Tatra Heritage

The transformation carried out according to the fire department's requirements preserved most of the original vehicle's strong points. For example its better off-road capability thanks to the hub reduction axles, central tire inflation, 15,00-21 TO-3 tactical tires, ground clearance 410 millimetres, 32° approach angle and 35° departure angle and also recovery capabilities provided by 85m winch with max pulling force 117,7 kN (11,770 Kg) in a straight line. Another difference compared to the civil versions is the toughened-glass windshield, in-built plowshare add-on, two starters and an additional oil cooler of the supercharged twelve-cylinder engine (265 kW/1295 Nm). The transmission is manual and partly synchronized with 20 (forward) and 4 (backward) gears (half gears, reducer). The chassis is equipped with centre differential locks and locks for all 4 axles. Because of the short gear transmitting, the max speed does not exceed 80 kilometres per hour.

Functionally designed extension is attached to the original beam of the vehicles loading area which prevents undesirable torsion when driving off road. In the front part of the extension is a profiled 8000 litres water tank and in the rear part there is a fire equipment roll-top cabinet with and tilt-out cabinet.

In the top shelves of the cabinet are the fire hoses (20 pieces, 100 meters each), under the hoses there are various accessories. In the back there is a fire hose winder with a 100 meter hose with its own aggregate (flow rate 17 litres per second, pressure 170 bar) and controls for the main pump (flow rate 3200 litres per minute, pressure 16 bar). The roof is equipped with a water cannon, adjustable ladder, light bar with its own electronic switchboard and toolboxes. With regard to the fire department's wish to keep the original winch it was necessary to choose a different drive for the pump situated between the second and third axle. The advantage of this solution is the possibility of fighting fires without the drive aggregate running or do recovery and fire fighting actions independently.

The vehicle is fitted with an extended cab with 6 seats, 4 in the front and 2 in the rear. Due to the original purpose of the vehicle it is not thermally insulated but there is an independent heating system installed. With a simple bunk modification it is possible to sleep in the vehicle, which is useful during prolonged fire fighting or supervision at the fire location. We can tell that the truck was originally intended for export by the descriptions and labels on the dashboard controller and the original user manual, both in English.

Apart from the characteristic colour the vehicle is using sound and light signals consisting of flashing beacons on the rear roof, cab roof and the extension roof to alert all the road users. The robust construction and appearance is supported by its total weight of 27 200 kilograms and its fuel consumption of 50 litres per 100 kilometres.

Despite its year of production the truck is still number one and is a valuable asset in fighting fires in rough terrain and damage control during natural disasters, where it is accompanied by smaller and also younger Tatra 815 4x4 CAS 20.

We would like to thank our guide, Mr. Radim Lískovec for his warm welcome, willingness and above all an extraordinary experience. We would also like to thank Mr. Jaroslav Petřík, a supporter of our association for arranging the meeting for the purpose of this report.

The sight of the pearly white bodywork put a smile on our honored guest's face. Over a cup of tea he immediately shared his invaluable memories with us. Among other things, he told us about finding the best body shape, design of the tubular frame, motorization, fairing solutions or a number of differences among all prototypes.

As a driver, he also justified the provisional interior solution prepared to meet the approaching deadline of the official introduction of the car. Also the mostly enclosed eight-cylinder engine let us know it is there under the fiberglass fairing. And not just by its sound. The engine has proven its versatility and clearly confirmed the purpose of making the car, visible in later works of the car design studio Design Král.

When driving we have also discovered what is the most suitable body type for sitting behind the steering wheel. Due to the heredity of figure we surprisingly came to the conclusion that the author himself, Václav Král, served as a model when designing the car interior. As evidenced by the photos, we can see an extremely progressive cup holder solution - the steering wheel column...

A congenial discussion by the car was followed by a no less interesting sit-down. To our delight it was diversified by a presentation of authentic photographic material with commentary. We were shown how sketches gradually developed into the original idea and how precisely was the first model crafted. We learned what the response to its first introduction to professional public was and how it was followed by often incomprehensible events.

Tatra 613 Prezident and a replica of Tatra 602 Tatraplan Sport did not pass unnoticed. The presentation was followed by many personal experiences along with considerations that couldn't be realized, because the authors were not given the time, room or funds.

