The DFW Car & Toy Museum now features an exceptionally rare 1967 Tatra 2-603, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, as a centerpiece that highlights the innovative engineering and political history of Cold War-era Czechoslovakia. Built in Kopřivnice, the Tatra 603 was produced from 1956 to 1975 exclusively for high-ranking Communist Party officials, making it a symbol of prestige and exclusivity behind the Iron Curtain.
This second-series 1967 model, produced between 1964 and 1967, is distinguished by its four-headlight front fascia with bright chrome trim, Dagmar-style bumper overriders, anchor-shaped hood ornamentation, and a split rear window. Its design remains unmistakable nearly six decades later, but the car's engineering is equally revolutionary. The T603 features unibody construction, MacPherson strut front suspension, swing axles in the rear, and hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, placing it ahead of many luxury automobiles of the 1960s.
One of the most remarkable aspects is the air-cooled 2.5-liter V8 engine mounted behind the rear axle, recently overhauled during restoration. Power is delivered through a column-shifted four-speed transaxle, creating a unique driving experience. Inside, the cabin blends elegance with simplicity, featuring a classic Blaupunkt push-button radio and a two-spoke steering wheel framing a 180 km/h speedometer, reflecting the car's performance capabilities.
Having been relocated to the Netherlands in the 1980s, this Tatra shows just over 46,000 kilometers (approximately 29,000 miles) on the odometer, making it an exceptionally well-preserved survivor. "The Tatra 603 demonstrates that groundbreaking automotive engineering wasn't limited to Western Europe," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum. "Its innovative design, advanced technology, and remarkable history make it one of the most interesting vehicles in our collection."
Visitors can experience this Cold War-era luxury sedan alongside more than 200 rare, classic, vintage, and exotic vehicles and over 3,000 collectible toys at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. Admission is free, making it a top attraction in North Texas. The museum is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, and is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
