Tatra 603

Infobox Automobile


name = Tatra T603
manufacturer = Tatra
production = 1956-1975
predecessor = Tatra T600
successor = Tatra T613
layout=RR layout
body_style = four door sedan
engine = 2472 cc V-8 air cooled
transmission =
length = Auto mm|5065
width = Auto mm|1910
height = Auto mm|1529
weight = Auto kg|1400
wheelbase = Auto mm|2748
track =
related =
similar =
designer =

History

The Tatra 603 is a large rear-engined sedan manufactured by the long established Tatra vehicle business in former Czechoslovakia. The model replaced the T600 model in 1956. Three versions of the model T603 were manufactured successively between 1956 and 1975. These cars are designated T603-1, T603-2 and T603-3, 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 plastic cover. The T603-2 had four headlamps mounted within a long oval grill, while the unofficial -3 omits the grill and places the headlamps flush with the car's front fascia. To complicate matters, as Model T603's were returned to the factory to be exchanged for "new" model T603's, 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 T603's are of the later -3 styling, regardless of their original production date.

Official use

The Model T603 was allocated only to senior members of the political and industrial establishments. Small numbers of T603s were exported to most of the central European countries allied to Czechoslovakia at the time and to Cuba. Sales to private individuals were not normally possible, although a few T603s appear to have been privately owned in East Germany. During the car's twenty year production run, 20,422 cars were built, mostly by hand. To the west of the Iron Curtain the car was unknown, though some were used by Czechoslovak embassies in western capitals. The model T603 was replaced by the T 613 in 1974.

Air conditioning

Low volume production levels and the resulting lack of production automation meant that 'one off' adaptations were relatively easy to accomplish. Cuban leader Fidel Castro is still believed to run a white T603 featuring air conditioning.

External links

* [http://www.tatra.demon.nl/cars_history_T603.htm Technical details Tatra T603]