Despite the amount of time spent together, it was obvious that one meeting is not enough to discuss the detailed story of each car. Together we agreed that we will arrange another meeting on the earliest occasion, where we will gladly learn many interesting facts about designers who wanted to change the world!

For more information on the vehicle visit: www.tatra700.cz.

At the end of the summer a green Tatra 613 with its 3-man crew sets out on its trip for Ještěd. The goal of the journey is to mark the 40th anniversary of the introduction of Tatra 613, unbelievable 40th anniversary of the opening of the Mountain-top Hotel and TV Transmitter Ještěd and 80th anniversary of the opening of public cableway to the top of the Ještěd Mountain, overlooking the town of Liberec.

Our journey through time begins in the early morning in the suburbs of Brno. The spacious luggage compartment is filled with photographic equipment, personal items and of course basic tools for potential repairs. A well-planned route will lead us through Svitavy, Litomyšl, Vysoké Mýto, Jičín and Hradec Králové to Liberec.

After a half an hour drive while heading to Svitavy under cloudy skies we were caught in a downpour which showered the frequented road with a stream of water. Our first stop is at a petrol station near Lysice. The independent heater gets his chance to shine and soon the interior is filled with pleasant, warm air which makes our slowly thawing cameraman reach for his equipment. Short after the driver has to go under the vehicle to quickly fix the new gas drawbar.

At our first stop, the birthplace of Bedřich Smetana, we find out that the local castle and its surroundings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is under reconstruction. Deep thoughts follow as we leave the path to the castle and our cameraman has to settle for a drive through the picturesque renaissance square. At the same time, our navigator and substitute photographer takes pictures of the castle as he watches the charming side streets in silent awe and eventually gets lost in them. Soon we find each other again and we all agree that after the reconstruction the town will become an attractive destination for visitors. Unfortunately the weather is not so promising so we go back to the car and with tuneful bubbling of the eight-cylinder engine we head north.

Hradec Králové has a welcome of its own prepared for us. Making use of its city planning concept the city is very driver-friendly. Judging from all the awards it received, it is also a good place to live in. Its functionalist development is a good match with its everyday bustle. With admiration we drive on the ring road which our hometown can only dream about. We drive past the last sign pointing to Liberec and after nearly two hours of warm, cold, sunny, cloudy and rainy weather the town welcomes us with blue sky. It is time to have lunch before we set out for the last part of our trip through the hairpin turns to the top of the Ještěd Mountain.

The drive to the top fills us with joy. Even with three people in the car, the limousine propelled by a sturdy engine accelerates uphill without any trouble, even when going round a curve at high speed. On the way we meet a group of hikers set out for the same destination. Our arrival at the parking lot in front of the futuristic building causes an unexpected commotion. The car was widely used by the communist government overthrown by the people in 1989 which might have been the case. We take our luggage, head for the reception desk, go up the stairs and fall down on our beds. The view of the parking lot is touching. Goal achieved.

After a break in the afternoon, evening video shooting and dinner with a delightful view we head for the parking lot to capture the charm of the transmitter at night. The camera cannot miss our vehicle which, surprisingly, looks very natural next to the building. The moment of enthusiasm is interrupted when we unanimously agree that we underestimated the weather. So after an hour of shooting, numb with cold, we return to our rooms. We break off the icicles under our noses, turn off the unique lamps and fall asleep in a flash. Tomorrow is another, hopefully warmer, day.

The weather is on our side and the sunlit hotel restaurant, now filled with the smell of fresh bread and scrambled eggs gives us a feeling that a beautiful day is ahead of us. After breakfast we meet with the hotel manager Ing. Priščák who is also our guide for the arranged tour. Needless to say, we were able to see every corner of the reception, hotel, restaurant, café, bar, buffet, kitchen and the technical base. Thanks to the building's round design by Ing. Karel Hubáček, we end up at the place where the exceptionally interesting tour started. We also learn about the upcoming reconstruction and renovation which makes us less worried about the future of the building reaching for the skies. Our cableway trip from the clouds back to earth is interrupted by a group of foreign guests with their sights set on the cable car. We give the beautiful experience up for the sake of our beautiful country's image abroad with Bedřich Smetana's 'My Homeland' on our lips.

