The T 603 60 years jubilee

Although the prototype was created already in 1955, he witnessed the premiere of the legendary Tatra 603 to the International Engineering Fair in Brno in September 1956. In the politically challenging times rolled off the production lines three generations. Today, there are collector’s circles former papalášske limousine extremely valuable.

The history of the last truly aerodynamic sedan streamlined dates back to 1934, when he came to the market model 77. Later came Models 87, 97 and 600 Tatraplan. In the mid-50s appeared Tatra 603, but its development took place in secret. CMEA his family decided to limousines will be produced in Soviet factories GAZ and ZIS (ZIL later). Soviet limousine but did not meet the qualitative ideas Czechoslovak government.Although the prototype was created already in 1955, he witnessed the premiere of the legendary Tatra 603 to the International Engineering Fair in Brno in September 1956. In the politically challenging times rolled off the production lines three generations. Today, there are collector’s circles former papalášske limousine extremely valuable.

Vehicle manufacturing representative offices in 1954 legalized. Body was created from the collaboration of artist Francis Kardausa and designer Vladimir dustman. Air-cooled eight-cylinder fork F to 603 OHV constructed Julius Mackerle. It was an engine with a displacement of 2545 cm3 and 70 kW (95 hp). Maximum power and torque is at 4,800 rpm.

Tatra 603 had two luggage compartment. Bigger was located under the bonnet, a smaller rear seat.

Author: Tatra

Dimensions of the first generation of Tatra 603 was impressive. Was 5,065 mm long, 1,910 mm wide and 1,530 mm in height. Wheelbase 2750 mm will particularly great comfort for the rear passengers. With a ground clearance of 200 mm, the driver need not fear even more demanding terrain. Tatra 603 had two luggage compartment. Ten more are on the front and provide a 360-liter storage space. Smaller, with a capacity of 140 liters, he was hiding behind the rear seats.

The first generation was unique in several respects. It was probably the most typical feature of the trio of lights in the front grill. Tatra addition experimented with the possibility that the light in the middle of driving filmed, but serial production has not included this achievement.Trinity lights will not transfer to the next generations for the regulation ordering even number of headlamps which have to be symmetrical. When the Regulation entered into force, owners of older models and the first Tatra 603 had a light bulb in the middle removed and covered with a searchlight. Moreover, the first generation was determined for six passengers, as these have only five.With a weight of 1 470 kg is no need to wonder that it was not too nimble vehicle. According to technical data, the first generation of Tatra 603 accelerated from 0 to 100 km / h in 19 seconds. Nevertheless, the manufacturer indicates a maximum speed of 160 km / h. It is said that professional drivers, officials and civil servants were able to run the “180-kou”. Said parameter corresponds to the consumption data. For a standard driving Tatra 603 needed about 12.5 liters of fuel per hundred kilometers.

future generations

Tatra 603 cosmetic change almost every year. A significant change came in 1960, when 603 F engine replaced the aggregate 603 G. Displacement of the new power unit has been reduced to 2472 cm3, while power remained the same. The reason for the change was tabulated jurisdiction, as after the new Tatra 603 in the category “up to 2.5 liters.” The first fundamental changes to come in 1963, when she appeared marked the second generation 603-2 (in older literature T2-603). Trinity lights replaced the two pairs that were richly decorated with chromium addition. In addition, engineers widened track, redesigned dashboard and equipped brake booster. Last improving powerplant came a year later. Engine bearing 603 H provides a powerful 77 kW (105 hp).

Trinity headlights comes first generation of Tatra 603 unique look. The following two series already had four front lights.

Author: Tatra

The third and final generation change saw the light of day in the fall of 1967. The vehicle was named Tatra 603-2 model 1968 modified bumpers body shortened the new mirrors it narrowed. The distance between pairs of headlamps widened. Integral front bench to replace two separate folding seats.Despite a weight of 1 510 kg vehicle is accelerated to a hundred in just 15 seconds. In the latest generation of assembled since 1970 disc brakes from Dunlop, and in 1973 began with a series assembly contactless electronic capacitor discharge ignition.

