Škoda 1203

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Škoda / TAZ
Škoda 1203
Škoda 1203
1203
Manufacturer: AZNP (1968–1981)
TAZ (1972–1999)
Ocelot (since 1999)
Production period: 1968 – today
Previous model: none
Successor: none
Technical specifications
Designs: Minibus , box truck , flatbed truck
Engines: Otto engines :
1.2–1.5 liters
(33–42 kW)
Diesel engine :
1.9 liters (43 kW)
Length: 4520 mm
Width: 1800 mm
Height: 1900 mm
Wheelbase: 2320 mm

The Škoda 1203 was a rear-wheel drive van from the Škoda brand and later also a TAZ . Development began in 1956, but series production could not begin until 1968. The curb weight is given as 1120–1340 kg. In the course of development, there were several technical and design changes. Today the vehicle is manufactured in small numbers near the town of Vrchlabí as Ocelot 1203 or Ocelot 1500 .

Model history

development

Rear of the vehicle

With the order from AZNP in Mladá Boleslav (at that time the name for the headquarters of Škoda Auto, e.g. automobile works, state enterprise ) to develop a light commercial vehicle in front control design, development work began in 1956. The main plant in Mladá Boleslav, together with the branch plant in Vrchlabí (AZV for short), produced the first prototype for passenger transport with the internal designation Š 979 in the same year . The vehicle had a payload of one ton. The engine, transmission and clutch came from the Škoda 1201 . The engine was installed along the front axle. This had a double wishbone wheel suspension with coil springs . The tailgate opened to the left.

Starting with the second prototype from 1957, the engine was positioned in the middle between the front seats, as in series production . The fifth prototype was created in 1959 with torsion bar suspension for the rear axle. The engine had a displacement of 1491 cm³, which was intended for the modernization of the Škoda 1201. However, the engine was never used in series.

By 1965 another ten prototypes were made, which received more and more elements of the later 1203. The internal name for the later production model changed to Š 997 . However, it was still unclear whether series production should even come about.

First production version of the vehicle with a small overhang above the windshield and the original mirrors (vehicle already has the new doors)

In 1966, the state automobile manufacturing organization decided to outsource engine, gearbox and clutch production to the state-owned company Kovosmalt in Trnava . The factory was renamed Trnavské automobilové závody (TAZ for short) due to the production change. It was decided to start production in 1966, but could not start until the end of 1968 due to serious technical problems and an assembly hall that had not yet been built. Production of the Škoda 1202 ran parallel to the new model until 1973.

Production and changes

In 1972 the production organization was changed again: parts of the production from Vrchlabí were to be relocated to Trnava. In the same year, during the development of the Škoda 1500 mid- size sedan, an OHC engine with 1498 cm³ and 62.5 kW (85 hp) was installed. This engine from the Škoda 1500V prototype was never put into series production either. In 1973 the production of the front axle was relocated from the Kutná Hora parts factory to Trnava. Later the rear axle was also produced in Trnava. In the meantime, three vehicles of the model 1203 were manufactured on a test basis at the new production site in Trnava in April. From 1974, the Van variant was produced in Trnava. At the same time, safety has also been increased, profitability increased and maintenance simplified. The braking system received a brake booster , a new mechanical door lock, larger exterior mirrors and door handles built into the body. The oil consumption has been reduced and the engine output has been increased thanks to a two-chamber carburetor . As with the Škoda 1000 MB, the type designation changed to Š 776 at the same time . In terms of design, the vehicle received new lettering and more plastic applications . Production increased enormously over the next two years. In 1976, around 7,500 vehicles were manufactured in Vrchlabí and around 2,500 vehicles in Trnava. At the same time, production of the Škoda 120 GLS began at the Vrchlabí plant. By 1981, the entire van production was relocated to Trnava.

Model Škoda 1203 M with square headlights.

In the 1980s, the vehicle received black steel bumpers and a dual-circuit brake system with a double brake booster. In 1983 the first camping vehicles with a pop- up roof were created . In the period from 1983 to 1984, two modern prototypes were created in cooperation with the Bratislavské automobilové závody (short: BAZ) plant, and they were named TAZ I and TAZ II . As with many other projects in the Comecon countries (for example Barkas 1100 ), further development was stopped by the government because of the non-fundable investment amount.

Prototype BAZ MNA 900

In May 1985, the long-desired increase in performance was approved. The engine capacity increased from 1221 to 1433 cm³. At the same time, a five-speed gearbox was introduced. Both made it possible to increase the top speed from 95 to 110 km / h. Visually striking on both models were the now angular indicators and the also angular headlights. The model was sold for a short time as the Škoda 1203 M until the vehicle designation changed to TAZ - Š 1203 or TAZ - Š 1500 in 1987 and round headlights were installed again. Four years after the introduction of the new engine, the weaker engine with the four-speed gearbox was still offered as an option. At the same time, the small overhang of the roof over the windshield was omitted, which reduced consumption by 4.5%. In 1986 the front axle received disc brakes . That year, 6053 vehicles were produced. In 1989 the braking system was further modernized. The vehicle was reproduced under license in the 1990s by the East German company Pelucar .

