of still getting giddy and kid-like over something this special. Being that excited that you’re off script and so natural that you feel like you are sitting next to a friend. And yes to Paul Shinn, you don’t need too much production & editing to produce magic, especially when the storyteller is reminded and expressing to us why he started in this game. . Great episode.

[@shakul12]

Being Czech guy, this made me proud. I'm really glad, that this beautiful car has such a great owner.

[@fredgervinm.p.3315]

And rightfully so...

[@clivehabron8253]

Hi Jay Thanks for the history lesson on the Tatra Absolutely spellbinding I knew of the car from my extensive collection of automobile books but you have filled in the gaps You have just made my day

[@robtamasfi3263]

Hello Jay. Thank you for awesome presentation. The reason for purple visor was (what was believed) to cut down on glare of lights of oncoming traffic during the night driving. I still remember a few of this driving around in Czechoslovakia in early 70-ties ..... we use to call them “ the fish” ( do to presence of vertical fin )

[@thomosburn8740]

My favorite part is Jay "driving left around the world" with his indicator swung out. In all seriousness: this is one of my favorite cars in his collection. GREAT FUN, JAY!

[@lorenzoboyd6889]

Heck, I recall when trucks were equipped with semaphore turn indicators. That was shortly after dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

[@AaronSmith-kr5yf]

Lane Motor Museum in Nashville has a HUGE Tatra display. Interesting cars, they kept making them/improving them after the war as well.

[@davet.5493]

Thanks a huge fan of Tatra! That and Duncan give me a another reason to go to Nashville (again)

[@SammyPsk]

tatras were the best offroad, heavy haul trucks ever made

[@bradlemmond]

They've also let Jason from Jalopnik and Robert from Aging Wheels (and probably others) do videos on some of their cars, including driving them.

[@williambeck6364]

Lane is a fun museum. Now that I think about it, they had Tatra V8s from every era they were manufactured. Visited the museum 1 week after the tornado hit Nashville!

[@williamscheller5029]

I recall being in Czechoslovakia during the communist era. The Party was having a major meeting in Prague Castle and the black (modern) Tatras were lined up outside of the hall where the meeting was taking place. Certainly it was an impressive sight - and much more interesting than the kids standing guard with their AK-47s. On another note, I was very impressed with Lane Motor Museum’s collection overall. They had cars I had either never seen or had not seen in 45 years. It would not surprise me if they had the largest Tatra collection in the U.S.

[@Foche_T._Schitt]

26:55 Jay, your "blinker" is still on.

[@patrickperry9690]

Semaphores don't blink :)

[@eldiablo8019]

Well, Jay is getting to the age where that's pretty common.

[@merlepatterson]

I think it's more the "Blinker's" great grand daddy?

[@no1DdC]

@@merlepatterson Just the daddy, if we're pedantic. There's no inbetween. Car manufacturers and legislators switched from trafficators to indicators in the '50s to early '60s.

[@merlepatterson]

@@no1DdC Well, if we're going to be pedantic, then after the trafficator to indicators we went from swinging mechanical arms to bi-metallic heat operated mechanical switching mechanisms to solid state LED blinkers. So, my initial familial suggestion is probably more true generationally.

[@jacovanlith5082]

A lot of Tatra cars I have seen in Rotterdam, The Netherands just after after the war in the early Fifties. I visited the Tatra museum in Koprevnice in the Czech Republic in 2005, That museum is a must for mr. Leno. It is full of trucks, vans, sedans trains and planes. A six wheeler soft top twin axle Tatra 1938, which looks like a modern SUV AUDI Q7.

[@kenbredow8727]

Got to see a Tatra at a car museum in Auburn Indiana near the Auburn Cord Duesenberg museum. Found it to be a very interesting automobile I kind of referred to it as a large beetle.

[@brienfoaboutanything9037]

Wikipedia about Tatra (company): kzbin.info/www/bejne/paqti56keamIis0

[@Dave-in-France]

This is a great episode covering an unsung hero engineer and his fascinating, unusual car. Over 100mph in a four door saloon in the mid 1930's - WOW !!!!

