Praga since 1907

Praga brand was founded almost 100 years ago and managed to manufacture a vast number of automobiles, truck and bus vehicles, motorcycles, airplanes, military and agricultural machinery and vehicles during the time of its existence. Several models were introduced in every sphere of its production, some soon earning fame and popularity which helped to gain a good reputation in the eyes of the public. Praga’s history is remarkable especially in the first half of the 20th century, the period during which the company manufactured models in every mentioned area of production, thus acquiring a respectable spot in the general history of vehicle and aircraft production.

1907 – 1919

The Beginning

Praga enters the field of automobile industry at the end of the first decade of the 20th century. The first serially manufactured model is Praga V Charon which is followed by models Alfa, Grand and Mignon; and precisely these three vehicles will become quickly the distinctive cars of the company. Their production is launched in the beginning of the second decade and Praga’s success is channelled mainly thought their production and popularity. The second decade is also marked by an extensive production of truck vehicles – and it is precisely this type of production which is continued by the company for almost 90 years. Praga trucks are demanded considerably during the WWI by the army because they are able to provide logistics and transport even in difficult war conditions. The war also postpones the production of previously mentioned automobile models which is reinstated in the early 20s.

1920s

Praga agriculture

Praga began to manufacture motor ploughs in 1913 and continued with it until 1925 with the total of three models produced. Since they proved to be able of a good fieldwork, the number of produced vehicles topped one thousand and rose even more after several factories purchased licenses for these motor ploughs.

1930s

Multifarious thirties

The beginning of the 1930s is marked by the Great Depression, which impacts on all the areas of industry in the Czechoslovak lands. At the same time, 1930s represent probably the most diverse period in the company’s production. Praga continues to manufacture the already existing models and develops new models Baby, Golden, Lady and Super Piccolo (an enhanced alternative of previous Praga Piccolo). First Praga motorcycle 500 BDS is followed by a new 300 BCS; with these two being the only bikes serially produced until the late 1990s when Praga Enduro is introduced to the market.

1930s

Praga in the skies

Praga continues with the production of truck and bus vehicles as well, later introducing type TOT, company’s first trolleybus. However, the biggest happening is the development and production of Praga aircrafts, which began during these years. The main representative in this category is probably Praga E.114, a single-engine sport airplane, sometimes referred to as Air Baby.

Another novelty in company’s portfolio is the production of light tank vehicles which foreshadows the grievous times of the WWII. Praga light tanks were in armies of Sweden, Etiopea, Romania, Iran, Peru, Switzerland, Latvia and Czechoslovakia.

1940s

Second World War

The Second World War brings subordination of the factories to the German occupation forces. Praga’s experienced engineers and employees are forced to labour in German factories while new manufacturers hope that their work in Praga will prevent the Nazis from sending them abroad. Praga’s factories are producing military vehicles and machinery – mainly consisting of light tank LT mk. 38 and transport vehicles. This production is affected by several acts of sabotage by patriotic employers.

1940s

Second World War

Praga still manages to produce some automobile vehicles, including models Alfa, Piccolo and Lady, along with some truck and bus vehicles. During an allied bombardment in 1945, nearly 90% of company’s production area is severely damaged. Therefore, Praga moves to Vysočany after the war, where another ninety-seven Praga Lady vehicles are produced and mark the end of automobile production of Praga for a long time. In the years to come, Praga focuses only on production of truck and bus vehicles.