| Manufacturer: | Zbrojovka Brno |
| Designer: | Bořivoj Odstrčil |
| Z 4 | |
| Production: | 1933–1936 |
| Model Years: | 19331936 |
| Engine: | in-line two-stroke, petrol |
| Transmission: | 3-speed manual |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Sp: | uk |
| Weight: | 750- |
| Layout: | Front-wheel-drive |
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. 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.
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 not 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.
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. Between 1933 and 1936, four more production series followed. 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.
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 130km/h. 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.[1] The Mamula-Mašek crew won the category under-1.1-liters at an average speed of 92km/h. In 2010, a recreation of the cars were built using the original documentation in which they were introduced.[2]
The Z 4 is powered by an in-line, water-cooled, two-stroke petrol engine. The engine delivered 16 KW (21 hp) of power.[4] 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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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