Tatra 813: History, Testing & Rare 1973 Footage

In 1960, engineers at a Tatra branch factory in Bánovce nad Bebravou, Czechoslovakia, completed the first working prototype of what would develop into the Tatra 813, an eight-wheeled truck initially designed as a foundation for artillery tractors. The prototype, built largely from components of the newly-introduced Tatra 138, was a rudimentary chassis – an unbodied, eight-wheel frame with only four unprotected seats positioned on the fenders and a motorcycle windshield offering minimal protection to the driver.

The initial vehicle wasn’t intended as a finished automobile, but rather a testbed for a new type of Czech four-axle truck, according to historical records. Extensive testing followed, including trials in the Libava military area. However, development stalled as the Bánovce plant shifted its focus to specialized versions of the Tatra 111 and the heavy Tatra 141 tractor.

Despite the pause, the eight-wheel chassis wasn’t abandoned. Development resumed officially in early 1964, with the goal of producing a dedicated military truck. This led to the Tatra 813, unveiled in Bánovce in August 1964, equipped with structural components from the T 138 and a Tatra 930 V12 engine producing 250 horsepower. The prototype featured a five-speed gearbox with two reduction gears, providing a total of 20 forward and 4 reverse speeds.

Production of the Tatra 813 began in 1967, with the eight-wheel “Kolos” 8×8 model designed for military employ as the first to roll off the line. This version featured two steerable axles and longitudinal leaf spring suspension. The truck’s core was Tatra’s signature backbone frame, consisting of a central load-bearing tube connected to swinging semi-axles. Civilian versions, including 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 configurations, followed, adapted for roles such as crane carriers, dump trucks, and fire engines.

A recently digitized 1973 promotional film, originally shot on 16mm film and now available on YouTube through the DKmixx channel, showcases both the military and civilian capabilities of the Tatra 813. The film highlights the vehicle’s performance in challenging terrain, including water crossings, and details various technical aspects of its design.

Over its 15-year production run, 11,751 Tatra 813 vehicles were manufactured in various modifications. Beyond Czechoslovakia, the truck found buyers in the Soviet Union, East Germany, Romania, and India. Production ceased in 1982 with the introduction of the Tatra 815, its successor.