Tatra 17

The Tatra 17 is a vintage automobile produced by the Czech manufacturer Tatra from 1925 to 1929. It was the company's top-end model which was sold alongside the economy car Tatra 12 and middle class Tatra 30.

  • Tatra 17
  • Tatra 17/31
Overview
ManufacturerTatra
Production1925–1929
AssemblyKopřivnice, Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia at the time)
Body and chassis
Body style2+2, Roadster, Town car, Touring on Backbone chassis
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1.9L Tatra 17 I6
  • 2.3L Tatra 31 I6 (T17/31)
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,450 mm (135.8 in)
Curb weight1,300–1,500 kg (2,866–3,307 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor
SuccessorTatra 31

Design

Engine

Originally, the car was fitted with a liquid-cooled six-cylinder OHC in-line Tatra 17 engine with 1,930 cc (118 cu in) and 35 hp (26 kW) power. The block was made from silumin and cylinder heads from aluminium. It was the first Tatra with an ignition battery. The maximum attainable speed of the 1,130 kg (2,491 lb) heavy car was 100 km/h (62 mph). Altogether 205 vehicles were made before 25 September 1926.

Another engine used was from the even more up-market Tatra 31. This was also a liquid-cooled six-cylinder in-line OHC, however this time with 2,310 cc (141 cu in) and 39,4 hp (29,4 kW) of power. The maximum speed was raised to 110 km/h (68 mph). 250 vehicles were made with this engine.

Tatra 17/31 was for some time manufactured alongside the successor model Tatra 31, of which 300 vehicles were made.

Backbone tube

Model 17 was the first luxury Tatra with a backbone tube, which had been successfully used in the low cost type Tatra 11. Unlike model 11, the Tatra 17 had independent suspension not only of the rear half axles, but also of the front axles.

The car's driveshaft is inside the tube and the gear box and engine are mounted in the front of the tube, while the differential is in the rear.

Versions

Tatra 17 was a luxurious car for demanding clients. Many different versions were made, from a two-seater roadster to six-seater limousines.

There were also a few fire engines made. One of them remains in application as honorary fire engine of Svatý Jan nad Malší firefighters.

  • Tatra 17 fire truck
  • Tatra 17/31
  • Tatra 17/31 Sport
  • Tatra 17/31 Sport - front left side
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