Not only is this Škoda-prototype in a particularly innovative period, but perhaps even more the time in which it evolved, It may ring a bell with you, when you hear, that a rear-mounted Boxer-engine with 2 litres of cubic capacity and 40 kW (55 HP), was supplying the torque to the rear wheels through a floating axle. Also worth mentioning is the central tubular frame. The similarity with the first VW-Beetles, as far as the shape is concerned, can also not be dismissed out of hand. Have a look at the picture below. Indeed, when this prototype was created, the 935 could already be seen at the 1935 Prague Automobile Show.
Below you can get a small insight into the multiple efforts by Daimler-Benz to take part in the new dynamics. You may be aware, that at this time, Mercedes had brought a series of rear-engine vehicles (130 - 170) onto the market. You may also know, that there were 12 experimental vehicles with air-cooled 1,2 litre and 18 kW (24 HP) Boxer-engines as well. Indeed, before you point to their similarity with the VW-Beetle, you should pay attention to the dates.
In 1931, the VW-Beetle had not been born yet. Thus, the inspiration must have come from somewhere else. By the way, the following picture of the 1934 Chrysler Airflow was representative for all the other companies who were taking part in the search for the ideal aerodynamics, e.g., also the French manufacturers of noble vehicles.
There was a strong suspicion, that Dr. Hans Ledwinka, was the mastermind behind at least a part of the construction. Already in 1914, he had built four- and six-cylinders engines in one block with overhead camshafts. He introduced the four-wheel brake system about 10 years before the majority of his competitors. His 1923 Tatra 11, already had an air-cooled Boxer-engine, indeed, it was mounted in the front, had a directly splinted gearbox, which sent the power to the rear floating axle through a cardan shaft running in a central tunnel.
At Tatra, comprehensive model-range, right up to the twelve-cylinder was developed. On the other hand, what interests us at this point, is the Tatra 77, a streamlined car with a rear-engine, which was however, an air-cooled V8. Perhaps Ledwinka managed to do what the actual pioneer of streamlining, Edmund Rumpler, failed to do some 10 years earlier, namely, to inspire the technical brains in the automobile industry, to take on a new way of thinking. In the video below, you can judge for yourself, whether or not there is a resemblance with the Škoda 935. 07/15
Škoda 935 Dynamic