[@57slanecek]

Tatra nezná bratra... :-))

[@budroberts5929]

mph or kph?

[@manowartank8784]

@@budroberts5929 100 mph / 160 kmh ... yes, it was that fast

[@craigburner1296]

Yes, thanks Jay! This is a great way to see the cars. Just our friend Jay talking to us and showing the car. Very personal.

[@michaelbyrnee9584]

The leather seats in this car are absolutely gorgeous! The whole car is in a class by itself. Note to Jay: That hubcap does not seem to be seated properly (would hate to see it fly off).

[@miketeeveedub5779]

Southern Boy: "That thing got a hemi?" Jay Leno: "Yes - yes it does."

[@PhilNostalger]

Thanks Mr Leno so much for this Video. I Always used to said that Tatras were greatest and most beatiful cars in world those days. Just look at those shapes. In my History of cars class actully our Professor said, that Tatra T87 was the second car designed with aerodynamic intantions (right after Chrysler Airflow). I am from Czech Republic, so I had couple oportunities to see those beatiful Machines. I suggest to all you guys who like this Video to look at some more Tatra Cars. FE: T600 Tatraplan, 603-1, 613 coupe Vignale. And also to search incredible Story obout two guys from Czechoslovakia Zigmund & Hanzelka. They were riding this great Machine almost all around the world. Again Thank you Mr Jay again ❤️

[@labinko9038]

Phil ! Very nice article about TATRA. As young student in Slovakia at technical college ( Visia Premyselna Skola) as part of education we wisited factory in Koprivnice, Moravia.It amazing experience. We have been very lucky that our Prof. Doctor Nadaszdy was able to arrange it. He also manage to take us to T. Bata factories in than "Gottwaldov". Another industrial marvel ! After graduation I got job at Ministry of Transportation in Nymburg. There was division in Ostrava, and we mady many, many trips there w/Company Beatiful Tatra 603.Via the mountains in heavy snow the car did very well. I even remember when soffer waited for as in freezing temperature it had special gasoline burner air force heater without engine runing. Back in 1940's my father had nice textile factory and his partner had T 87. As kids he drived as with open moon roof ! What a fun for as all kids. After serving as paratruper in CSR Military near Mlada Boleslav, (Lustenice) it was officer school , later was abolished. Second year in military I was at Ministry of Defense, Commad of CSR First Army in Pribram, preparing attack maps of Warsaw Pact military about attack USA Imperialist, bases in West Germany. Soon after I had enough Of Workers People Paradise under the Communist system that in 1966 I escaped to Denmark. Via Poland and East Germay. First to Arizona in 1967, crazy hot !! Than since 1968 in San Francisco, Calif. Until today Oct. 23. 2020. Jay Leno did really excellent job at This article. Not far from SFO There is auto Museum, spoke to curator about to bring Tatra ,he sai They purchased one but on the way car was stolen ! Only one time 15 yars ago they had very pritty 2 door sport car "AERO". Hope I did not took too much time. Right after Comm. Paradise Colapsed Public TV Chanel here had program once a week about of each EX Comm. Countries of Central Europe. History, economy, Industry etc. Incredible how CSR was before ww2 and after ranking on a globals scale, how high was CSR before WW 2. Paradox, I was hardly 5 days in Arizona, and US military Induction Service drafted me to go to Vietnam !!! Vould like to know were are you ? Since you mention that you are orig.from Czech Republic. AHOJ !!!

[@Cloxxki]

Impressive filming and audio. Top job, especially amidst madness.

[@matto9734]

True that but less black saturation would let us see more in the shadowy compartments ;-)

[@LRS905]

@@matto9734 That is the only aspect I miss from the older ones. Usually there was some kind of lighting of these areas while filmed, and I would say that is the only thing missing here.

[@matto9734]

@@LRS905 you are damn right mate ;-)

[@timothybryant8317]

I really like Jay’s commentary on cars. It really comes through how much he seems to love his varied collection. Many collectors gravitate toward speed, or American cars, or sports cars and Jay has collected interesting, well engineered cars for the most part.

