Škoda 1203

The Škoda 1203, Škoda 1203 M, TAZ-Š 1203 and TAZ 1500 were the only Czech/Czechoslovak van cars ever produced. They were manufactured from 1968 to 1981 in Vrchlabí by AZV Škoda (typ 997). Five years later, production of the modernized type began (typ 776) and part of the production was moved to Trnava (TAZ). In 1981, the entire production was moved to the Slovakian city (Škoda TAZ). In 1985, another modernization came (TAZ 1500) and the 1,433 cm³ engine appeared. The vehicle was also manufactured in small-scale production in 1994–2010 by Ocelot Auto in Žacléř. Around 70,000 cars were produced.

Škoda 1203
Overview
Type	van
Manufacturer	AZNP (1968–1982) TAZ Trnava (1981–1997) Roman Jirouš – OCELOT Žacléř (1994–2017)
Also called	TAZ 1500, TAZ 1203, Škoda TAZ 1203
Production	1968–1997 (mass production) 1994–2017 (small-scale production)
Designer	Miloš Krejčíř
Body and chassis
Layout	FR layout
Doors	4
Powertrain
Engine	1.2 L I4
Power output	47 PS (35 kW) at 4600 min−1
Transmission	4-speed, 2. to 4. synchronized (since 1986 also 5-speed)
Electric range	12 Volt, alternator 300 watt, battery 50 Ah
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,320 mm (91.3 in)
Length	4,520 mm (178.0 in)
Width	1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1,900 mm (74.8 in)
Curb weight	1,130–1,280 kg (2,491–2,822 lb)

The first plans for production were drawn up in 1956. Inability to secure suppliers of parts and accessories in Czechoslovakia were the reason the production was delayed until 1968. The Škoda 1202 serves as the technical basis of the vehicle. There were several modifications during the production run, most of which had to do with the engine. The Škoda 1203 lasted for over thirty years without major structural interventions in production, and contributed significantly to the development of small businesses after 1989.