Vehicle Description
This 1971 Tatra T603 is a terrific way to get everyone's attention.
It was built for the best communists; there are spaceship-like
aerodynamics; and there's a hemi V8 mounted in the rear. It makes
for a rare dictator -level car that were hand-made by the handful,
and even fewer remain this clean and complete today.
Not too many people think of Czechoslovakia when shopping for
post-war European classics. Still, we didn't have to mention where
this Tatra was from for you to know it's different than the others.
Despite its unique style, the T603 is an evolution of tradition.
Tatra was already established as a maker of aerodynamic executive
sedans, but after WWII, a car like this only got a development
blessing if it was going to heads of state. So each one is
suspected of having a unique history. This car's paint has a glossy
look from a distance. However, its current quality up-close is more
likely to get you talking about how you need to be robust to
survive behind the Iron Curtain. And while we kind of like how its
appearance fits the car's personality, the real attraction here is
the completeness and straightness in the overall presentation. It
really lets you see how there was true elegance in the design. It's
in the way the side marker lights taper to join the side trim, and
how that brightwork rockets down the side like it's trying to show
the air how to feed the V8 in the rear. And while this was built to
transport those who excelled at communism, we bet you won't be able
to resist mentioning how this is more successful at a split rear
window than a '63 Corvette.
The interior keeps a stock and weathered style. The front split
bench seat has a bit more contouring, but since the rear was where
the most important person often sat, you have plenty of legroom and
a folding armrest back there. Elements like the red cloth seat
inserts, matching door panels, and German-band radio (for display)
are considered opulent items. So while there is certainly room for
improvement if you were looking to restore a car, there is
something fun about how this already captures the essence of the
era.
This car is all about showing off how different it is, and so
you'll love lifting the rear hatch and showing off the 2.5-liter
hemi V8. Those big valve covers even remind us of those early Mopar
FirePower Hemis. But what you'll really be pointing out in this
overall tidy setup are the distinct details, like the Czech-made
dual carbs. Having an air-cooled motor in the rear seems like a
Porsche trait, and if you don't already know, you'll love
investigating and talking about that connection. In fact, you may
even pick up hints of early Porsche 911 in the engine note. This
one has a surprisingly eagerness to run that just seems to
reinforce the hardy nature of the communist worker. So it's a car
you can take out on the road to show it off. The column-shifted
four-speed manual transmission takes a little mastering, but it
will be a source of pride when you get the shifts right. Plus, this
has good driving features, like power brakes, front discs, modern
Goodyear tires, and a fully independent suspension. The driving
experience is not like a sports car or a muscle car, but this Tatra
602 will turn more heads on the road than a Porsche 911 or a 426
Charger any day of the week.
This is a unique classic that's able to showcase pure Czech charm.
So if you want to be distinctly different, you need this Tatra.
Call today!!!