We pack our luggage and descend from the cosmic Olympus. Our supersonic vehicle rides down the hill, heating up its jet engine. We return to Liberec where we will drive down the Masaryk avenue, known as the summer promenade, visit the Neo-Renaissance town hall and F.X. Šalda Theatre. Our next stop will be the town square nearby. Next is a tour of the Harcov dam and a short visit of a former house of baron Theodore von Liebieg who supposedly convinced Karl Benz to allow the pioneers from Kopřivnice to use his engine for their car Präsident. To conclude our tour of Liberec and spice things up a bit we get lost in a number of one-way roads, where no two roads have the same elevation which almost gives us, boys from the south, a heart attack.

After a short drive through the hills we arrive in Vratislavice. What brought us here is the recently opened exhibition dedicated to Ferdinand Porsche who was born in this town. On the house where he was born there is a memorial plaque with the face of the car designer. Sport cars made in the suburbs of Stuttgart bear his name to this day. Moreover, in the same city resides the company Daimler, which owns Mercedes. And it was the engine made by Mercedes which was used hundred and twenty years ago for the first car of the Kopřivnice car maker. Europe is small. The world is round. The Universe is endless.

The expressway leads us quickly to Pardubice. The home of the famous Velká Pardubická steeplechase and traditional gingerbread could not be more different from the neighbouring Hradec Králové. That does not mean Pardubice is less beautiful which does not really flatter the locals, convinced that the first place belongs to their hometown. We keep our opinions to ourselves and head for our two destinations. Our first destination is the unique automatic mills, designed by Josef Gočár for the industrialist Winternitz family. Our admiration for the brickwork is interrupted by rain and we have to hide on the board of our four-wheeled vessel. We leave the independent heater off because our second destination is the crematorium, known from the movie Spalovač mrtvol (The Cremator). This art deco building designed by Pavel Janák fills us with mixed feelings. To some people the giant gingerbread house might seem appropriate but we think that such thing is very indecent for last goodbye. But the Czech Cremation Association seems to have a different opinion...

We are on our peaceful way back we pass through Vysoké Mýto but then the traffic starts to tail back and there is a long line ahead of us. We decide to avoid it by taking a detour of our own. First to third class roads, straight roads followed by blind corners, unknown small towns appearing in the dark and ghostly villages disappearing in it are the best possible ending of our trip. Pleasantly tired we arrive in the Moravian capital in late evening and even though it is a working day the people on the streets wave at us tirelessly. We are very happy that we made it happen but our car seems disappointed. It just got out of the garage and must go back in.

We made a journey across the country to connect two symbols of the 70s and celebrate their 40th anniversary. A journey through time which proved that not even four decades could change the fact that the Mountain-top Hotel and Television Transmitter Ještěd belongs to one of the most remarkable buildings in the world and Tatra 613 to the best travel cruisers to drive to it safe, with comfort and at a swift pace. And that is definitely a reason to celebrate...

Special thanks to: company Ještěd s.r.o. for a special tour of the hotel Ještěd, hotel manager Ing. Priščák for a warm welcome and his time.

For more information go to: www.jested.cz and www.jested73.cz

Ing. Miroslav Zikmund himself contributed to the writing of the script. The play took the audience not only to many corners of the world but also to the places where the famous travellers unexpectedly found themselves after their return. Vladimir Fekar's main script theme is the journey of life, in this case thoroughly documented with diaries and personal correspondence. Director Petr Štindl was also thorough and offered an interesting retrospective look from the the perspective of the protagonists.

The play begins with the turbulent year 1968. This moment becomes a turning point of the whole story which the travelers approach as the first act progresses so they can return to it in act two. We see the protagonists for the first time at the university, where the audience witnesses the decision about the future journey. The preparation together with the difficulties of the post-war period is simplified and directed to the beginning of the adventure.

