The car is presented in racing specification and finished in colors reminiscent of championship Formula 1 car liveries. This article details the model's origins, its technical features, and the specific vehicle currently available for purchase.
From Trucks to Track Prototypes
The Praga brand has been known since the early 20th century. Over the decades, the company produced passenger cars and trucks. After World War II, it focused on commercial vehicles. One of its best-known models was the military Praga V3S, which was manufactured for decades and exported to dozens of countries.
The brand's revival in the 21st century came as a surprise: rather than returning to utilitarian vehicles, Praga opted for lightweight sports cars. The first model was the 4S, based on the Slovak K1 Attack sports car but with substantial modifications. This was followed by the R1 project — a car originally developed specifically for track use.
Track-Oriented Design
The Praga R1 was created as a purebred track car, with a road-legal version developed later. At its core is a carbon-fiber monocoque with lightweight body panels. The vehicle's curb weight is just over 640 kilograms, delivering an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.
The version offered here is equipped with a two-liter four-cylinder turbocharged Renault Sport engine producing 370 horsepower. It is mated to a six-speed Hewland sequential gearbox driving the rear wheels. This configuration results in a specific output exceeding 570 horsepower per tonne.
The engineers sought to deliver high performance while keeping running costs reasonable. Consequently, they selected a relatively compact and proven power unit rather than more complex and costly alternatives.
The Specific Example
The car for sale is chassis No. 15. Since leaving the factory, it has remained in the private collection of racing team Squadra Lupo. The vehicle has been used exclusively during track days and has accumulated fewer than 25 hours on circuit in total. Professional servicing was performed after each session.
It has not competed in official races and has not endured extreme racing stresses. The car is offered with a package of spare parts, including five complete sets of wheels and tires.
Price and Positioning
This example is priced at $129,800. For a carbon-structured car with genuine racing heritage, this positions it competitively against base versions of certain production sports cars. The R1 is not road-legal and is intended exclusively for circuit use.
Its exterior livery follows a color scheme reminiscent of Formula 1 cars, underscoring its track-focused nature and setting it apart visually from similar projects.
Conclusion
The Praga R1 remains a unique proposition in the contemporary Czech automotive sector. Its lightweight construction, thoughtful aerodynamics, and proven racing components make it a dedicated circuit tool. The low-mileage example now for sale will appeal to collectors and track-day enthusiasts.
