Rare Tatra to be auctioned in Melbourne
Following on from the streamlined 87, 97 and T600 models of the immediate pre and post War period, the 603 continued the Czech firm's individual take on automotive styling. The debut T603s from 1956 featured a three headlight front end that was unlike anything else on the road at the time.
By the time the consigned example arrived in 1974, the front end was on its second restyle and relatively more conservative with a four-headlight treatment, but the 603's overall shape, including the rounded front end and large rear quarter scoops to feed air into the rear-mounted V8 engine, was unchanged.
The 2-603 II to be auctioned features Tatra's air-cooled 2.5-litre aluminium V8 engine, that produces a reported 77.5kW. Unless you were a Communist Party official, it's unlikely you would have got to experience that power, as sales to private individuals were extremely rare during the 603's time in production.
Of the approximately 20,000 believed produced over the 603's 20 year production life, Shannons report that just 1,514 of the 2-603 IIs were built before 603 production ceased in 1975. Around a third of these were exported to other Communist countries.
The consigned lot was imported to Australia from the Czech Republic some years back and would still be one of the very few examples of this model in the country. Offered in generally good condition with no reserve, Shannons have set a guiding range of $14,000-$18,000.
These Tatra will join some other rarities at the Melbourne auction, including a 1929 Ford Model A Tourer Project ($4,000-$6,000), 1966 Honda S600 coupe ($16,000 - $20,000), 1961 Studebaker Lark V8 ($5,000-$8,000), a 1970 one-owner from new Toyota Corolla KE11 sedan ($3,000-$5,000), and a 1988 BMW 635CSi 'Shadowline' ($10,000-$15,000).
Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic auction will take place on Monday, August 27 at Shannons' Melbourne auction rooms, 321 Warrigal Road, Cheletenham. First lot will cross the blocks at 7:00pm. For more details, go to www.shannons.com.au.
