Introducing the Tantalizing Tatra

Well Wright’s current December 8th Important Design auction is a bit of the usual onslaught of primarily mid-century to contemporary design masters (Eames, Sottsass, Wright, Evans, Pergay, Hadid, Newson etc.) But, the economy has likely curtailed his offerings from the usual 1000 lots to a more manageable 405 lots on the block. That said, I was captivated by an unusual and rare offering. Wright managed to snag a vintage 1940 Czechoslovakian Tatra T87 sedan. First designed in 1936, it is an icon of European streamlined design. Falling somewhere between aviation and automobile design, the overall impact is one of futuristic exuberance that emerged on the heels of a looming world war. It is anyone’s guess, but I feel that this will very likely sell to a car collector for obvious logistical reasons. We will have to wait and see if it meets its $150,000-200,000 estimate.

UPDATE: Unfortunately it failed to sell...