The interior of the second-generation model called Tatra 603-2.

Author: Tatra

Tatra 603 production ended October 25, 1975. For twenty years production rolled off production lines in Kopřivnice and later in Pribor 20,422 vehicles. Its successor became more angular Tatra 613 proposed by Vinagle body shop. For cult regarded as “603-ky” first generation. They owe a glitzy body and exceptional front grill. Of the 5,922 units produced but retains only a fraction.One of the main reasons was poor corrosion resistance of the body. He usually lasted ten years. The manufacturer shall provide a replacement, but only for a newer version.

Tatra 603 was too expensive for ordinary people. Application found limousine as officials and civil servants.

Author: Tatra

Why you could ride in a Tatra 603 used mainly high-ranking dignitaries? For the first pieces were 95,000 crowns. In the 60s even become more expensive for 108,000 crowns and the last were astounding 195,000 crowns. For the current value, and it is high and likely to grow in time. Renovated 603 Tatra third generation starts at 10,000 euros. If you were interested in shipwrecks, also you will have to prepare a few thousand. Restored items first generation would you go out to a minimum of 35,000 euros.

Tatra 603 body has been through twenty years of producing some modifications. Third generation (pictured) was even sold for twice the price of the first series.

Author: Tatra

Racing successes and prototypes

Specially modified Tatra 603 took part in several races. In addition to the Austrian Alpine Rally driving and Wiesbaden are racing specials with an output of 103 kW (140 hp) and a lighter bodywork also they presented the Endurance Marathon de la Route. Originally it was a long-distance rally, but later moved to the northern loop of the Nürburgring.

Unimaginable race lasted 84 hours, and in 1965 it Tatry ranked third and fourth place, one did not finish the race. A year later to start again built three vehicles, this time with an output of 110 kW (148 hp). The finish came at the third, fourth and fifth place and won the team competition. In 1967 they reached the finish only two of the three crew members, but those were placed fourth and fifth. Participation at the last riders raced on the modified version of the model, 1968.

Zdeněk Čechmánek, Alois Mark and Tatra 2-603 after successful GT race in Marathon de la Route 1965, the GT is placed in 4th place.

Author: Tatra

Design prototypes based on Tatra 603 created several. The first was the Tatra 603 A version of sedan and station wagon in 1962. In 1964 it was followed by an ambulance, which was created in the Bratislava branch of Tatra led by Ivan Michiko. In addition, in Bratislava and prototypes built by 603 X minibus MB Low-Deck and platform floor. Tatra 603 has enjoyed a sports prototype. It was a coupe JK 2500, was the creator of designer Julius Kubinský. The original power unit of the car was Alfa Romeo unit, but later he replaced the engine T 603rd

The prototype low-floor systems Open NP was established in the Bratislava branch of the Tatra Mountains.

Author: Tatra

As for the colors and the Czechoslovak road it was possible only seeing black body. Promotional materials are not filled in the two-color combinations of vehicles, which were at that time extremely popular. But it is primarily intended for Western markets. Two white “603-ky” found a space in the garage of prominent personalities. One got the Shah of Iran Reza Pahlavi and the other Cuban leader Fidel Castro. In the latter case, the Tatra Castro odvďačila for American Chevrolet Corvair, which gave him and to which they would otherwise get. It is interesting that Castro copy of the only air conditioning.

Tatra 603 has enjoyed the modern processing of that care company Faurecia. In late 2007, he unveiled at the Los Angeles studio Premium Attitude. It was the concept of a modernized black Tatra 603 from 1972.

Size, volume, weight,

Technical specifications

Original source: http://auto.pravda.sk/magazin/clanok/384534-tatra-603-legenda-s-ladnymi-krivkami-oslavila-sestdesiatku/