Škoda 130 Rapid
Year of manufacture: 1987 Power: 58 hp Displacement: 1,289 cm3
Number of cylinders/valves: 4/2 Weight: 890 kg
Condition: drivable Catalogue number: 100
The description of the Škoda 1000 MB car, with catalogue number 107 in our collection, details the development and journey of Škoda automobiles with the “all rear” concept from production to the customers. At its market introduction in 1964, it was truly a very good car. It was well received by experts and represented a major breakthrough in applied technologies and manufacturing methods in Czechoslovakia. It was produced in a new, modern factory and pushed Škoda forward significantly.
In the centrally planned socialist economy, few further innovations or adaptations to global trends in this area were expected or considered. This concept remained in Škoda’s production for an incredible 26 years, with the engine design lasting almost 40 years. It cannot be said that cars in this concept were not innovated; it soon became clear that these were mostly cosmetic modifications rather than real development.
Between 1969 and 1977, the 100/110 series was produced, with a total of 1,079,000 units made. This series included the quite successful and especially popular Škoda 110R coupe.
In 1976, the last major innovation of Škoda cars with a rear engine was introduced under the designation 105/120. It was produced until the end of this concept in 1990, when it was replaced by the entirely new Favorit model with a front engine and front-wheel drive. A total of 2,020,000 units of the 105/120 series were produced, with some partial innovations and improvements carried out.
The final developmental stage of this concept was the coupe initially named Garde and later, until 1990, known as Rapid.
The Rapid 130 was truly the peak of the rear-engine Škoda line. A short episode at the very end of production was the 135/136 model, which used the same engine as the Favorit. Our vehicle is designated Škoda 130 Rapid, meaning it had an enlarged engine displacement of 1,289 cm3 producing 58 hp, a trailing rear axle, a five-speed gearbox, and worm steering. It was based on the 120 sedans, but after the M modification, which increased the track width and slightly modernized the body compared to the original 120 series. It followed the famous 110R coupe and was also produced in the Kvasiny plant and to a lesser extent in the new Bratislava automobile factory. A total of 22,000 units were produced between 1984 and 1988.
The very last Škoda vehicles with this concept were produced in early 1990, marking the end of an era and an idea. In conclusion, it can be said that the concept of a people’s car was ultimately fulfilled, as by the end of production the car had become a part of everyday life for many families in socialist Czechoslovakia, allowing ordinary citizens to travel on vacation in their own vehicle.