Petr B. Novák's scenographic concept is surprisingly minimalistic. The dominant feature of the stage is a larger than life size model of Tatra 87. Thanks to the audiovisual projection, period recordings, appearances of mythical characters impersonating chance and luck, this restrained scenography supports the audience's imagination. For example during scene when the sun rises behind the pyramids one can almost feel the heat. The protagonists appearing both as young and adults is also very imaginative. The youthful enthusiasm commented later on by the adult protagonist leads to reflecting about the never-ending journey of growing up and is naturally funny.

Act two is dedicated to the less-known period following the return of our travellers. The era of Czechoslovakian history affected by nationalization, collectivization, demonizing imperialism and steady march of five-year plans did not go in favor of journeys to the horizon. The second journey is therefore described only in short. But first problems caused by commitment of the men coming of age come to the fore. Intimate testimony of inner irreconcilability, unavailing effort and disenchantment gives the audience an insight into the price the travellers had to pay for leaving their homeland. Despite the gloomy atmosphere, the second part of the performance is crucial for identifying with the personalities of both protagonists. The ability to enjoy the small things is timeless. The ending of the performance is sentimental and intensified by using symbolism. The last scene takes place in an orchard, where the main protagonists reflect on the journey of life as a goal and importance of one's roots. Soon after, Ing. Jiří Hanzelka leaves his friend for good.

In connection with the end of the play it is necessary to appreciate the actors' performance which keeps the whole play within the boundaries of respectful nostalgia. For some people in the audience, who are expecting a spectacular adaptation of our most famous travellers' adventures, will be the second half of the story probably less bearable, even though it is an inseparable part of the protagonists' inevitable fate.

A sign of appreciation and thanks from the actors followed by a standing ovation is therefore essential for understanding the project as a whole. The play "Hanzelka and Zikmund's Logbook" is a tribute and face to face with the charisma, intellect and vitality of Ing. Miroslav Zikmund a show of respect is in place. Even in his age, he is a living example of a true legacy which shows that sometimes one's roots are more important than personal goals. It is necessary that we keep reminding ourselves of this fact, regardless of the art form or creative conception...

Josef Kasperkevič, April 21, 2013

There was a demanding preparation period preceding the making of this beautiful model in which the creator made use of his rich experience as a design engineer. After choosing the suitable scale, it was necessary to convert all proportions of the real car. Based on ratios and values obtained, a few partial designs and one final design were created. These served as a base for components and templates. With the use of buzz saw, chisel, wood file and emery paper, originally a squared timber has then begun to form into a complex-shaped auto body. But as the work progressed, many difficulties have arisen, for example, finding the right shape for the round roof, fine tuning of the inconspicuous groove on the engine lid, making the line under the side windows and, last but not least, making of the aerodynamic features of the front hood, which gives the original car its irreplaceable design.

After sanding and puttying, the model is protected only by hydrowax. The model has therefore nothing to hide and proudly presents its natural hand-crafted beauty. Within 72 hours the goal-oriented effort was able to transform a piece of raw material into a post-war symbol of the Czechoslovakian automotive industry and one of the most beautiful cars of the 1940s. The tradition continues...

We would like to thank our fan for an exceptionally interesting idea and for being so kind to lend us the model with all the documentation for the purpose of taking pictures!

2/22/2013, Josef Kasperkevič

The next stop was the spring meeting of the Moskvitch brand owners which could also be seen regularly on Czech roads in the times of socialism. Their annual meeting is held by the Moskvitch Club of the Czech Republic and, as evidenced by photos taken, the qeue of vehicles which we joined on our way to Čechy pod Kosířem belonged to other ornaments of this picturesque afternoon.

After domestic events, the following day, we decided to make a trip abroad to the famous vintage cars meeting and the market held in the Austrian town of Tulln. Starting with the clearly signposted way through a place to park easy to find, enough ticketing and entry gates, it was evident that felicitous Sunday is ahead of us. To our joy, the organizers of the event rented the whole local exhibition ground. The area in the halls was dedicated to the presentation of clubs that presented to visitors a wide range of brands, including several rarities. The free space between the halls was intended, for a change, in the spirit of the sale of spare parts, accessories and services. Large parking space inside the grounds was filled by parade of vehicles, continuously changing. All the time, there was something to admire, something to document. However, visitors were not in a hurry in any case. They leisurely walked, stopped to swap a few words, sat down to a cup of tea, and then went on. Therefore, attracted by friendly atmosphere, we started to plan which one of the halls will suit the Kopřivnice brand the most, next year...

