Zbrojovka Z 5 Express
The Zbrojovka Z 5 Express was a car produced by Československá Zbrojovka in the 1930s.
| Zbrojovka Z 5 Express | |
|---|---|
 1936 Zbrojovka Z 5 Express | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Československá Zbrojovka |
| Production | 357 |
| Model years | 1935-1937 |
| Assembly | Czechoslovakia |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style | sedan, convertible, roadster |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 29 kW (39 hp) 1,470 cc (90 in3) I4 |
| Transmission | 3 speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,875 mm (113 in) |
| Length | 4,400 mm (173 in) (sedan) |
| Width | 1,450 mm (57 in) (sedan) |
| Height | 1,560 mm (61 in) (sedan) |
| Kerb weight | 1,040 kg (2,290 lb) |
Design
In 1933, Zbrojovka tested a prototype four-cylinder car as a larger and more luxurious follow-on to the Z 4.[1] The production car used a two stroke four cylinder 1,470 cc (90 in3) engine with a bore of 90 mm (3 1⁄2 in) and stroke of 77 mm (3 in).[2] Drum brakes were fitted front and rear, and suspension was by lower wishbones and upper transverse leaf springs. It was produced in a number of body styles, including a two-door sedan which cost 37,500 Kčs and a two-seat sports car that cost over 50,000 Kčs.[1]
Performance
The Z 5 Express could reach a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and had a typical fuel consumption of between 11 and 13 l/100 km (26 and 22 mpg‑imp; 21 and 18 mpg‑US).[2]
Production
The car was announced in October 1935 at the Prague Motor Show and sales continued after the factory moved to military production from 1936, the last car being sold in 1938.[2] 357 vehicles were manufactured.[3]
Notable examples
- Carol II of Romania used an example with a body designed by Plachý.[1]
- The National Technical Museum (Prague) has preserved the vehicle used by Alois Eliáš, Prime Minister of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.[3]
References
- "Automobily Z - Hurvínek a Express". Automobil (in Czech). 4 September 2008. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
- Tuček, Jan (2017). Auta první republiky: 1918-1938. Prague: Grada. pp. 306–307.
- Patera, Zdeněk. "Z 5 Express, Československo 1936 (1935-1936)". Retrieved 31 December 2017.