Škoda 130

File:Skoda Rapid 136 1988.jpg

1988 Škoda Rapid 136

The Škoda 130/135/136 were three of six models (the other three were theŠkoda 105/120/125 of a rear-engined car that was produced by Czechoslovakian manufacturer Škoda Auto between 1984 and 1990.

Introduction

The very first Škoda 130 models were introduced in August 1984. Developed from the earlier Škoda 105/120 models (some of which continued in production alongside the Škoda 130 models), the 130 series had a 1289cc engine that produced 58bhp, 5-speed gearbox, semi-trailing arm rear suspension, wider track and four-pot front brake disc calipers (the last two of which were also fitted to the later Škoda 105/120 models).

These Škoda models may well have been the final incarnation of the rear-engined Škodas, they were the first production Škodas to have a 5-speed gearbox. As well as that, the new models silenced the earlier criticism that had been made in some quarters of tail-happy handling, with the prominent UK motoring magazine "Autocar and Motor" remarking in 1988 that the new 136 Rapid model "handles like a Porsche 911".

For the UK market, the models were available in both 4-door 'Estelle' saloon (130 only) and 2 door Rapid Coupe (both 130 and 136, and ultimately 135 models) and a lot of the new features were the result of Skodas rally programme of the 70s and 80s. An after market cabriolet version was also available. The cars were very competitive on price and helped Skoda to new sales records in Western Europe in the late 1980s.

Škoda 130-136 Models

Below is the list of models that were sold at least in Czechoslovakia:

Škoda 130 L (1984-1988)

Škoda 130 GL (1984-1988)

Škoda 130 Rapid (1984-1988)

Škoda 135 L (1988-1990)

Škoda 135 GL (1988-1990)

Škoda 136 L (1987-1990)

Škoda 136 GL (1987-1990)

Škoda 136 Rapid (1987-1990)

Conclusion

Importantly historically as the last mass-produced rear-engined family cars made in Europe, the models have become increasingly rare in the UK at the time of writing, with prices for good examples rising, and are now largely in the hands of enthusiasts. All models had an engine capacity of 1289cc with a bore of 75.5 mm and stroke of 72 mm, 136 and 135 models had all-alloy engine construction, and the basic engine design was to carry over to the Felicia and Favorit models of the 1990s.

External link

• UK Skoda Owners Club