[@9rows]

5:29 "So the car's a bit of a hero in that sense." I chuckled. Thanks for the video. I've really enjoyed these back-to-basics style of videos over the past few weeks.

[@GentlementorJB]

I absolutely love the unusual, obscure, amazing cars no one has heard about! This car doesn't disappoint. Thank you for another great video

[@MartinKusyn]

It is awesome to see some acknowledgement for Tatras so far away from Czech Republic - thanks for that!

[@markspoor4663]

This is a little thing but I love how hands on Jay is with these cars and how real time these videos are. He takes 45 seconds to restrap the hood, and in any other video that would be done off camera and probably by an assistant.

[@stevie-ray2020]

You can clearly see where Porsche pinched most of the Volkswagen's design from!

[@toddvanwinkle7777]

Indeed, Stevie!! Good old Ferdinand..

[@martinmartin5904]

yes and Vw had to pay royalties to Tatra for copying

[@stevie-ray2020]

@@martinmartin5904 Apparently the courts ordered them to, but VW cried poor & didn't pay up!

[@Mercmad]

Very true, Porsche was looking over Hans Ledwinka's Shoulder in the early 30's whilst working in Bohemia. Ledwinka is a almost forgotten genius. A friend of mine has a Tatraplan and a 603 Tatra V8 . The Tatraplan is like a big VW beetle ,so much so the tatraplan can be fitted with beetle wheels.

[@BoSSLeVeLs]

Stevie-Ray was thinking the same front end and back

[@michaelheller8841]

How many people in this club? There are four, including you. That will be one hell of a Christmas party, lol

[@thisnicklldo]

@Scientific Humanist If you can't bring your wife, bring someone else's

[@bhumiriady]

One of the most iconic Central European cars ever!

[@prototype192]

Central European*

[@bhumiriady]

@@prototype192 Thank you for the correction.

[@robertmizek3315]

Love your T87. Im helping manage the restoration of the 6th T77 ever built. It’s been a 10-year journey that should be completed before Spring 2022. It’s shaping up to be better than Pavel’s T77A that won best in class at Pebble Beach. We’d love to bring it out to you when it’s done if you’re interested.

[@MrMarkov8]

Pre-WWII & pre-Commies Czechoslovakia at its finest. Love to see that car in your hands, Jay!

[@fotorabia]

It was socialist not communist.Get it right.And if u wanted a classic English Ford in the 90s..u went to Prague to look for them.

[@MrMarkov8]

Rab Lewin I said commies, not communism

[@AlejjSi]

@@fotorabia It was socialism but run by the Communist party.

[@aserta]

@@fotorabia Communist party socialism. Short, commie scum, like every other communist trash, they pillaged and ruined everything.

[@AlejjSi]

@cockyhemi Yet nobody has ever made it happen.

[@johnmckekell5568]

Without Ledwinka´s creative genius and his Tatra car product line (especially types 77, 87 and 97) there would not be Porsche nor Volkswagen and not even Beetle or any Porsche top model incl. 911

[@barnabasranch5415]

John McKekell, you are profoundly mistaken. Ledwinka was a genius. But so was Porsche (first all wheel drive hybrid designed in late 1890s for Daimler as an example). Unfortunately, you are mixing your facts. They both had similar ideas and promoted small economical cars in the twenties with Ledwinka getting the opportunity to produce before Porsche, but that doesn’t mean that Porsche didn’t come to create his vehicles only by the influence of Ledwinka. In fact, it was Ganz’s Hansa that influenced Ledwinka to put the engine in the rear of the Tatra. The needs of the masses in Europe in the time of these Great men led them both to have similar ideas, as is the case of most inventions throughout history with many cases of completely separate experimentation leading to almost simultaneous creations. There is no need to tear one genius down to exalt another, give them both the credit due them as fabulous engineers and innovators. Both men were giants in my mind who ended up getting trampled by the greedy monster that is politics and the wars that is it’s byproduct. If they had lived in a different time and place they would have been considered wizards or kings.