We thank all the organizers for these pleasant events and we look forward, today already, to their next year!

The fate of the first piece produced is, today, related to the southern Moravian metropolis of Brno, where it was purchased in 2004 by the Moravskoslezská Ltd. company, engaged in road and towing service, car service and car hire. The car was created by modifying the three-axle military tractor from 1987. In the process of modification, a natural variability of the design has fully proven to be a good solution, with central carrier pipe and swing semi-axles. This enabled the seamless extension of the wheelbase between the second and third axle along with the addition of the fourth, including the propulsion system. Serial synchronized gearbox with 10 steps forward and two backward was taken over unchanged. It was complemented just by two-step downward transmission, and faster stable transfer of the rear differential. All wheels are powered by 12-cylinder air-cooled engine with the capacity of 19 000 ccm with two turbofans, giving the maximum power of 265 kW (355 HP) and a torque momentum of 1 400 Nm.

The superstructure of the ČKD Corp., according to unofficial reports, originally intended for specific military implementation, definitively turned the vehicle into the special wrecker. Equipment consists of a telescopic hydraulic arm with a crane winch with load capacity and stroke of 15 tonnes, reclining glasses and a pair of side winches, in both cases with a load capacity and stroke of 20 tonnes. With regard to the use of the vehicle, an additional weight of approximately 3 tons was also added under the front bumber, to prevent excessive lightening of steered axles. Therefore, curb weight of the vehicle is on the border of 25 tonnes, which corresponds to the consumption, averaging the ride with loads and without it at around 12 gallons of diesel fuel.

The car went through a gradual modernization during the years of operation. Such as extended or double cab, newly fitted with hooded Terrn °1 model, and screen against the sunlight. Lighting and signalling equipment has also been modified. Compared to the original military tractor, the bumper has four headlights, the inner pair of low beam and high beam headlights and headlights, and the outer pair of flashing headlights, complemented by the diode modules in engine hood, more modern orange roof lights, together with powerful fog lights below the front window. The imposition of the coupling rod, which found its place on the front bumper, is practical. The changes were also performed on the superstructure, for example, in the form of larger rear lights. The original reclining glasses were replaced by the newer solution of the Italian manufacturer Omars.

The vehicle still runs to intervene across Europe. Despite its age, it has an excellent reputation there, mainly due to its rescuing capabilities on dirt roads, or mountain areas, where competitive technology fails, due to worse passability and small number of powered axles, are failing. According to the words of the users, it inspires confidence in the representatives of the security and rescue forces, which leads to more responsive cooperation and, most importantly, faster solution of traffic situations. For unacquainted, it remains a breathtaking apparition on the road, and not only because of its considerable size, but also, for example, tyre rolling noise caused by predacious baloon tyres and speed, which, as a result of the revised transfer of the rear differential is up to 130 miles an hour. In car accidents, the vehicle thereafter amazes by its control capabilities - without the vehicle in tow it is able to turn in mere three moves. The cab offers a crew enough space on front seats and also pleasant comfort, by using the seats from the Tatra 613 passenger car.

In terms of internal equipment, physical demands on control and method of operation of technical equipment the car yet cannot be compared with more advanced successors. However, it still overcomes them with the superior driving characteristics on the unpaved surface, with high reliability and with overall mechanical ruggedness. Rightly, it therefore remains an indispensable part of the company fleet and a solid underpinning of all motorists in difficulty, to which it sets out to help with the assistance of Tatra 815 6x6 crane lorry.

We thank Mr. Aleš Kalík, the executive director of the partner company Moravia, Ltd., for responsive treatment, disclosure of corporate archive and lease of vehicles for the purpose of taking photographs. At the same time, we thank our colleague, Mr René Procházka for the valuable technical information, which this article could't be created without.

