Škoda Rapid (1984)
Motor vehicle / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Škoda Rapid (1984)?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Škoda Rapid is a fastback coupé designed and built by AZNP in Czechoslovakia between 1984 and 1990. Based on the rear-engined Škoda 105 120 and 130 saloon, it was a replacement for the Škoda Garde coupe built between 1981 and 1984 itself based upon the Škoda 105/120 sedan design, which was also called the Rapid in the UK market. Some Garde/Rapid cars were sent to Ludgate Design & Development in Kent, United Kingdom, by Škoda to be converted into convertibles.
Škoda Rapid | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | AZNP |
Production | 1984-1990 |
Assembly | Kvasiny Bratislava |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 2-door coupé |
Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Related | Škoda 130 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1174 cc I4 40.5kW (Rapid 120) 1289 cc I4 43kW (Rapid 130, 135) 1289 cc I4 46kW (Rapid 136) |
Transmission | 4-speed manual (Rapid 120) 5-speed manual (Rapid 130, 135, 136) |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94 in) |
Length | 4,200 mm (165 in) |
Width | 1,610 mm (63 in) |
Height | 1,380 mm (54 in) |
Kerb weight | 855–915 kg (1,885–2,017 lb) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Škoda Garde |
The Škoda Rapid was famous being described as "the poor man’s Porsche" after Autocar and Motor defined the Škoda Rapid "a beginners' course to the 911", as it had a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, just like the Porsche 911.[1]
Today the Škoda Rapid is gaining in popularity as a classic car with Garde and convertible models being most sought after. According to the website "How Many Left?", there were a total of 50 Škoda Rapids left on British roads in 2011.[2]
The Rapid name was originally used on 1930s Škoda models, and was revived again in 2011 on an Indian market Rapid saloon,[3] based on the Volkswagen Vento, and in 2012 on a Rapid hatchback for the international market.
The Rapid, and its predecessor Garde, were internally known as Type 743 models, with the later 135/136 Rapids being referred to as Type 747.[4]