[@AlejjSi]

@@barnabasranch5415 Well, Porsche built the Beetle based on Hitler's idea that the car "should look like a beetle". That however did not come from Hitler's mind, he said that after he saw the project of Ledwnika and his son, when he privately met them in (I think it was their) apartment. Hitler was charmed to say the least by the Tatra, claiming that "this is the car for my Autobahn". He then submitted whatever he got from Ledwinka to Porsche and made that remark about looking like a beetle. Hitler was a fan of the carand always attended the motorshows in his Reich. From the installations of BMW or Daimler-Benz he would swiftly go to Tatra and Skoda. They always planned two or three minutes for him here and then his schedule was to go somewhere else, yet he was capable of spending really much more than 15 mins before really forced to go on by his programme. So we can claim, that if not for Tatra, Hitler, Ledwnika and the NSDAP, we probably would have a Porsche and also a Volkswagen, since Porsche was interested in the idea way before itler was, but probably in a different shape. Just to add to this, there was actually another rear engined aerodynamic car from the 30s, produced by Skoda. It was the Skoda type 932, but it never made the production, instead, the Skoda Popular got so popular with people (:D) . And there was also a saloon car by Skoda like the Tatra or the Tucker and that was called the Skoda type 935 Dynamique. Only one ever existed and it still does, recently restored by Skoda and can be seen in their museum in Mladá Boleslav.

[@johnmckekell5568]

@@barnabasranch5415 Do not try to muffle Porsche’s bad deeds. Theft acknowledged by a court’s ruling as a theft has nothing to do with synergy of great minds. No inventor has ever invented 100% original gadget such man always based his on previous inventions, true, but there is a clear line among inspiration and actual theft. Bulk of Porsches business success is based on theft. Anyways, I do not have anything against him being called a genius, but there lies the main problem. Credit should be given where it is due. For example, most of folks actually don’t know a Lohner-Porsche Mixed Hybrid which was actually his genuine creation. Instead they appreciate Porsche for creating KDF/Beetle and all subsequent models following - the problem is that KDF is based on aforementioned intellectual theft. Regarding cars for the masses comparison between the two designers. If Porsche was on par with Ledwinka at it as you claim he would have no need for stealing his designs. So, sure Porsche was a genius of its own, just not regarding the type of cars he is most credited for. If anything regarding KDF he was good at getting such cars to the masses but that came at cost of selling himself out to Nazism to which he was hardly a unwilling victim.

[@barnabasranch5415]

John McKekell, I’m sorry but are you referring to the court case where Ledwinka LOST against Porsche? While I certainly am not naive enough to think that the Nazi party would be completely fair and not influence the outcome of that case, that doesn’t automatically mean that the outcome isn’t accurate. Perhaps you should read up on some details of the case heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-tatra-versus-volkswagen-lawsuit.html?m=1

[@johnmckekell5568]

@@barnabasranch5415 Thanks for reminding me of this article I think that closing sentence claiming that T97 was not at all similar to VW Beetle (whilst similarity especially of frontal parts is obvious as T97 and V570 shows) and operates with assumption that these cars were in no competition because of belonging to different segments of the market. As if utilization of stolen ideas was integral to malevolence of such deed. Tatra was unfavourable situation anyways as a company from a socialist Czechoslovakia taking upon West German corporation propped up by American allies. Those 3 million Marks was a meagre settlement indeed but maximum of what could be done given the situation. If the company was operating in some of the western countries outcome might have been better for Tatra. Anyways, it does not changes anything about the true origins of KDF Wagen success which indeed based on using someone else's work without his consent.

[@MattSmith-kl5rp]

I can’t hear the word “quirks” without thinking of Doug demuro! Love your videos Jay. I watch them every day.

[@tomhoward7608]

Thank you so much for these videos Jay. I'm a car guy and my dad was a car guy. You have a great ability to tell stories and be the next door neighbor cool guy that has a nice shop. Thank you so much. Really appreciate these stories and the time you spend to bring them out!

[@djremotion2]

If not only the already everything else are amazing, the completely flat aero floorpan is just amazing. It was about 70 years ahead of it's time.

