Å koda 1203
Škoda 1203
The Škoda 1203 was a rear-wheel drive vans for the Škoda brand and later TAZ. The development began in 1956, but mass production could begin in 1968. In the course of development, there were several technical and design changes. Today, the vehicle near the town of Vrchlabí as Ocelot Ocelot 1203 or 1500 is manufactured in small quantities.
Model history
Development
To develop with the order of AZNP in Mladá Boleslav ( at that time called for the head of Škoda Auto, as automobile factories, state-owned enterprise ), a light commercial vehicle in front handlebar construction, 1956 began the development work. The main plant in Mladá Boleslav produced together with the branch plant Vrchlabí (short: Vt ) in the same year the first prototype for the carriage of passengers with the internal designation 979 Š The vehicle had a payload of one ton. Engine, transmission and clutch came from Skoda 1201. The engine was mounted longitudinally to the front axle. This had a double-wishbone suspension with coil springs. The rear door was opened to the left.
From the second prototype from 1957, the engine as in the series production was centrally positioned between the front seats. The fifth prototype was created in 1959 with a torsion bar suspension for the rear axle. The engine had a displacement of 1491 cm ³, which was intended for the modernization of the Škoda 1201. The engine was never used as standard.
Until 1965, came other ten prototypes that were more and more elements of the later 1203. The internal name for the later production model changed to 997 Š However, it was still unclear if it should ever come to series production.
In 1966, the state automotive organization decided to outsource the engine gearbox and clutch production to state-owned enterprises Kovosmalt in Trnava. The work was due to the change of production in Trnavské automobilové závody (abbreviated TAZ) renamed. The start of production was decided for 1966 could be included due to severe technical problems and a not-yet -built assembly hall but not until the end of 1968. Parallel to the new model, the production of Škoda in 1202 ran until 1973.
Production and changes
In 1972, the production organization was changed again: part of the production from Vrchlabí should be moved to Trnava. In the same year (85 PS) during the development of the middle class Limousine Škoda 1500 OHC engine with a 1498 cc and 62.5 kW installed. Also this engine from the prototype 1500V Škoda was never taken into production. In 1973 the production of the front axle has been shifted from the parts factory of Kutná Hora to Trnava. Later, the rear axle in Trnava was produced. In the meantime, three vehicles of the model 1203 were produced at the new production site in Trnava in April as a test. In 1974 the production of the variant Van in Trnava took place. Simultaneously, the security has been increased to increase the efficiency and ease of maintenance. 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 was reduced and increased engine performance using a two-chamber carburettor. The type designation changed as the Škoda 1000MB simultaneously Š 776 Creatively received the new vehicle lettering and more plastic applications. In the next two years, production increased enormously. So in 1976 were in Vrchlabí about 7500 vehicles, manufactured about 2500 vehicles in Trnava. At the same time the production of the Škoda 120 GLS in Vrchlabí plant began. By 1981, the entire van production was moved to Trnava.
The vehicle was in the 1980 black bumpers made of steel and a dual-circuit brake system with dual brake booster. 1983 emerged the first camping vehicles with pop-up roof. In the period from 1983 to 1984 were made in cooperation with the work Bratislavské automobilové závody (short: BAZ ) II Like two modern prototypes, they were given the names TAZ TAZ I and many other projects in the CMEA countries (eg Barkas 1100) was stopped the further development due to the non- financeable investment by the government.
In May 1985, the long- desired performance increase was approved. The displacement of the engine now increased from 1221 to 1433 cc. Simultaneously, a five-speed manual gearbox was introduced. Both made it possible to increase the top speed from 95 to 110 km / h Visually striking were the now square turn signals, and also square headlights on both models. The model was sold a short time as Škoda 1203 M until the vehicle designation in 1987 TAZ - changed Š 1500 and again round headlights were installed - 1203 or TAZ. Four years after the introduction of the new engine the weaker engine with four- speed manual gearbox was still offered as an option. At the same time renounced the small overhang of the roof above the windshield, making the consumption dropped by 4.5 %. In 1986 the front disc brakes. This year 6053 vehicles were produced. In 1989, the braking system has been upgraded. The car was rebuilt in the 1990s by the East German company Pelucar under license.
Complete takeover of the model
After the Velvet Revolution of Transportation was the most important vehicle for newly established or privatized workshops and other enterprises in Czechoslovakia. The population quickly noticed, however, that the vehicle in economy, safety and engine power could not compete with Western European vehicles. Thus began one to import used vehicles from the Volkswagen, Ford, Fiat for police and emergency services. Old vehicles were quickly sold or scrapped to the eastern countries.
In 1993, the vehicle for the first time a motor controller, optional plastic bumpers or a catalyst. As part of the separation of the now independent automotive plant in Trnava Škoda vehicle in TAZ 1500 was renamed. Vehicles with catalyst were designated TAZ 1500 Cat 1994 in cooperation with foreign companies more prototypes such as the TAZ Sipox 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 in a small series the vehicle TAZ 1900 VW diesel engine. It had a displacement of 1896 cm ³. The model had a modified front and the corresponding labeled TAZ 1900.
Until the year 1999, a total of 69 727 series vehicles were produced. Today, the Small Business Ocelot builds in Žacléř the vehicles. Ocelot in this case indicates that the application yourself manufactures 80 % of the parts. The rest is taken over and refurbished by old vehicles. About 20 cars per year.
Models
The vehicle was the only one in the former Czechoslovakia produced vans and thus there is the most important. The state saw it to produce a car for police, firefighters, army and economy as necessary. During production, we incurred several versions. The first Van produced was a panel van without rear side windows. The execution Com was like a delivery van. This also had no rear side windows, but five seats. The minibus was a five - or achtsitziger car in Standard or de lux trim Ambulance was intended as ambulance and had two berths behind frosted glass in the rear of the vehicle. As a replacement for the pick -up of 1202, the role was produced, a pickup truck, the there were curtain sided vehicles. For funeral there was the Furgon, a black hearse with frosted glass as the ambulance. For the Army, the version V II was built. In addition to the basic versions, there were also special bodies for gas transport, the military or as a tow truck. For agriculture, the military and the agro -terrain mobile with the type designation 998 Š was produced as small series of 23 cars.
Skoda 1203 ambulance as ambulance
Front of the TAZ 1500 KAT Van before the facelift
TAZ 1500 Furgon as hearse
TAZ 1500 KAT Rol flatbed
Equipment
The rear lights and the interior fittings are from the Škoda 1000 MB. The engine is a further development of the Škoda 1202. The vehicle had a heater and a vent. These were controlled by two levers in the center console. Parts of the interior, especially the dashboard were repeatedly taken over the current production program from the vehicles Skoda 100 Skoda 742 Skoda favorite or least from the Škoda Felicia and partially adjusted.