3/25/2012, Josef Kasperkevič

The show took place at the Kopřivnice factory track from mid-October to the beginning of November, where those interested in had the opportunity to choose from a total of four terms. To get acquainted with impatiently awaited novelty we have chosen the last November term. Expected colder weather gave promise of a remarkable experience, in particular on the unpaved part of the site, belonging to the largest of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. The first November day, the representatives of the Tatra company welcomed here up to 70 guests from all over the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Curiosity of the participants was certainly initially supported by foggy weather which made it difficult to see from the one displayed by the car to the other. This, however, gave the show of TATRA PHOENIX model exceptional strength a while before launching the initial presentation, as the Sun suddenly began to shine over the central area. The six majestic silhouettes on the golden background brought in photographic equipment immediatelly, which remained in use until the afternoon hours.

Demonstration was launched by representatives of the marketing department. Guests had the opportunity to get acquainted with the technology, basic operational data, the comparison of the parameters, a new customer service policy, and the history of freight transport production. The first part of the presentation introduced the role of the new model, with which the Tatra company not only certainly opens the next chapter of their existence, but also enters into new markets, where is able to fully comply with the most challenging requirements. From August this year, the Dutch company DAF becomes a partner on the way to achieve this resolution. The supply of components and the sharing of the global sales network are the subject of the contract. The second part gave an idea of the successful tradition of freight transport production. A series of famous vehicles, such as the models 24, 111, 148, 813, and 815, were mentioned.

The third part of the presentation brought basic technical data. A unique conception of undercarriage witch central bearing tube and pivoted semi-axles that guarantee outstanding driving qualities together with resistance, reliability, and comfort, which are characteristic of the brand, remain the basic prerequisite for success. As a of the evolution, therefore, pneumatic spring was given, along with all rear axles, to front axle which contributed to the ability to copy terain bumpiness more fluently and increased the convenience of travel. At the same time, load bearing capacity of axles have risen, primarily thanks to improved front suspension (8 and 9 tons maximum load) and combined rear suspension (11.5 tons in case of so called light design; 13, 15, and 16 tons in case of so called heavy design). Used conception means advantage also in the matter of strength and netload. In case of installing extensions, the vehicle doesn't require installation of inter-frame which reduces number of connections decreasing torque solidness. Saved curb weight is suddenly changed into gross vehicle weight. Undercarriage is going to be available in four designs as follows: 4x4 (20 tons maximum weight), 6x6 (40 tons maximum weight with tyre reductions). 8x8 and 8x6 (both 50 tons maximum weight with tyre reductions). The presence of water-cooled agregate Paccar MX provided by DAF corp., connected, for the first time, with gearbox provided by ZF company, is also essential modification. As a result of applied solution, the number of cardan shafts in propellent mechanism was reduced to a single one, leading to the new downward transmission. The agregate will be available in four power designs as follows: 265 kW (1775 Nm torque momentum), 300 kW 2000 Nm torque momentum), 340 kW (2300 Nm torque momentum) and 375 kW (2500 Nm torque momentum) where the most powerful variant is intended for the vehicles with wheel reductions only. 16step gearbox will be available in three designs including automated one while each design is provided with custom intarder variant. All the transmission designs cooperate with the one way clutch of 430 mm in diameter, delivered by the Sachs company. Downward transmission will be available in two designs – one-step (gear ratios of 1.46, 1.21 and 1.12) and two-step (gear ratios of 0,945 and 1,435). Auxiliary drives operate with the highest torque momentum of 800 Nm (engine), 1000 Nm (transmission), 2000 Nm (downward transmission) and 5000 Nm (downward transmission). To view the most substantial change compared with the predecessor is the new cabin. Initially, it will be available in two versions, short and long, which will be provided by the DAF company. In some time, the series will be complemented by the long design, prepared by the Tatra company. The appearance of the vehicle is given by decently modyfied front part with a new brand logo. Off-road ambitions are reflected by the extension of the front fenders, added with regard to the greater height (500 mm) and the internal space of the arches, conditioned by elevating swing semi-axles. Approach angle value of 31° belongs to the best on the market. The Interior corresponds to modern standards for lorrys. A rich offer of internal space, perfect ergonomics, comfortable equipment and solid processing, are the advantages.

