National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library - Czech Technology in Motion

The history of the Czech transportation industry is inseparable from the political history of the former Czechoslovakia. Škoda and Tatra, the two automobile manufacturers represented in Czech Technology in Motion, had their beginnings in the Austro-Hungarian Empire (pre-1918). Manufacturers of autos, motorcycles, and locomotives thrived during Czechoslovakia’s First Republic (1918-1938). This was a time of rapid development in the transportation industry and Czechoslovakia was as advanced as other European countries. Their impressive performances in competitive auto and motorcycle competitions throughout Europe indicate a complete understanding of the sophisticated engineering advancements required to compete with the leading manufacturers of the time.

German occupation of Czechoslovakia during World War II, followed by forty years of communism, took a serious toll on the industry. Production of most passenger vehicles and motorcycles was completely suspended during the war. Soon after production resumed, the companies were nationalized and merged under communist directives, eliminating healthy competition and incentive for growth and development. When Czechoslovakia "emerged" from behind the iron curtain in 1989, its vehicles were no longer competitive with the rest of Europe. More than ten years later, most companies are either struggling or nonexistent. Škoda is one of the few representing extraordinary success.

Czech Technology in Motion provided a glimpse into a technology "culture" that is foreign to most Americans. Transportation obstacles and politics prevented many of these vehicles from formally entering the U.S. market; interested collectors brought most of the machines in this exhibit into this country. Czech Technology in Motion represented the most diverse assemblage of Czech-made vehicles ever brought together in the U.S.

	1. The first railroads in the Czech lands can be traced to wagon ways around mines. A railroad built for transporting salt between the Danube and Vltava began passenger service between Ceské Budejovice (Bohemia) and Linz (Austria) in 1833. It was the first railroad to provide public service in mainland Europe. Most of the locomotives operating on Czech lands at this time were made in Austria or Germany; the first Czech-made locomotive was manufactured by První Ceskomoravská in Prague in 1900.
	2. One of the highlights of the exhibition was this 1929 Böhmerland/Cechie. It was designed by Albin Liebisch and manufactured in Northern Bohemia at Krásná Lípa. Böhmerland is German for Bohemia, while Cechie is a colloquial equivalent in Czech. First manufactured in 1924, it enjoys a reputation for strength and reliability. Known for their ability to ride multiple riders, this unique model is 10-1/2 feet long and seats up to four adults! (On loan from Ervin Bittner)
	3. Front of the 1929 Böhmerland/Cechie (On loan from Ervin Bittner)
	4. Section of Czech Technology in Motion featuring six Czech motorcycles.
	5. 1932 JAWA 175 made by JAWA Works in Prague, Czechoslovakia. This model was designed to make high-quality motorcycles available to a public that was grappling with the effects of the world economic depression. It was lightweight and economical and provided a base from which JAWA was able to develop a solid line of smaller motorcycles. (On loan from Emanual Vinkler)
	6. 1958 JAWA 500 (with sidecar made by Velorex) made by the JAWA/CZ Works in Prague, Czechoslovakia. This model with its large 500 cc motor was intended to compete with other European manufacturers for the "experienced rider" market. The JAWA 500 was capable of speeds in excess of 90 mph, placing it in a category with "sports" machines of the day. The machine on exhibit, built in the final production year, is an example of the model's peak development. (On loan from Ervin Bittner)
	7. 1977 JAWA Speedway Racer made by JAWA-CZ Works in Prague, Czechoslovakia. This is a specialized motorcycle designed for use on short oval Speedway tracks. Speedway is a very fast competition comprised of a series of short intense four-lap races. Reliability, as well as speed, is essential to winning this kind of race as the eventual winners will compete many times during the course of the elimination races. Speedway machines are very light weight, use alcohol as fuel, and have almost tractor-like pulling power. (On loan from Vern Goodwin)
	8. 1959 Manet S 100 Motorscooter made by JAWA/CZ Works in Povážska Bystrica, Czechoslovakia. The Manet Motorscooter was a response to the need for economical transportation that provided a good measure of comfort and protection from the elements. Its small 100 c.c. motor afforded a remarkable 100 miles per gallon. A four-speed transmission assured its ability in city traffic as well as on country roads. (On loan from Matt DeVries)
	9. 1999 Praga ED250 made by Praga Co., Prague, Czechoslovakia. The Praga Automobile Company was formed in 1907 with an agreement between František Ringhoffer and the First Czech-Moravian Machine Factory. Ringhoffer left a year later and in 1909 the company adopted the name Praga. Praga initially produced automobiles, then expanded to trucks and eventually motorcycles. The First Czechoslovak Republic, 1919-1938, was a time of high production at the factory and for a many years Praga produced more automobiles than either Škoda or Tatra. (On loan from Ervin Bittner)
	10. 1963 Tatra T 603 made by Tatra Works in Koprivnice, Czechoslovakia. The Tatra 603 was unveiled in 1956. This model met the needs of communist government officials who desired luxury cars suitable for Czechoslovakia's driving conditions. The proven rear-mounted air-cooled V-8 engine of earlier streamlined Tatras powered the T 603. It sported an unusually large trunk for an auto with a rear-mounted engine, and an even load distribution on both axles. (On loan from Larry and Marybeth Claypool)
	11. 1947 Tatra T 87 made by Tatra Works in Koprivnice, Czechoslovakia. The Tatra T 87 was the second mass-produced streamlined Tatra, following the T 77 that premiered in 1934. With an air-cooled V-8 engine behind the rear axle, the T 87 reached a maximum speed of about 100 mph and had a cruising speed of 80 mph. Passengers enjoyed a spacious and nearly soundproof interior, a very smooth ride, and increased safety provided by a steel body. (On loan from Walter Baran)
	12. Rear view of the 1947 Tatra T 87. (On loan from Walter Baran)
	13. 1960 Škoda Felicia (type 994) made by Škoda Works, Kvasiny Plant in Czechoslovakia. Škoda’s commitment to the production of quality, affordable automobiles is reflected in the Felicia. Škoda’s tubular chassis backbone, developed thirty years prior to the introduction of this model, remained a key component in the Felicia. Its sporty appearance and removable top enhanced this model’s popularity and nearly 15,000 were sold between 1959 and 1964. (On loan from Michael Cwach)
	14. 1927 Tatra T 11 coupe made by Tatra Works, Koprivnice, Czechoslovakia. The T 11’s chassis and suspension, front-mounted air-cooled engine, and simple yet elegant body formed what was then considered the perfect automobile concept. The central tube that served as the carrier of the car body also provided protection for the jointless drive shaft powering the rear swing axles. These rear swinging half axles were one of the earliest forms of independent rear suspension, providing a much smoother ride than previous models. Several of the innovations in the T 11, particularly its innovative chassis and the concept of an air-cooled engine, remained an essential part of Tatra automobile design through the most recent models. (On loan from the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, Luray, Virginia)
	15. 1963 Velorex. The Stránský brothers (František and Mojmír) developed the prototype of the three-wheeled Velorex in 1943 near Ceská Trebová. The Velorex was based on a lightweight tube construction covered with a thin membrane. Their first models were called Oskars and many of the original parts, such as the wheels and suspension system, were adapted from motorcycles. As time passed, the Stránský brothers began developing parts especially for their cars, but they were still powered by motorcycle engines. The coverings, however, consisted of any found materials, including used work clothes. (On loan from Emanual Vinkler)