Until 1959 , the Skoda type 440/445 played the role of a mid-range model. However, it was thoroughly modernized and in 1959 the legendary name Octavia was born!
From Spartak to Octavia
In 1959, the 440 became the Octavia (type 985) and the 445 became the Octavia Super (type 993) . Compared to the original Spartak (another name for the 440/445 series), the Octavia was distinguished by a completely new radiator grille and Octavia lettering instead of Spartak. The interior then received a different center panel and a shift lever on the steering column.
More important, however, were the technical changes. The front axle was new with a pair of arms instead of a leaf spring , the suspension was more comfortable thanks to the coil springs and the driving characteristics were improved thanks to the transverse stabilizer . The gearshift, clutch and electrical installation also received minor changes. Everything was aimed at increasing reliability and also improving driving characteristics.
In terms of size , the Octavia of the time would fit among modern small cars . It also has a length of 4065 mm, a width of 1600 mm and a height of 1430 mm. The 2390 mm wheelbase was 10 mm shorter than the Spartak.
Under the hood of the original Octavia from 1959, there was a 1.1-liter in-line four-cylinder with an output of 40 horsepower at 4200 rpm. The maximum torque of 70 Nm was available at 2800 rpm. A four-speed manual transmission transmitted power to the rear wheels. Those who wanted a slightly stronger version reached for the Octavia Super , which had a decimeter higher engine capacity and 5 hp more power . The torque also increased to 86 Nm.
Sports-minded drivers might be interested in the Touring Sport version, which received a mask from the Felicia convertible (type 450) and new seats. As for the engine, the TS was equipped with a twin-carburetor unit with a volume of 1.1 liters with a power of 50 hp , which also came from the Felicia.
Rear wings
In 1961 came the first modernization of the Octavia . It brought not only changes in design, but above all a new Combi variant ! In terms of design, the Octavia with the type designation 702 (Octavia Super 703) differed with a new front mask and mainly rear wings . Mechanically, the rear transverse spring was strengthened, which made it possible to increase the payload. The station wagon with the type designation 993 C (later 703 C ) had only three doors, but practicality was given not only by the flat roof, but mainly by the rear hinged doors.
The engines of the type series 702/703 received (with the same volume) a slight boost, so that the 1.1 offered 42 hp in the classic Octavia and the 1.2 in the Octavia Super 47 hp . The Octavia Combi offered the same engine as the Octavia Super, i.e. 1.2 with 47 horses , but due to the higher weight, the dynamic parameters were slightly worse.
A year after the introduction of the modernized Octavia, i.e. in 1962, the Touring Sport version was also modernized. It was newly designated as the Octavia 1200 Touring Sport and its engine gave a new output of 55 horsepower !
Octavia and sports
Of course, the Mladá Boleslav car company did not remain indifferent to motor sports either. Already in 1960 , the Skoda factory team took part in the famous Monte Carlo rally , where it was represented by Octavia Touring Sport cars with power increased to 60 hp. The same cars also participated in the 1961 and 1962 editions, in which the Keinänen – Eklund crew managed to win their class. And Monte Carlo once more – this time in 1963 , when the Gjölberg – Karlan crew won the laurels.
In 1961 , the Octavia TS also took part in the Tour d'Europe , where the Skoda factory team finished second.
What to say in conclusion
And how to end our article about the first Octavia? Maybe because its production ended in 1964 (the station wagon was produced until 1971 and received one more facelift, which brought a square radiator grille) and a total of about 229,531 sedans were produced (of which approx. 79,489 were Octavia Super) and about 50,207 station wagons . In addition to mass production, however, the first Octavia laid the foundation for the best-selling Czech car today.
