Tatra 603 not Bristol,Dodge,Chevy, Mopar,Beetle,Porsche, Alvis,Alfa, Ferrari etc

Hello and welcome to this reluctant auction of my Tatra 603. If you're reading this you probably already know something about these amazing Tatras and the history and pedigree of the World's third oldest car manufacturer. It also tells me that you probably. like me. are very likely a real car fan and appreciate something different. That is good and I'm glad you could make it. For those less familiar with the Tatra 603 there is a charming early model promotional video here http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=VWdTjwn5yk8 to see how they were promoted Czech style. Of all the wonderful cars I have owned/known nothing attracts smiles and amiable curiosity quite like this wonderfully mysterious creation. It really looks quite menacing. sinister and cheerful all at the same time. I would like to give someone the opportunity to make her lovely again and enjoy sooner than I will get round to her. Ideally you have the skills/time and/or funds to make her lovely again. If she doesn't sell then I will place her in storage until my other projects are complete and of course you always feel good knowing you've got one of these amazing things somewhere :-). As Tatra fans are aware it is generally accepted that all rear engine VW Beetles and aircooled Porsche 911s have essentially been developed from Tatra's Hans Ledwinka's and the pioneering streamlining engineer Paul Jaray's(designer of Zeppelin airships) early work on rear engine air cooled streamlined cars. That culminated in producing the world's first production streamlined car. the amazing and hugely desirable/rare and expensive Tatra T77. Please see http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Tatra_(company) for more info. I bought my 603 to restore as I could see the asking prices of Czech 603s going north and wanted to experience one before they became silly money like some old and lovely German and Italian exotica etc we could mention. have in recent years. Unfortunately I find myself with too many projects/toys in the way. I would dearly love to see her back to her best and she does require restoration really with welding in the nearside rear jacking point particularly and in the lower front wing corners but this is not structural. She has had much work done by the previous owner on body repair to the usual areas around the rear floor and rear inner arches and is generally very solid indeed. The metal is so incredibly thick on these cars that grinding back any surface rust usually leaves shiny clean metal underneath and the interior floor was ground back and rust proofed. The interior appears to be all there and in it's place but the seat material has faded somewhat and the door cards and various trim need attention. though complete. I have discarded the carpet as it was non original and tired and easy enough to get made up at a trimmers. I have the floor insulation and original Czech service book and various bills from the previous owner. Two previous UK owners and approx 78k Kilometeres looking at the last MOT but of course I cannot guarantee it's authenticity. She starts and drives ok. however I noticed today the brakes are binding if pressed hard but do release off . This is probably a sticking caliper or two. The engine runs quite smoothly with no undue smoke or any nasty noises and the gearbox appears all fine. though there is some clutch judder at the biting point. No current MOT or Tax but apart from the mentioned rust. the windscreen squirter (I haven't found the button that works it yet :-)). new front seat belts and the front seat ratchet needs adjustment. it would probably get through but has some filler in the body and really looks a bit 'Rat look' at present but could be used if you wish. I have put a new battery and reconditioned starter motor on her very recently. The 603 is of course a 50's creation. mine on a 1974 UK plate. though as I'm sure you know they were built. then rebuilt every 6 years or so at the Tatra factory for a new lucky Eastern Bloc Bigwig owner. I would advise viewing to ensure you're fully aware of her condition prior to the auction end as of course all bids are final and I want you to be happy. I hope this was useful and if you have any questions please just let me know and I'll do my best to answer them and be available for viewing. Thanks for reading and good luck should you want to bid.

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