Jawa – More Than Just Motorcycles
The Jawa brand is widely known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but during the 1930s and 1940s, it boldly ventured into car production. Jawa cars stood out for their lightweight construction, simplicity, and technical cleverness. Although production was limited, Jawa made its mark on Czechoslovak automotive history with several remarkable models that are now rare collector’s pieces.
Jawa 700 (1934–1937)
The first Jawa-branded car, manufactured under license from the German DKW Meisterklasse 701 (Type F2).
Engine: Two-cylinder two-stroke, 684 cm³, 15 kW
Drive: Front-wheel drive
Body: Wooden frame covered with artificial leather, later replaced with metal
Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
Produced: 1,002 units
Jawa 750 (1935)
A racing special built for the 1000 Miles of Czechoslovakia race.
Engine: Four-cylinder two-stroke, 750 cm³
Body: Coupé and roadster
Produced: Only 6 units
Jawa 600 Minor (1937–1946)
The first Jawa car of original design, following the Jawa 700.
Engine: Two-cylinder two-stroke, 616 cm³, 15 kW
Drive: Front-wheel drive
Body: Two-door sedan with optional retractable roof
Produced: ~2,000 cars before the war, plus ~700 post-war units from existing parts
Jawa Aero Minor II (1946–1952)
Continued development of the Minor model under the Jawa name, preserving the tradition of simple and reliable cars.
Engine: Two-cylinder two-stroke, 615 cm³, 20 hp
Top speed: Up to 90 km/h
Body: Sedan, convertible, estate
Significance: Popular abroad as well, it became a symbol of post-war mobility