Tatra 603 6 places Silver '60 1969
General description :
The Tatra 603 is a large luxury car produced by the Czechoslovak company Tatra from 1956 to 1975. It was a continuation of the series of Tatra streamlined sedans started by the Tatra 77. In Communist Czechoslovakia only high ranking party officials and heads of factories were driven in 603s; the car was also exported to a number of other countries.In 1953 the communist government got fed up with delays in delivery of Soviet cars as well as with their poor quality and they ordered development of a new luxury Tatra, thus giving legitimacy to the team's previous work. The new car was to have a 3.5-litre air-cooled eight-cylinder engine, and it was to be ready for production by the end of 1954. While the chassis was almost ready due to the work on Valuta, the engine remained an issue. Even in their secret designs nobody had anticipated such a large engine. Engineer Julius Mackerle proposed a "temporary" solution of using the already developed 2.5-litre T603 engine in the new car (it was already successfully used in Tatra racecars and Tatra 87-603, while the larger one was supposed to be ready in the next 4–5 years.The first driveable T603 was finished in 1955. A number of body designs were tested in wind-tunnels. In the end the one proposed by František Kardas and fine-tuned by Vladimír Popelář and Josef Chalupa was chosen for production.Three versions of the model T603 were manufactured successively between 1956 and 1975. These cars are designated T603, T 2-603 and T 3-603, though the 3- was not an official designation used by Tatra.The T603-1 is easily distinguished by its three headlamps enclosed beneath a clear glass cover.In 1962 the 2-603 was launched. Four headlamps were mounted within a long oval grille and the dashboard was changed. The rear track was increased by 55 mm and the engine was modernized.In 1966 the car got power brakes, while in 1967 other changes were added: for example the windshield's height was enlarged by 66 mm.The unofficial -3 (or Tatra 2-603 II) omits the grille and places the headlamps flush with the car's front fascia. The car got disk brakes on all four wheels and was officially changed to a five-seater for legal reasons (from 1968 the safety belts became obligatory for passengers on front seats).In 1973 the T603 became the first Czechoslovak car with contactless thyristor ignition.To complicate matters, as model T603s were returned to the factory to be exchanged for "new" model T603s, the older cars would be disassembled and rebuilt to the current styling. These cars were then returned to use as "new" T603's. As a result, most T603s are of the later -3 styling, regardless of their original production date.SpecificationsBodyworkLength: cm (in): 507 (199.4)Width: cm (in): 191 (75.2)Height: cm (in): 155 (61)Wheelbase: cm (in): 275 (108.3)Weight: kg (lb): 1420 (3131)Mechanics.Displacement: V8 2545 cc (155 cu in),air-cooled, rear-mountedValve gear: 16Fuel system: 1 Motorpal 30 SSOP carburettorGearbox: 4-speed manualDriven wheels: rear-wheel driveMaximum power: 99 hp at 4800 rpmMaximum torque: 162 Nm at 3000 rpmMaximum speed: 170 km/h (106 mph) For more pictures sroll down.This car is just in at Oldtimerfarm, Aalter Belgium. Steenweg op Deinze 51C. Teusday-Saterday 10-17h (no appointment needed) Sunday: closed. Monday strictly on appointment. We specialize in consignment sales of collection cars. We are proud we can offer this car for sale. A more detailed description will soon follow. In the meantime you can have a look at the very ample photo coverage on the website. Of course Xavier or Olivier will be very happy to give you all possible explanations by phone on +32472401338.Meet us at:You can meet us at these events where we will show a sample of our stock.14-17/01/2016 Interclassics Maastricht30-31/01/2016 Auto Retro Brugge13-14/02/2016 Flanders Collection Car Gent04-06/03/2016 Antwerp Classic Salon18-20/03/2016 Milano Autoclassica - Italy06-10/04/2016 28th Techno-Classica Essen - Germany29-01/05/2016 Open Door Event @OLDTIMERFARM
http://www.oldtimerfarm.be/en/collection-cars-for-sale/2754/tatra-603-6-places-silver-69.php
1969 Tatra 603 6 places Silver '60 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Aalter by Oldtimerfarm Dealer for €12500.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Tatra Model : 603 Model Version : 6 places Silver '60 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1969 Location : Aalter Vehicle Registration : Normal
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About Tatra
Ladies and gentlemen, today we're going to explore the fascinating history of Tatra, a Czech automobile manufacturer that can lay claim to being one of the most innovative and influential in the industry. Tatra is often associated with the early development of the Volkswagen Beetle, and we'll get to that in a moment.Tatra's story begins in the late 19th century when it started as a manufacturer of horse-drawn carriages. But it was in the early 20th century that Tatra made its mark in the automotive world with innovative designs and engineering prowess.
One of Tatra's most significant contributions to automotive history came in the form of the Tatra 11, introduced in 1923. It was a small car with a rear-mounted air-cooled engine – a layout that would later become a hallmark of the Volkswagen Beetle.
Fast forward to the 1930s, and Tatra introduced the Tatra 77, a groundbreaking car that was not only aerodynamically advanced but also featured a rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 engine. This design influenced several future car models, including the aforementioned Volkswagen Beetle.
Speaking of the Beetle, here's where Tatra's story intersects with Volkswagen. Tatra's chief engineer, Hans Ledwinka, had developed several rear-engine, air-cooled cars, including the Tatra V570 and Tatra V800. These designs were undoubtedly influential on Ferdinand Porsche, who later designed the VW Beetle.
Tatra, believing that the Volkswagen Beetle resembled their own designs too closely, filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen in the 1960s, seeking compensation for patent infringement. This legal battle earned the nickname "Nazi killer" because it challenged the origins of the iconic Beetle. The lawsuit eventually led to a settlement, with Volkswagen agreeing to pay Tatra.
Aside from its role in the Beetle's history, Tatra produced a series of notable vehicles. The Tatra 87, for instance, was a streamlined luxury car in the late 1930s that could reach remarkable speeds for its time. It was nicknamed the "Czech Secret Weapon" due to its handling in SS officers hands on autobahn. Also see: https://www.classicdigest.com/readers-stories/Andreas/720
Tatra continued to produce innovative cars during and after World War II, including the Tatra 600 and Tatra 603, both featuring distinctive styling and rear-mounted V8 engines.
In summary, Tatra is a manufacturer that deserves recognition for its pioneering spirit and innovative designs. While it may not have become a household name like some other automakers, Tatra's contributions to automotive history, including its involvement in the early development of the Volkswagen Beetle, are undoubtedly significant.