Originally the car was fitted with a liquid-cooled 1,930 cc (118 cu in) six-cylinder OHC inline engine that produced 35 hp (26 kW).

The maximum attainable speed of the 1,130 kg (2,490 lb) car was 100 km/h (62 mph).

These Tatra 17/31 cars had an increased top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph).

The Tatra 17 was produced in several configurations, including a two-seat roadster, and a six-seat limousine.

A few Tatra 17 cars were built in a fire engine configuration.