c1987 Tatra 613/3 Sedan (LHD)

Description

Tatra replaced the long running 603 series with the all-new 613 model in 1974 featuring modern styling by Italian stylists Vignale, ditching the curvaceous aerodynamic adopted by earlier post-war models. Retaining the same unconventional layout as its predecessor, the 613 was powered by an air-cooled V8 mounted in the rear compartment featuring twin overhead camshafts per bank. Designed exclusively for high-ranking Soviet officials, the luxurious Tatra was built on an impressive 117.3-inch wheelbase and with no transmission tunnel getting in the way, legroom both front and rear was particularly impressive. The 613’s seats are basic in design but very comfortable, while the ergonomics are peculiarly Eastern Bloc. The long travel suspension, MacPherson struts up front and independent rear suspension ensure a comfortable ride on even the roughest road surfaces, while the rear-mounted V8 offers surprisingly good performance, aided by an all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox in early cars (a five-speed box was available on later models). After building just over 4,500 613s in the 1970s, Tatra updated certain features in 1980 and a further 1,000 or so 613/2s followed before the 613/3 offered here arrived in 1985. Facelifted in line with Western automotive styling trends, the Tatra’s chrome bumpers and trim were ditched in favour of colour-coded plastic bumpers, wheel trims and other upgrades. Just 903 were made over the next six years according to one reference source and small numbers were used by the police, fire fighting units and as rescue units. The 613 underwent one further major facelift in 1991 and ultimately remained in production until 1996, with very few – if any – reaching Australia.