1956–1975 Tatra 603

The Tatra 603 was a luxury car produced by Czechoslovakian automaker Tatra from 1956 to 1975. It was the third model in the Tatra 600 series and was designed to replace the Tatra 87, which had been in production since 1936.

The Tatra 603 was a distinctive and unique car for its time, featuring a rear-mounted air-cooled V8 engine, aerodynamic styling, and a spacious interior. The body was designed by Tatra's in-house designer, Julius Mackerle, and was influenced by aircraft design principles, with a low-drag shape and streamlined curves.

Under the hood, the Tatra 603 was powered by a 2.5-liter V8 engine that produced 100 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission capable of propelling the car to a top speed of around 100 mph.

Thanks to its independent suspension system and advanced aerodynamics, the Tatra 603 was known for its excellent handling and ride quality. It was also one of the safest cars of its time, featuring a sturdy chassis, a safety cage around the passenger compartment, and a unique safety steering wheel designed to collapse in the event of an accident.

Despite its advanced design and features, the Tatra 603 was not widely exported outside Eastern Europe due to political and economic barriers. It remained a symbol of Czechoslovakian engineering excellence and luxury for many years and is prized by collectors for its unique design and advanced engineering.

In conclusion, the Tatra 603 was a great car for its time, featuring advanced aerodynamics, innovative safety features, and a powerful rear-mounted V8 engine. Although it was not widely exported outside of Eastern Europe, it remains a testament to Tatra's engineering and design prowess. Collectors and enthusiasts revere it to this day.

Source: Tatra