The fourth part of the presentation brought an interesting operating data, supplemented by comparison with the competition. Vertical vibrations with 26 tonnes load were the first aspect of the comparison. In particular, the so-called Belgian tiles clearly showed that the concept of the chassis means a significant advantage when driving on uneven surface. Comparison on asphalt and other less demanding surfaces also demonstrated that the off road capabilities mean no limit for the vehicle in normal operation. It reaches comparable or higher operating speed without problems here. A curb weight was another aspect of the comparison. In this respect, the TATRA PHOENIX model in configurations of 6x6 (9800 kg) and 8x8 (11500 kg) is, with a significan margin, one of the lightest vehicles on the market. Still, the 6x6 configuration has a loading capacity that overcomes the competition as much as up to 1200 kg. The last aspect of the comparison was fuel consumption. With regard to the curb weight, no surprise that Kopřivnice novelty is against competitors more economical, with the difference to 8%.

The last part of the presentation was given to the new policy of customer service. The entire vehicle is provided a guarantee of 12 months, on the driving tract then 36 months or 300 000 km or 6000 working hours, depending on whichever comes earlier. It means the longest standard warranty in that class and confirms the confidence that the Design Department has in their work.

Aroused enthusiasm in the guests was confirmed by the speed with, after the end of the presentaion, they moved to the test cars to personally test their qualities. There were six TATRA PHOENIX vehicles ready - 4x4, 6x6 (two vehicles), 8x6 and 8x8 (two vehicles). Expression of surprise in the faces of the first crews was the promise of a unique experience, which subsequently confirmed the ride with the model in the 8x8 configuration. Cooler weather allowed the vehicle to demonstrate its off road ability, especially in the forest part of the track. Using helpful electronic assistant, to ride on the layer of fallen leaves in ascendings and descendings has become extremely easy, even though we decided to stop in the middle of the slope. We have overcome the dirt road with the quantity of deep potholes with surprising speed. We were stunned by the unwavering stability, given by lower center of gravity of proven concept. In particular, their combination woke up our admiration after we found out that we're carrying the load of about 16 tonnes on the loading area. We haven't noticed the load at all during the ride. A separate chapter was the sharp rise of the value of 40%, which we, on the wish of the television staff present, rode three times in a row.. Always in silent amazement over the fluency of the transmission of power and torque momentum to all wheels powered. Semi-automatic transmission, which allowed fully concentrate on the control of the vehicle, also proved Its quality. An apportunity to visit the production plants and technical museum, where the participants were comfortably taken in a microbus, has liven the programme up. Rich breakfast and lunch snacks were provided, which made the time spent on live discussions more pleasant to all.

We had no reason to doubt, we didn't get room for concerns. TATRA PHOENIX builds on the best traditions of its manufacturer and confirms the leading position on the market in the fieldof heavy trucks. At the same time, it means, quite convincingly, a head chapter whose content will certainly bear in mind of the sales success and customer satisfaction across all existing and future markets around the world. The King is back – long live the King!

For more information, in case of interest, see: www.tatraphoenix.com .
12/10/2011, Josef Kasperkevič

Certificate of Origin is a document of authenticity of a particular personal or commercial vehicle. The certificate issuance is preceded by careful work with the archive of the museum or the manufacturer. The aim of, in many cases, time-consuming process, is using all resources available to verify to what extent the current status is corresponding the date of the transmission to the first owner, or what changes in the sales and service network were noted over the coming years. If the status, in required context, checks to all supporting documentation the certificate is issued and becomes its integral part.

