My ears prick up each time I hear information of a brand new Tatra automobile being unveiled. At this time, I wish to share with you essentially the most magnificent, most air-coolingest V8 GT automobile ever… that wasn’t made.

The Tatra JK 2500 dates again to 1954. Badged as a Tatra and thought of to be a prototype for a GT automobile, the origins of how this magnificence got here to be should not as clear. There are two variations: the primary says it was a challenge exterior Tatra, from a Czech coachbuilder named Karosa Brno.

The second model says that the Tatra firm had further capability round 1951, and so they determined to reap the benefits of this by constructing a sports activities/GT automobile.

Sadly, it needed to be placed on maintain, and the automobile was solely completed by staff working extra time – a labour of affection and enthusiasm.

Personally, the primary story rings more true – I doubt this started as an official Tatra challenge due to some technical particulars concerning the automobile. First, if you happen to view the entrance axle meeting, it’s clear to see that it’s from a Volkswagen. It’s a torsion tube axle that could be from a Beetle (probably from an early KsF or Kubelwagen, contemplating the time and place). It’s unlikely Tatra would’ve used a VW axle in one thing they had been prototyping.

My analysis additionally factors out that the automobile had an Alfa Romeo 2.5-litre engine initially, making 66 HP. Why would Tatra use an engine they wouldn’t have been in a position to simply supply for a GT prototype? It simply doesn’t add up.

What does add up is the outstanding look of this implausible motor, which acquired even higher as soon as the engine was changed with an air-cooled V8 from the Tatra 603. This shot the facility as much as 105 HP, and with the engine being air-cooled, all the water plumbing system wasn’t wanted, releasing area up entrance for the spare (in accordance with some sources).

Despite the fact that seeing an air-cooled Tatra 603 engine within the entrance could seem odd, Tatra had constructed front-engined vans earlier than, so it wasn’t exceptional.

The automobile will get its title from the designer, Julius Kubinsky. He’d designed numerous different sports activities automobiles, together with a couple of F1 automobiles and a Grand Prix automobile that had been wrecked by a truck previous to the race.

Kubinsky’s design is basically beautiful, and is a perfect GT automobile of the period. The massive V8 is front-mid mounted, behind the entrance axle, and this gave the automobile an ideal entrance/rear weight stability. The quick deck/lengthy hood proportions are basic, with the massive wheel-to-body ratio and low greenhouse made the automobile really feel athletic and purposeful.

The face has that basic fishmouth/big-eyed look that many GT automobiles from that period had, and it’s simply as interesting right here. Add to that the distinctive sound of an air-cooled V8 pumping forth from that entrance grille, makes it much more fascinating.

Alongside that’s the chrome-trimmed two-tone paint scheme, which oozes class. With a design as divine as this, an try was made to curiosity Tatra for attainable manufacturing, but it surely regrettably acquired nowhere. In hindsight, with the Iron Curtain ranges of central management over the manufacturing facility, this isn’t an enormous shock.

Kubinsky discovered solace by utilizing the attractive JK 2500 as his private automobile for the following 13/ 14 years. After that point, no person is aware of what occurred to the automobile, although rumours mount. It’s been steered that it’s within the fingers of a secretive, non-public proprietor, however the proof of that is nonexistent. We are able to dream that it’s on the market someplace, maybe sitting intact in some barn, simply ready to be discovered.

Think about that? That this one-off Tatra JK 2500 is on the market someplace, like a miraculous, red-and-black holy grail, simply ready to be discovered by some fortunate swine.

When you’re studying this within the Czech Republic, please have a look in your native barns and tell us if this miracle involves life.