Complete takeover of the model

Model TAZ 1500 , manufactured from 1998 to 1999.

After the Velvet Revolution , the transporter was the most important vehicle for newly established or privatized workshops and other companies in Czechoslovakia. However, the population quickly noticed that the vehicle could not compete with Western European vehicles in terms of economy, safety and engine performance. So they started to import used commercial vehicles of the brands Volkswagen , Ford or Fiat for police and rescue services. Old vehicles were quickly sold to the east or scrapped.

In 1993, the vehicle received an engine control system , optionally plastic bumpers or a catalytic converter for the first time . In the course of the separation of the now independent Trnava car factory from Škoda, the vehicle was renamed TAZ 1500 . Vehicles with a catalytic converter were given the designation TAZ 1500 Kat . In 1994, in cooperation with foreign companies, further prototypes such as the TAZ Sipox were created that never went into production. In 1995 a new model was developed again, it had a 1.9-liter VW engine and a Peugeot gearbox. Two years later, the TAZ 1900 vehicle with a VW diesel engine was produced in a small series . It had a displacement of 1896 cm³. The model had a different front and the corresponding inscription TAZ 1900 .

A total of 69,727 series vehicles were produced up to 1999. Today the small company Ocelot in Žacléř builds the vehicles. Ocelot states that they manufacture 80% of the parts themselves. The rest will be taken over by old vehicles and given a general overhaul. Around 20 vehicles are produced annually.

Model variants

The vehicle was the only small van produced in what was then Czechoslovakia and therefore the most important there. The state saw it as necessary to produce a car for the police , fire brigade , army and business. Several versions were therefore created during production. The first van produced was a panel van without rear side windows. Like the van, the Com version was a delivery truck. This also had no side windows at the rear, but five seats. The minibus was a five- or eight-seater car in the versions standard or de lux . The Ambulance equipment variant was intended as an ambulance and had two berths in the rear and frosted glass panes in the rear of the vehicle. As a replacement for the pick-up of the 1202, the Rol was produced, a flatbed truck that was also available with a tarpaulin body . For undertakers there was the furgon , a black hearse with frosted glass panes like an ambulance. Version V II was built for the army . In addition to the basic versions, there were also special bodies for gas transport, the military or as a tow truck. The all -terrain Agromobile with the type designation Š 998 was produced as a small series of 23 vehicles for agriculture and the military .

Furnishing

The rear lights and parts of the interior are from the Škoda 1000 MB . The engine is a further development of the Škoda 1202 . The vehicle had heating and ventilation. These were controlled by two levers in the center console. Parts of the interior and, above all, the dashboard have repeatedly been taken over from the current production program from the Škoda 100 , Škoda 742 , Škoda Favorit and most recently from the Škoda Felicia and partially adapted.

Technical specifications

model Škoda 1203 Škoda 1203 M, TAZ-Š 1203 TAZ 1500
engine water-cooled four-cylinder in-line gasoline engine OHV made of cast iron, fitted lengthways at the front, firing order 1–3–4–2
power 47 HP (35 kW) at 4600 min -1 57 hp (42 kW) at 4500 min -1
Displacement 1221 cc 1433 cc
Bore × stroke 72 × 75 mm 72 × 88 cm
Carburetor Two-chamber carburetor Jikov 32 BS-14 (from 1974) Two-chamber carburetor Jikov 32 SEDR
Torque at 1 / min 88 Nm at 3000 min -1 105 Nm at 2500 min -1
transmission Four-speed, 2nd to 4th synchronized (from 1986 also five-speed) Five-speed
coupling dry, single-pane
Top speed 90-95 km / h 110-115 km / h
Acceleration 0–80 km / h 40 s 30.23 s
Tank capacity 40 l
Consumption at 60 km / h approx. 10-12 liters / 100 km
Electrics 12 volts, alternator 300 watts, battery 50 Ah
body self-supporting, solid steel
Front axle Track width 1360 mm
Brakes in front Drum brakes (from 1986 disc brakes)
Rear axle Track width 1350 mm
Rear brakes Drum brakes
Original tires 6.40 - 15 "Extra Transport"
Turning circle 10 m
wheelbase 2320 mm
Length × width × height 4520 × 1800 × 1900 mm
Empty weight 1130-1280 kg
construction time 1968-1985 1981-1999

Individual evidence

  1. a b Danko Handrick: Old is chic - the Skoda Oldtimer Factory. Bayerischer Rundfunk, April 18, 2010, accessed on January 26, 2010 .
  2. AUTA5P: TAZ 1500

literature

Web links

Commons : Škoda 1203 and TAZ 1500  - collection of images