 1988 Å koda Rapid 136 |
The Å koda 130/135/136 were three of six models (the other three were the Å koda 105/120/125 of a rear-engined car that was produced by Czechoslovakian manufacturer Å koda Auto between 1984 and 1990.
Introduction
The very first Å koda 130 models were introduced in August 1984. Developed from the earlier Å koda 105/120 models (some of which continued in production alongside the Å koda 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 Å koda 105/120 models).
These 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".
The 130 range consisted of the 130 L and 130 GL saloons and 130 Rapid coupe respectively (these models being equivalent to the 120 LS and 120 GLS saloons and 120 Rapid coupe. 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.
Å koda 130-136 Models
Below is the list of models that were sold at least in Czechoslovakia:
Å koda 130 L (1984-1988)
Å koda 130 GL (1984-1988)
Å koda 130 Rapid (1984-1988)
Å koda 135 L (1988-1990)
Å koda 135 GL (1988-1990)
Å koda 136 L (1987-1990)
Å koda 136 GL (1987-1990)
Å koda 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.
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