1932 Tatra 80

The Tatra 80 was a Czechoslovakian car produced by Tatra from 1932 to 1939. It was a full-size luxury car with a unique design that featured a rear-mounted air-cooled V8 engine, making it one of the first cars in the world to have a V8 engine and one of the few to feature a rear-mounted engine.

The engine in the Tatra 80 came in two versions, a 2.97L and 3.38L, both with a 75-degree V8 layout and producing 50 and 65 horsepower respectively. The engines were air-cooled, which allowed for a simpler design, and helped to reduce weight by eliminating the need for a heavy water-cooling system. The engine was also notable for being mounted behind the rear axle which contributed to its unique appearance.

The Tatra 80 also had a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-circuit hydraulic braking system, which was a technological advancement at the time. The brakes were operated by a foot pedal and two other levers that allowed for independent braking of the left and right wheels.

The car featured a body design by Hans Ledwinka, that was aerodynamically advanced for its time, this design helped the vehicle to achieve incredible fuel efficiency.

In terms of suspension, the Tatra 80 had a swing-axle independent suspension at the rear and a solid front axle with leaf springs. This setup allowed for a comfortable ride even at high speeds and a degree of handling proficiency that was not common in other vehicles of the same era.

One of the most notable technological features of the Tatra 80 was its safety design, it had an advanced frame that was made from box-section steel and it had a rounded design with no sharp edges to promote safety in the event of an accident. Engineers were also ahead of their time in adding safety features like a collapsible steering system and seatbelts for both the driver and passengers, both designed to protect in case an accident occurred.

Overall, the Tatra 80 was a technological marvel for its time, with its unique design, advanced suspension systems, and safety features make it a true automotive pioneer that had a significant impact on the industry.