Tatra T613- 1978

In the late 1960s, it became time to start work on the design of a new Tatra to take over the role of flagship for the Communist officials. The new model – the T613 you see here, was the first Tatra styled outside the Tatra factory. Vignale of Italy did the body styling. The T613 was the first Tatra where the engine was located above the rear axle (instead of behind it) to help improve the car’s handling.

The T613 was intended for use by government officials in Communist countries. Production of the T613 reached its peak in the late 1970s with approximately 1,500 cars produced annually. The 1980s saw production decrease to a few hundred a year. After the United Nations imposed trade sanctions with client countries and the fall of the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia, sales decreased rapidly. In 1996, only 11 cars were made; Tatra ceased car production in 1998. Now only large industrial trucks are produced.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Tatra, narodni podnik
Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia
Drivetrain Configuration: Rear engine, rear wheel drive
Engine: 3.5 liter, V8, air-cooled, dual overhead cam
Transmission: 4 speed manual
Top Speed: 118 mph
Years of Production: 1973-96
Number Produced: 11,009