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Zbrojovka Z 4

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Z 4
A red and black Z4 Series V
Overview
ManufacturerZbrojovka Brno
Production1933–1936
Model years1933–1936
DesignerBořivoj Odstrčil
Body and chassis
LayoutFront-wheel-drive
Doors2
Powertrain
Enginein-line two-stroke, petrol
Transmission3-speed manual
Dimensions
Kerb weight750–830 kg (1,653–1,830 lb)

The Zbrojovka Z 4, nicknamed the "Strong Four", is a small passenger car that was produced from 1933 to 1936 by the company Zbrojovka Brno. After the Z 9 did not meet expectations, Zbrojovka Brno wanted a car with front-wheel drive, using a license for design from the car manufacturer DKW; but due to the license high cost, it was not purchased. Zbrojovka Brno chose to develop a car using the same concept, but without using DKW's patented solutions. The Z 4 prototype was later designed by a team of designers who were under the leadership of new chief designer Bořivoj Odstrčil within seven months. The Z 4 is the first Czechoslovak mass-produced car with front-wheel drive. A total of 2,750 cars were produced in five series.[a] Five racing Z 4s were produced in 1934. Of the five racing cars that were produced, three went to the Czechoslovak 1,000-mile race and won the President's Award for the best factory team.

Background

In the early 1930s, Zbrojovka Brno produced the Z 9, a car whose sales results did not meet expectations. Zbrojovka Brno wanted a car with front-wheel drive, based on a license for design from the German car manufacturer DKW. Zbrojovka Brno dispatched two workers to Zschoppau, Germany to visit DKW for the possibility of buying the license for the new car; but due to its high price, the political conditions at the time, and the non-beneficial contract, the license was not purchased. Zbrojovka Brno decided to develop a car on the same concept, but without using DKW's patented solutions. A team of designers, under the leadership of new chief designer Bořivoj Odstrčil and engineer Antonín Voženílek, developed a prototype within seven months, by January 1933. The car, with the advertising nickname "Strong Four", debuted in April 1933 at the Prague Motor Show.[1][2]

Production and discontinuation

The new car was a success; the first series of 500 cars were sold out before the Z 4 production began in May 1933. It became the first Czech mass-produced car with front-wheel drive.[1] Between 1933 and 1936, four more production series followed.[3][2] Production was terminated by a decision of the Ministry of Defence (MNO) on October 15, 1936; the last cars were sold in 1937. A total of 2,750 units were produced in five production series, making the Z 4 the most successful car of the brand.[4]

In racing

In 1934, a series of five racing Z 4s were created using a modified chassis, with an aerodynamic aluminum coupe body. The cars had a drop-shaped body. The engine was tuned to an output of 26 KW (35 HP), the cars reached a speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). Three of the cars participated in the second year of the Czechoslovak 1,000-mile race and won the President's Award for the best factory team.[5][6] The Mamula-Mašek crew won the category under-1.1-liters at an average speed of 92 km/h (57 mph). In 2010, a recreation of the cars were built using the original documentation in which they were introduced.[7][8]

Series overview

  • Series I – produced from April (May) to September 1933, a total of 500 units with Semi-Cabriolet (420 units) and Roadster (80 units) bodies.[1]
  • Series II – modification of the mask and body. Production from June 1933 to October 1936, a total of 750 units with Tudor and Semi-Cabriolet bodies.[2]
  • Series III – engine with increased displacement (980 cc) and power, body modification. Production from April to November 1934, a total of 500 units.[2]
  • Series IV – extending the wheelbase to 2700 mm, rack-and-pinion steering, rounding of the body. Production from August 1934 to October 1936, a total of 500 units.[2]
  • Series V – wheelbase extension to 2760 mm, rounding of the body. Production from April 1935 to October 1936, a total of 500 units.[2]

Design

Engine and transmission

The Z 4 is powered by an in-line, water-cooled, two-stroke petrol engine. The engine delivered 16 KW (21 hp) of power.[9] The engine has a displacement of 908 cc (Series I and II) or 981 cc (Series III to V). The preparation of the fuel mixture is provided by the Zenith 30 carburetor. The engine is equipped with battery ignition, and the electrical installation works with a voltage of 6 V. The engine is cooled by thermosiphon, without a fan.[1]

The engine is located behind the front axle. In front of the axle is a three-speed manual gearbox and a transfer case with a differential. The clutch is a single disc. The engine and gearbox form an assembly unit.[4]

Chassis and body

The chassis is a rigid rectangular frame made of U profiles. The wheels are suspended on independent semi-axles formed by a transverse lower arm and connected by a transverse leaf spring. Steering is worm or rack (IV and V series). Mechanical drum brakes are on all four wheels. The wheels are steel discs and equipped with 4.50×18" or, later, 5.25×16" tires.[1]

The cars were supplied with two-door Tudor, Semi-Cabriolet, or Roadster bodies. In addition to factory bodies, custom bodies were created by individual body builders.[10]

Technical data table

Series I Series II Series III Series IV Series V
Kerb weight 750 kg 750 kg 800 kg 830 kg 830 kg
Wheelbase 2 600 mm 2 600 mm 2 600 mm 2 700 mm 2 760 mm
Axle track 1 100 mm 1 100 mm 1 100 mm 1 100 mm 1 100 mm
Engine displacement 905 cm³ 905 cm³ 980 cm³ 980 cm³ 980 cm³
Fuel consumption 8–9 l /100 km 8–9 l /100 km 8–9 l /100 km 8–9 l /100 km 8–9 l /100 km
Top speed 80–90 km/h 80–90 km/h 90–100 km/h 90–100 km/h 90–100 km/h

Sources:[1][2][9][6]

Notes

  1. ^ The production of vehicles at this time was not continuous, but took place in series. A production plan was drawn up for each series, determining the supply of material and the work schedule. The production series at Czech car manufacturers numbered tens to hundreds of vehicles. Vehicles of different series usually differed more or less in design.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Kuba & Spremo 1989, pp. 135–137.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "(1933) Z 4 I. serie" (in Czech). eurooldtimers.com.
  3. ^ Kuba & Spremo 1989, p. 135-137; Automobil revue 1993a, p. 69-70.
  4. ^ a b Automobil revue 1993b, pp. 69–70.
  5. ^ Automobil revue 1993a, pp. 69–70.
  6. ^ a b "Z 4 Roadster, 1936 [Auta5P ID:17376 CZ]". auta5p.eu. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  7. ^ Kožíšek 2018, pp. 19–34.
  8. ^ "(1934) Z 4 III. serie 1000 mil československých | Galerie | Veteráni i veterán - Oldtimers - Historická vozidla". EuroOldtimers.Com (in Czech). Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  9. ^ a b "Zbrojovka Z-4 data and specifications catalogue". www.automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 2024-08-20.
  10. ^ Kuba & Spremo 1989, pp. 172–174.

Literature

  • Kuba, Adolf; Spremo, Milan (1989). Atlas našich automobilů 3: 1929–1936 (1 ed.). NADAS. ISBN 80-7030-049-3.
  • "Eliška Junková Foundation: Silná čtyřka". Automobil revue. No. 4. Prague, Czech Republic: Unipress, Prague. 1993a. pp. 69–70. ISSN 1211-9555.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  • "Eliška Junková Foundation: Hurvínek a Express". Automobil revue. No. 5. Prague, Czech Republic: Unipress, Praha. 1993b. pp. 69–70. ISSN 1211-9555.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  • Kožíšek, Petr (2018). 1000 mil československých (1 ed.). National Technical Museum. ISBN 978-80-7037-308-8.
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