I explore and drive Tatra 613, the bizarre car with an air-cooled V8 engine

In the 1990s I did some work for the Slovak Ministry of Justice, and was driven between Bratislava and Wien Airport in one of their official Tatra 613s - no idea which version. It was very comfortable, and I remember the power of the rear engine made the front lift up a little when it accelerated. Thanks for the memory!

An absolute gem of a car and the video is hugely underrated. You explained the history and how this car came to be in a brief and efficient way, and you took the time to get plenty of B role of this beauty.

It's a very elegant car. I remember it from a visit to Prag in the 80s and I were impressed. It was black and parked not long from the 'powder tower'. At that time I though from the shape that it had been inspired from the most luxurious Renault, apparently a big mistake. It was a revelation for a person from the West who only knew of the smaller Skoda, the Volga and the Trabant and Wartburg from the DDR. I had just passed trough Alexanderplatz, and the contrast was huge. After the fall of the iron curtain, I had expected it to be exported. I told everybody about it at home, but I never saw it again. Thank you for this presentation.

Not a single word that this engine is dohc engine? It is one of the most important features of Tatra 613 and quite rare and advanced feature in time when it was developed.

The Czech people are formidable. Not only as engineers, but as brewers. Despite Germany's reputation for brewing beer, the best beer I've ever had in my life was in Prague: Gambrinus! 🍺😋

If you don't like Tatra, you don't like cars.

Beautiful restoration of the 613. Looks stunning even today and in a colour to match. Thanks for the video.

Absolutely cool car! It sounds like a vacuum cleaner, but this kind of concept with an aircooled V8 is unique!

I remember an old Top Gear episode, Chris Goffey test drove a black one in England 1993 T613-5

70s man it looks 80s 100%. Tatra was ahead of time yet ppl think air cooled is "old" but its reliable and easy to fix. That thing has some deferred matinence for sure

It's so sad Tatra "disappeared" from the automotive market. Their V8 sounded so good.

Just to clarify: the 17 pieces produced is probably referring to the "Electric" model. Otherwise, there were many more 613s produced. I remember the electric model from a Prague Auto show back in 93 and it was priced waaaay above the standard model, which was already pricey.

Tatra needs a comeback, perhaps VAG could make it a premium brand.

That is a timeless design both inside and out. Very elegant and stylish for its time. The cluster reminds me of the MB clusters of the late 80’s early 90’s.

Must admit, that I'm very impressed! Interior is rather plush and beautiful. Pity about the difficult gearchange. The roads are BEAUTIFUL; so neat and in perfect condition. Would've loved the experience!

The injected 613 has a little trick up its sleeve. When the accelerator pedal is floored, a sort of 'kick-down' comes into effect - only in the Tatra, it doesn't change down a gear, it uncouples the cooling fan for a few moments to boost power by about 10%...

As I got older (72), I finally fell in love with Tatra

A Tatra 613 made in the former Czech Republic a country whose engineering skill are often underrated.

It looks like every available option was used in this build. Hats off to the design and manufacturing team! 👍

Im from Australia, & love everything Czech! Prague, best, BEST beer, attitude, country, & now the Tatra 613!