[@marekjanovsky]

greetings from Czech Republic :) there was quite few around here when I was a boy, we had Tatra 12 and Tatra 603 at home but i love this one most ;)

[@Benfica_91]

The centre light on this vehicle reminds me of the centre light on old 1930's locomotives.

[@davidburton612]

I think I seen this swivel front light moving on a modern diesel locomotive.

[@donphillips5957]

No, it made me think of the Tucker, their center light would turn also. I know I've seen one of those before, now I know what it is.

[@rossawood5075]

Thanks for reviewing this car Jay, I was facinated by these vehicles when I arrived in Prague on a milk run flight on an OK Air lines (Czech) Russian Illushin 62 airliner via Denpasar, Athens, from Australia in 1978 at the time of the 10th aniversary of the 68' "Prague Spring" when Alexander Dubcek started a series of reforms that Moscow didn't like causing 4 Warsaw pact countries troops and tanks to enter the country and suppress the Dubcek govt reform plans.. I rode from Vaclave Havel airport in Prague 25 miles to the small city of Kladnow in a Tatra 603 and had a hotel room that overlooked a thermal coal fired powerstation with cattle grazing around the cooling tower. The streets of Prague had Warsaw Pact troops and T 55 tanks stationed at various locations in order again to suppress any uprising on the 10th aniversary of the 68' Prague spring. i was lucky enough to ride several times in Tatra 2-603 models that were produced from i think 1955 -1975 so one driver informed me., they were returned to the factory when getting worn out and factory refurbished and many were used as taxis in Prague. The feel of riding in the back was a gentle swooping downward sensation as the car accellerated very smoothly and quietly , a sort of whooshing feeling and very comfortable , a classy finish to the interior and just so different to any other vehicle i have been in, and i have owned and driven many cars and trucks in my life. i was told that the Czechs were so apalled at the quality of Russian cars they opted to build the Tatra's again and did so to a very high quality standard. Fidel castro famously owned one as did many Warsaw Pact govt and military officials who preferred them to the Moskovitch ,Volga's and larger Chaika's and ZILS that emulated heavy American metal . I have driven Volga's a Moskovitch 408 , Lada's (Fiat copy's) and a Chaika. Generally they were robust but old technology as were some of the roads they needed to drive on. However the quality of the late ZIL 4112R I have looked at is stunning, and virtually hand made indicating the capabilities of exclusive car builders in Russia. However the Tatra was so ahead of its time, and i remember very clearly the surprise when i first set eyes on them, they looked so different to anything i had seen . Ross.

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

Tatra... notice the center head light, rear engine.. Hello Mr Tucker followed these design cues

[@SiqueScarface]

The successor of that car, the Tatra 603, can be seen as Mr. Poe's car in the movie "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events".

[@jonathangriffin1120]

There was a performance of 'Macbeth' on British television a few years ago but set in a kind of eastern European cold war setting. Macduff drove a Tatra....

[@jaromor8808]

Guys at TFLCar made a video series on how they imported one to US only couple of years ago.

[@solracer66]

Back in 1983 I went to a car auction in my small home town near Seattle and there was a white 1950 Tatraplan for sale which didn’t look much different except it had a waterfall style grill in place of the 3rd headlight. I was quite tempted because I could have walked away with it for less than $1500 but with the Iron Curtain still up I had no idea how to get parts. I did end up buying a white air-cooled car, a 1966 Corvair 500 sedan for $800 which while not as exotic was definitely the more sensible choice.

[@Sovit59]

Super mam radost ze clovek jako Vy dokaze ocenit nasi Ceskou Tatru.

[@cedric333]

This thing is just beautiful. Underneath - just wow. The sound too.

[@leevanhouten9073]

It's so distinctive in every way. Such an innovative, clever automobile. So many features that were ahead of their time or should've been used by other manufacturers. If Doug Demuro drove one, he would have a cargasm.

[@vivianhall6506]

The whole Tatra Club goes to a Christmas gathering in one car, the tassels of their Fez hats flying in the breeze. Wild times no doubt.

