{{Infobox automobile | name = Tatra 623 | manufacturer = TATRA, a. s. | production = 1980–1998 | assembly = Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic: Příbor, Moravia | predecessor = Tatra 613 | successor = | image = Tatra 623.jpg | class = Full-size car | platform = | transmission = | layout = | body_style = 4-door sedan | engine = {{ubl|3.5 L V8 (T623)|3.8 L V8 (T623 R)}} | wheelbase = | length = {{convert|5057|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|1800|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|1505|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} | weight = | designer = }} The '''T-623''' is a Czech rear-engined car, which was manufactured by Tatra. It was designed as a rapid response vehicle for use in motorsport and civilian operations.
The car was based on second-hand Tatra 613-2 model, which was originally modified by ''AMK Narex'' (since 1992 ''Narimex'') who specialized in rescue operations. This business had been set up by former racer, Cyril Svoboda, who was notorious for having adapted a Lancia Beta for rescue duties.<ref name="Cz">{{cite web|url=http://auto.pravda.sk/magazin/clanok/3943-tatru-613-nezachranili-ani-jej-specialne-verzie/|title=Tatru 613 nezachránili ani jej špeciálne verzie|trans-title=The Tatra 613 was not saved even by its special editions|language=Slovak|date=22 January 2010|accessdate=19 August 2015}}</ref>
In 1984, AMK Narex had produced six T-623.<ref name="Cz"/> The success of the T-623 resulted in Tatra carrying out further modifications, in collaboration with ''Narex'' and ''Kovoslužba'' rescue organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://autodromacimost.euweb.cz/2013/07/Osud-vozu-TATRA-623-od-slavneho-zacatku-do-neslavneho-konce.html|title=Osud vozů TATRA 623 od (slavného) začátku, do (neslavného) konce..|trans-title=The fate of TATRA 623 cars from the (famous) beginning to the (infamous) end.|language=Czech|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062658/autodromacimost.euweb.cz/2013/07/Osud-vozu-TATRA-623-od-slavneho-zacatku-do-neslavneho-konce.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|date=10 December 2013|accessdate=19 August 2015}}</ref>
Because of the need of organizers for a car capable of keeping up with F1 cars on the opening race, the then T-623 was further developed into the 2-seat, lightweight and more powerful '''T-623 R'''. It led to a fleet of eight cars being used in Formula One as the safety cars at the inaugural 1986 Hungarian Grand Prix. The latest Hungarian Grand Prix that T-623 R took part in was held in 1995, where Taki Inoue was hit by the car.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tatra 613: Víte, že dokonce srazila pilota Formule 1 v závodě?|trans-title=Tatra 613: Did you know that she even knocked down a Formula 1 driver in the race?|language=Czech|url=http://autoroad.cz/zajimavosti/85394-tatra-613-vite-ze-dokonce-srazila-pilota-formule-1-v-zavode?utm_|publisher=AutoRoad}}</ref>
The car now featured a 3.8-Litre V8 engine producing over {{Convert|300|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, and was capable of a top speed of {{Convert|250|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. Its features included: a removable steering wheel and racing seats; adjustable and lowered suspension; upgraded braking system and tyres.<ref name="MTX">{{cite web|url=https://static.modestmachines.com/archive/tatra-t-623|title=Tatra T-623|work=Banovsky's Car of the Day|date=9 April 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422033715/https://static.modestmachines.com/archive/tatra-t-623|archivedate=22 April 2017}}</ref> Its aluminum fenders, hood, and doors, plus plexiglass windows, contributed to a kerb weight of {{Convert|1270|kg|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="Cz"/> or a significant weight reduction of 350 kg (771 lbs).<ref name="MTX"/>
The rescue cars were eventually replaced mostly by modified Škoda Octavia models. Nevertheless, the T-623 went on to form the basis of the Czech first super-sports car, the MTX Tatra V8.
==See also== * List of Czech cars
== References == <references />
{{Tatra models}} Category:Cars introduced in 1980 Category:1990s cars Category:Cars powered by rear-mounted 8-cylinder engines 623 Category:Cars discontinued in 1998