TATRA 603 - A DISTINCTIVELY STYLED CAR FOR COMFORT, SPEED AND SAFETY

The fast six-seater TATRA 603 car with its streamlined four-door bodywork marks the resumption of the former rear engine TATRA models popular since 1936.

Better utilisation of the space, lower weight and the elimination of engine noise and heat from the passenger compartment are the considerable advantages of the rear engine TATRA 603. The prerfect streamlining is the main reason for the exceptionally low fuel consumption at very high speed. Outstanding suspension and steering offers an agreeable, comfortable, safe and very fast ride evenon bad roads. This is also the result of the equal weight distribution on the axles of the laden vehicle which can be described as ideal without exaggeration. One more point of satisfaction for the owner of the TATRA 603 - particularly for long distance trips - will be its exceptionally large luggage space.

Technical data:

Engine: 8-cylinder V, air-cooled

Bore: 75 mm

Stroke: 72 mm

Engine capacity: 2545 c. c.

Power output: 100 hp at 5000 r. p. m.

Maximum torque: 16 kgm at 3000 r. p. m.

Compression ratio: 6,5 to 1

Gearbox: 4 forward speeds, synchromesh (lack-type), 1 reverse

All-metal, four-door body

Approx weight: 3,240 lbs (1.470 kg)

Length: 199 in. (5.065 mm)

Width: 74 in. (1.910 mm)

Height: 61 in. (1.550 mm)

Ground clearance: 79 in. (200 mm)

Wheelbase: 1082 in. (2.750 mm)

Track, front and rear: 551 in. (1.400 mm)

Tyres: 6,50 - 15 in.

Driving qualities:

Maximum speed: 170 km/h (106 m. p. h.)

Fuel consumption at the speed of 68 m. p. h. (110 km p. h.): 22,5 m. p. g. (12,5 liters per 100 km)"

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Following is a photo documentation of Tatra 603. It is not exhaustive, miscellaneous articles are hyperlinked.

Thanks to individuals and institutions who kindly provided useful facts from the history of Tatra 603:

• Mr Jan Popelář, son of Mr Vladimír Popelář, Chief Designer of the Tatra engineering office in Prague

• Mr Pavel Hušek, industrial designer

• Ms Milena Klimentová (*1931 - † 22.6.2019), assistant to Mr Vladimír Popelář since 1949

• Mr Ladislav Vyroubal, designer of chassis of the Tatra engineering office in Prague since 1950

• Mr Josef Svoboda, Automotive Designer of Tatra Kopřivnice

• Ms Libuše Klosová, wife of Mr Jiří Klos, designer of engines of Tatra Kopřivnice

• Mr Ivan Mackerle, son of Mr Julius Mackerle, Chief Engineer of Tatra Kopřivnice

• Ms Helena Kraslová, wife of photographer Mr František Krasl, Frýdek Místek

• Mr Karel Rosenkranz, former Head of the Tatra Museum in Kopřivnice

• Národní archiv ČR v Praze

• Úřad průmyslového vlastnictví v Praze

• Technické muzeum Tatra v Kopřivnici