[@mwp1088]

Jay, thanks for the painstaking level of detail you put into your videos. As a mechanical engineer and car/plane enthusiast, I love it! It's great to hear someone talk with such passion about the small and unique aspects about your cars.

[@UberLummox]

I think they made those into the '60s - looking a little different of course. The Stout Scarab was a similar car too perhaps? Thank for letting us czech it out!

[@benrgrogan]

I think you're confusing it with the t603 which is its successor. Both are pretty brilliant cars.

[@no1DdC]

There were three successors of this one, which were built until 1999. There's the bubbly and extremely popular 603 from 1953, the sleek 613 from 1973 with Vignale styling and the somewhat odd and spectacularly unsuccessful 700 built from 1996 (only about 70 were made, causing Tatra to stop building cars). All of them share the same layout as the T87, with air-cooled V8 engines in the rear.

[@matthewmcree1992]

Tatra's aerodynamic high end cars from this era are some of the most brilliant and beautiful automobiles ever produced (IMO the T77 is one of the most gorgeous cars ever produced, and the later T603 produced under state socialism still holds up today). Tatra was way way ahead of the times in so many regards. The fact that a lot of the Nazi officers wanted Tatra cars even over the most expensive cars of Mercedes-Benz tells you what people of the time thought about them. Also the fact that Tatra cars killed multiple Nazi officers makes them even more awesome. Too bad Tatra isn't a luxury car manufacturer anymore. I have read that the Eastern Bloc state socialist government of Czechoslovakia kept existing Tatra cars and would basically rebuild and/or update them for the elite of the government, with the Tatra engineers secretly designing a new luxury car which became the T603, and which was only allowed to be made because the high-ranking government officials hated the USSR-made luxury cars they were forced to drive. Tatra is perhaps the most important car company no one has ever heard of.

[@DougsCars]

Never forget the first time I saw a modern Tatra. Prague, 1992. Czechoslovak police. Flying around a cobblestone curve in the rain, siren blaring.

[@slovackoinfo]

The rescue team with several Tatra 623 participated in the F1 Hungarian GP (1986-1995).

[@Krispy1011]

Absolutely fascinating - Jay has accumulated vast knowledge of so many vehicles its amazing and so interesting! thx Jay

[@michaelguerin56]

Those V8 Tatras were and are: something special.

[@stevie-ray2020]

Now that Jay Leno is a member of the Tatra Car Club, membership numbers are guaranteed to grow exponentially with Tatra owners from across Europe wanting to join!

[@Grumpy_old_Boot]

Indeed. Who knows, they might even hit 2-digit numbers !!!! 😂

[@romanzdenek4682]

We are living in fascinating world. When I was kid around 1975 still were few of these on the Czechoslovakien roads. I never met man who could show me this car in such perspective. Thank you from Czech Republic

[@patrickhinds]

The story about the Tatra club gets better every time 😁

[@workingguy-OU812]

Love the show, still, and especially this car. Suggestion: one of the best parts of the show is Jay's appreciation for his guys/staff, and him going to them for a more detailed explanation of restoring certain parts. Could you do the same video, like this one, but have some of the staff do side-videos at home on their input for restoring various systems of each car, then splice them in? I think it would be great. Other channels have really found something new during the pandemic with bringing in folks that have never been on the camera before, but who have been part of the background of creating the shows.

[@michaelb6729]

Tatra used the the slogan "Simply Clever", waaaay before Skoda adopted it ! 😃

[@devodavis6454]

It's a genius slogan. Theft-worthy, clearly!

[@SimplyTakuma]

Skoda was also in this time simply clever. So they are equal in a good sense.

[@michaelb6729]

Skoda factories also supplied the Wehrmacht with half-tracks, APCs and field artillery. I find the Czech's more industrious and innovative than the Germans and Swiss. It was unfortunate they ended up on the wrong side of the Wall post-WW2 to promote their ingenuity. On a personal note, my "Simply Clever" TDi has been more reliable than my "Das Auto" TDi ! 👌

[@michaelb6729]

Someone should lend Jay a Skoda 130RS to review !

[@Freimopp777]

​@@michaelb6729 what is the difference? You get the same engine in a Skoda or VW.