Zbrojovka Brno – From Firearms to Automobiles
Zbrojovka Brno, best known as a firearms manufacturer, ventured into the automotive industry in the 1920s. Although its car production was short-lived, the brand introduced several innovations – including the first Czechoslovak mass-produced car with front-wheel drive. Zbrojovka cars stood out for their simplicity, two-stroke engines, and practical design.
Period (1924–1930)
- Disk (1924–1925): The first mass-produced Zbrojovka car, a two-door model with a two-stroke four-cylinder engine (598 cm³, 10 hp), ~75 units built.
- Z 18 (1926–1930): Two-cylinder engine, 1,004 cm³, 18 hp, available as passenger and light commercial version, ~2,500 units.
- Z 9 (1930–1932): Two-cylinder, 993 cm³, 22 hp, available as sedan, convertible, and van, ~850 units.
Period (1933–1936)
- Z 4 (1933–1936): First Czechoslovak series-produced car with front-wheel drive, made in 5 series with engines from 905 to 995 cm³, 18–25 hp, total of 2,680 units.
- Z 5 Express (1935–1936): Four-cylinder, 1,470 cm³, 40 hp, more powerful model, 357 units produced.
- Z 6 Hurvínek (1935–1936): Two-cylinder, 735 cm³, 19 hp, small people's car nicknamed "Hurvínek", ~500 units.
Period (1937)
- Production discontinued: Car production ended in 1936 due to economic conditions. In 1937, a few final units were assembled from remaining parts. The company then focused on arms production and later on Zetor tractors.