Avia 350
The Avia 350 is a prototype of
a microcar developed in
Czechoslovakia in the mid 50's. Successfull small German cars like
Goggomobil
inspired authorities to develop a similar car in the CSSR.
2 companies
were
involved : Avia and Moravan, both aircraft builders. Prototypes of both
companies were very similar, both manufactured from Dural, engine based
on
Jawa 350 placed at the rear, sliding roof construction and driver
sitting
centered as remarkable similarities.
The 1st Avia prototype crashed, next ones were modified and all more or less similar. As far as known 10 pieces in total are built. At least 3 of them still exist. ( production numbers 3, 6 and 10 )
From the Moravan at least 2 pieces are known still to exist ( more or less ), probably 2 or 3 pieces have been built.
Finally both projects have been cancelled.
This site is mainly dedicated to the Avia.
.
More Microcars.
Although the Avia 350 has an important place on this website, there is space enough to show more microcars.
If you (did) own a microcar, either czech made or registrated in the Czech Republic, please send me pictures, data etc.
Czech microcars :
In the former CSSR there have been several initiatives for microcars, in general different as in the 'West'. A few official initiatives have been there ( Avia, Moravan, Velorex ), most however were just private initiatives to make a car for own purpose only. This was stimulated by the national car clubs. Some exhibitions have been organized around 1950 where people could show their home-made cars. Some of them very basic, others would have been a succes if there would have been any opportunity for some mass scale production. A very few tried to make a small production out of it, but in a time were government strictly dictated who should produce what, how many etc., there wasn't much space for these initiatives ( e.g. Krejbich ).
Foreign microcars :
Esp. in 1968 when there was some freedom, several, already impopular, microcars from Germany have been imported. Nowadays a few enthousiasts have imported also some cars.
The number of microcars in the Czech Republic estimated ( based on what I did see and hear ) :
- many Velorexes, hundreds
- about 30-40 other Czech microcars, estimated 5 in good ( possible to drive ) condition
- about 15 imported German microcars of which estimated 10 in good condition.
Please take a look, I hope you enjoy your minutes spend here.