TATRA 613 Special (1987) - prototypes

The Italian body shop Vignale also played a significant role in the production of the Tatra 613. The first cars were created in 1969. The start of serial production began in 1975. After the start of serial production, the Tatra production company decided to prepare a more luxurious and representative version of the already produced Tatra 613.

At the initiative of the company in 1975, a prototype car T 613 Special was built. A significant change compared to the standard version was the extended wheelbase and also the rear door by 150 mm. The prototype of the Tatra 613 Special was used by the company director.

After passing all the tests, it was decided that an exclusive representative variant of the Tatras 613 - "diplomatic variant" - would be created. It was originally intended to bear the name Tatra 613 Presidium. However, this changed to Special when production started in 1979.

However, the originally planned number of 50 Tatra 613 Specials was never observed. In 1979, a record 35 pieces were produced. In the following years, the number of produced pieces stabilized at the level of 8 to 10 pieces.

Compared to the standard version, the Tatra 613 Special was more magnificent, more luxurious and more comfortable, especially when it came to the interior equipment of the vehicle. With an extended wheelbase of 150 mm, it reached a total length of 5,185 mm. New bumpers, Bosch lights with wipers and washers have contributed to a more ostentatious appearance.

The interior was enriched by a new dashboard, a new steering wheel and a modern SONY radio with a player. In addition to more space for passengers in the rear, comfort was also increased by the fact that the rear seats were designed for only two passengers (in the regular Tatra 613 for three). In addition to more seating, passengers also had air conditioning, electrically operated windows and some vehicles were also equipped with a bar.

The drive unit, located above the rear axle, consisted of an air-cooled eight-cylinder Tatra 613 S1 with cylinders up to V (90 degrees), with DOHC distribution with a displacement of 3,495 cm3 and an output of 168 HP (123.5 kW). Max. the speed was 190 km / h.

The vehicles were intended exclusively for government and party purposes. The minimum number of vehicles could be used by the directors of the most important production companies.

The Tatra 613 Special was generally referred to as a car for the chosen ones. Maybe because only 135 of them were produced during production.

After the change in political conditions in Czechoslovakia, the interest in Tatra passenger cars decreased significantly, which also resulted in the production of the Tatra 613 Special being terminated in 1990.