Tatra T-613- 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 T-613 you see here, was the first Tatra styled outside the Tatra factory. Vingale of Italy did the body styling. The T-613 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 T-613 was intended for use by government officials in Communist countries. Production of the T-613 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