Tatra 613
Year of Manufacture: 1988
Power: 167 hp
Engine Displacement: 3,495 cm3
Number of Cylinders/Valves: 8/2
Weight: 1,690 kg
Condition: drivable
Catalog Number: 273
Introduction
In 1974, Tatra introduced a new luxury four-door limousine that dramatically changed the company’s previous design direction. This was the model 613, designed by the Italian coachbuilder Vignale, and it bore almost no resemblance to its predecessor, the 603, except perhaps for being produced at the subsidiary plant in Příbor. The high degree of handcrafting in production made the Tatra expensive and, due to slow and regulated production, also rare.
Development
The appearance, however, changed and modernized several times during its long production. Already in 1980, a more economical version 613-2 was introduced, and in 1985 the 613-3 version came with a design updated by Mr. Ladislav Výborný. It is recognizable by a different grille, lights, bumpers, and typical smooth plastic hubcaps. Plastic was used more than chrome, earning it the nickname “plasťák” (the “plastic one”).
Technical Specifications
The Tatra 613 was also known as a fast, spacious, and comfortable vehicle with a flexible carbureted 2×2 OHC engine of 3.5 liters producing 168 hp, reaching speeds up to 190 km/h. Later engines offered better performance, higher displacement, and near the end of production even fuel-injected engines with 200 hp. These cars could reach speeds up to 230 km/h. The transmission was initially 4-speed, later 5-speed in the newest models. Its curb weight was 1,690 kg.
Production
Besides the limousine, there were extended-wheelbase sedans, rescue versions, and a coupe prototype that was never produced.
Sales
This car is a piece of Czech automotive history, and today its price would rise to around 2.5 million CZK.
Interesting Facts
The Tatra 613 was not available to just anyone. New cars were distributed mainly to politicians, then company directors, rescue and armed forces, and also the police, where it was used for covert road traffic monitoring with a built-in speed radar.
Car in Our Collection
The car in our collection dates from 1988 and is in fully functional and drivable condition.
