TATRA 603 – New Passenger Car of International Category (from Works dokumentation - 1956)

The great advantages of better utilization and weight reduction in the case of rear engined cars together with the elimination of noise and heat from the passenger compartment are nowadays acknowledged in every part of the world. The only objections against this car design are an unfavourable weight distribution and a limited luggage compartment.

Nevertheless, the TATRA Automobile Works have succeeded in coping even with these problems which have dissuaded many a marker from following this line. As early as in 1936 the TATRA Works started the production of rear engined cars, having acquired great experience within the last twenty years. The present TATRA 603 model is the result of the unceasing development and research work of twenty years. The air cooled engine of the TATRA 603 car is much lighter in comparison with other engines of this category, weighing a mere 160 kg, or 350 lb, that is to say a mere 1,6 kg/HP or 3,5 lb/HP. The low weight of the engine has enabled advantageous distribution of the axle pressures, so that only 53% of the weight is supported by the rear axle, when the car is fully loaded. This is an almost ideal weight distribution, much more favourable than of many a vehicle of orthodox design.

Owing to the new design of the front axle, a spacious luggage compartment between the front wheels, conveniently accessible from outside, has been achieved. In addition, there is a smaller luggage compartment for the hand luggage of the passengers, accessible from the interior of the car during the drive.

The carefully designed oulines of the TATRA 603 bodywork, backed by long years of scientific research, have an extremely low air resistance coefficient, thus enabling the new car to attain easily a maximum speed of 170 km/h, or 105,6m.p.h. with an engine of 100 HP, while other cars of prominent world production need engines of much higher power outputs and swept volumes to attain en equal travelling speed.

The outstanding streamline qualities of the new car, moreover, are the main cause of its exceptionally low fuel consumption, entailing a high operating economy of the car even at high travelling averages. Through the intake openings in the top parts of the rear wings the cooling air blowers draw in relatively clean air. Coarse grit is eliminated in the free spaces of the rear wings, which have simultaneously a noise deadening effect.

The double circuit hydraulic brakes ensure driving safety even in the event of a defect of one of the brakes. The brakes are properly cooled and amply dimensioned.

The four speed gearbox has all the speeds synchronized, with special relieved gear shifting.

The working temperature of the engine is automatically controlled by means of a thermostat located in the stream of outlet air.

The steering wheel with a fully faired hub reduces to the minimum any danger of the driver being injured in the case of an accident.

On opening the door, the dome light is automatically switched on, when opening the bonnet, the illumination of the luggage or engine compartment respectively are cut in.

Clear rear visibility is ensured trough the wide rear window, rivalling that of modern front engined cars. Splendid suspension, comfortable, safe and fast driving, no matter how bumpy the road – these are the priceless advantages of the new TATRA 603 passenger car.

An air cooled, four stroke, eight cylinder V-type petrol engine designed for TATRA 603 passenger cars. The OHV engine has short pushrods and a high camshaft. An automatic temperature controll is provided and a thermostat is mounted in the stream of outlet air.

Tatra 603 (1958)

Tatra 2-603 (1963)

Tatra 2-603, Modell´69 (1972)