Škoda Popular roadster
Year of Manufacture: 1936
Power: 22 hp
Displacement: 995 cm3
Number of Cylinders / Valves: 4 / 4
Weight: 750 kg
Condition: excellent
Catalogue Number: 86
Development
Škoda 420 Standard
Produced between 1933–1934, this model introduced a new design concept derived from Tatra’s layout. This change brought Škoda great success, propelling the company from third place on the domestic market to the top spot after the economic crisis. The car featured a three-speed gearbox with synchronization on the 2nd and 3rd gears and lacked a differential. It had a four-stroke, water-cooled four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 995 cm3 and an output of 20 horsepower. Most vehicles were bodied as four-seater Tudors or open military cars. The top speed was 85 km/h with a fuel consumption of 7 l/100 km.
Škoda 418 Popular
This version was produced in 1934. The only difference compared to the 420 was the use of a smaller engine and a shorter chassis. The engine displacement was reduced to 903 cm3, resulting in 18 horsepower and a top speed of 80 km/h.
Škoda 420 Popular (Types 906/907, 916/917)
Manufactured from 1934 to 1937, this was the first model to bear the name “Popular” and also introduced a differential—though only available as an optional extra. Compared to the Škoda 420, the power slightly increased to 22 horsepower.
Škoda 420 Popular Sport (Type 908)
Produced in 1935, this car was developed specifically for the endurance race “1000 Miles of Czechoslovakia,” which ultimately did not take place. Only 20 vehicles were made on the 906 chassis.
Škoda Popular Sport Monte Carlo (Type 909)
Manufactured between 1935–1938, this model was named after one of the world’s most famous automobile races. It was created by replacing the standard Popular engine with a more powerful one from the larger Škoda Rapid (901). The combination proved to be excellent, leading the company to produce this model with Roadster, Roadster De Luxe, and Coupé Sport bodies. The car reached a top speed of 110 km/h with a consumption of 10 l/100 km.
Škoda Sagitta (Type 911)
Produced from 1936 to 1937, this was a prototype mini car built on a chassis derived from the Škoda 418. It featured a completely new air-cooled V-twin engine with a displacement of 845 cm3. The car could reach speeds of up to 70 km/h.
Škoda Popular was the brand’s most successful pre-war model, helping the company reach the top of the automotive industry.
