Artomobiles

As a car designed in response to Mercedes 540k Special Roadster, Horch succeeded in creating a more exclusive and luxurious automobile.

Producing in Czechoslovakia during the most turbulent years of the last century, the Tatra Type 87 managed to be far ahead of it’s time. The radical body shape was an evolution of the first aerodynamically designed car, the Tatra Type 77. Due to it’s shape and efficiency the Type 87 was able to achieve 20mpg at highway speeds and continue on to a top speed over 100mph with it’s rear mounted air cooled V8. The engineering genius behind it, Hans Ledwinka, was imprisoned for six years for collaborating with Nazi Germany but eventually sued for his freedom. It never gained the success he hoped for outside of his home country, but today the Tatra Type 87 is renowned for its’ innovations.

After World War II, coachworker Franay worked with Mr. Gudol to prove to the world France was still a world power with elegance and high class. He certainly succeeded, the car is adorned with crystal drinking flask compartments, a matching frogskin suitcase and high heels, among other amenities. Still notable today, it sold for 2.7 million in 2012, this Bentley Mark VI is regarded as the most successful Bentley of all time. It won the first 2 major Concours d’Elegance and countless awards since then.

When this car premiered at the 1938 Paris auto show, it stunned crowds with it’s sleek looks and powerful 100mph top speed. This version, manufactured in 1947 was custom ordered at a time when the elite has cars built for them by designers. This one was fitted with custom bodywork, paint, interior, and the frog hood ornament. Originally shipped as a convertible, the designer, in this case Langenthal, added a hardtop after the owner complained of noise and visibility. Then the owner said the top was too heavy, so Langenthal had it permanently  fixed to the car. Truly unique customer service that is not available today.

The car was later modified for legal road use by the original driver and driven over 20,000 miles, it is now restored to original condition.

This car was the peak of automotive design when it was unveiled in Paris in 1936. It was as beautiful as it was fast and was designed with the new German autobahn’s Hitler planned. The Nazi government also ordered 12 with in a limousine style 6 seater wheelbase with armored sides. Despite the dark parts of its’ history, the Mercedes-Benz 540K remains an excellent example showcasing the combination of styling and speed luxury cars achieved before WWII.