Kopřivnice Technical Museum is in the role of administrator of the brand's historical heritage the only subject of its kind in the world, which it is possible to ask for certification. *) Request processing is based on profound knowledge and rich experience of the collective of curators, continuously managing the museum archive. In recent years, the archive has been continuously digitised, which facilitates the work with archived material and reduces the risk of damage.
A sold-book is an essential source for verification of the origin of each vehicle. There are several dozens of sold-books saved in the archive, each of about fifteen hundred sides. The general rule is that line, that a record of the vehicle, containing basic facts in the form of Chassis Number and Vehicle Identification Number, bodywork type, order date, entering in the production and transmission to the first owner, or to the second owner. The chassis type and number are also usually possible to trace and subsequently verifiy in a separate body-book. The structure of the records is different, and often only whole series are noted. What is remarkable is that the colour is not noted in body book. In this case, on the wishes of the owner, a sample of the original hue is carefully searched, which is, according to time stencil number, subsequently converted to the current Glazurit brand colour index. With regard to the development of printing and office equipment, it is also interesting, that the records in the sold-books are generally the more valuable, the older the vehicle in question is. As an example can serve the information about the signing of an order, enter in the production and delivery of the vehicle to the customer, from which in later years, only the date of transmission were noted. Therefore it can be said that the handwritten records are not only historically more valuable, but also factually better.
Prerequisite for the issue of a certificate is the conformity of production of the Chassis Number, Vehicle Identification Number and chassis type with the record in the sold-book. To start the process, the Chassis Number or the Vehicle Identification Number is the key. Tracing the vehicle according to the bodywork type or number is not performed, since it cannot show the link of the bodywork type to a particular Chassis Number and Vehicle Identification Number match. Generally, if the chassis and VIN numbers are available at the same time, verying the origin of the car is faster. If not, it is easier to trace the vehicle according to the chassis numbers, available in sold-books, unlike the VIN numbers sorted in numeric sequence. If, according to the record in sold-book, chassis and VIN numbers match, it is then necessary to verify the type of the bodywork questioned. In case that the bodywork has a number, verification is possible directly in the body-book. If the body does not have a number it is necessary to check if the existing bodywork matches to the relevant series of the model year in which the car was handed over to the first owner. From the above follows that if, in the past, just the bodywork was replaced, the vehicle is still eligible to obtain the certificate. If the current state does not match to the state already noted, the vehicle looses eligibility to obtain the certificate. In case of interest, however, it is possible to check other supporting documents, in particular the records of maintenance and repairs performed. If there is, for example, engine replacement, preventing the issue of the Certificate of Origin, properly listed in the relevant record and the car logbook, a vehicle may be issued a certificate of intact state, which serves as a proof of its documented past.

Certification is a paid service, whose final price fully reflects the individual performance of the verification of the facts leading to the origin of the vehicle. Considering the increasing emphasis that the takers, together with the current owners, place on the original state and the documented past of the historic vehicle, it can be considered a reasonable investment, which may assist in the purchase and make the ownership of Tatra automobile more pleasant.

*) The exception is the other half of the production of Tatra 600 Tatraplan model, which emerged from summer 1950 to December 1951 in the Škoda Mladá Boleslav Company. Information on these cars can be obtained only in the archives of the Škoda Auto factory museum.

For more information, in case of interest, see: www.tatramuseum.cz .
10/10/2011, Josef Kasperkevič

North-Moravian automaker is here represented by a model 2-603, whose completely renovated specimen from the first half of the 1970s, has been leased by a private collector. Latest aerodynamic saloon car from Kopřivnice is like the other exhibits fully mobile, on which we had a unique opportunity to convince. Due to the plans for the future opening of the drives by exposed cars, for a better idea of the life of contemporary political class, we have received the offer for the short ride. We accepted without hesitation. The sound of the eight-cilinder sounding open landscape, extraordinary comfort on a broken road and relaxed speed at any gear. Astonished faces, spread arms and a smile of passers-by. All of this confirmed a timeless work of the design department, and most of all, the success which this car could have achieved in markets all over the world as easily as its maximum speed. The ride ended in the Bouček hotel's renowned restaurant in the village of Mochov, which offers, besides high-quality gastronomic experience, a small surprise for motoring enthusiasts. The Interior is decorated with hand-made models of cars, among which we discovered a pair of Tatra lorry's.

We thank to our host for the invitation, complemented by a lovely experience, and we wish his collection many satisfied visitors and we're pulling for plans for the exposition extension.

For more information, in case of interest, see: http://www.pension-lony.cz/prvni-ceske-muzeum-socialistickych-vozu . Detailed information to the vehicles displayed will kindly provide Mr. Ladislav Hrubý on the phone nr. +420 732 112 612, or via e-mail address ladamichelin@seznam.cz .