Škodovka swimsuits have a long tradition. They were always beautiful and elegant, they also had something to build on, the classic Popular Monte Carlo models or the 1101 / 1102 Tudor pair, the elegant post-war MBX was replaced by the beautiful Skoda 110 R , whose rounded shapes were then replaced by the angular Garde . We have here today the last series-produced coupe, which is called the 130 Rapid . But it really only has the name in common with the modern Rapid , because this handsome man celebrates 30 beautiful years since the start of production this year.
The Rapid was a two-door coupé based on the Skoda 120 sedan, which replaced the previous Garde model. But the Rapid was built on a massively modernized version, the so-called " emku ", which was produced from 1983. It was distinguished by a larger wheel track, new headlights with large blinkers on the corners of the body, new rear group lamps and a different radiator grille. The bumpers had a new, safer type of construction, the engine got a new carburetor, front retracting seat belts and rear heated glass appeared as standard equipment. The full-flow oil cleaning system extended the oil change interval, and the clutch and rack-and-pinion steering were also new. In 1984, the Rapid 130 version with an engine from the 130 L sedan and a five-speed gearbox was launched. This is exactly what our test car is like. In addition, from 1987, the 135 and 136 engines from Skoda Favorit got under the hood.
The tested piece will shine with a beautiful yellow color immediately after the sail is retracted. It gives the impression that it has only recently left the gates of Mototechna with a happy owner behind the wheel. In addition to the striking paintwork and flowing rear, other details also catch the eye – for example, the period Apollo cast wheels, which have undergone a complete renovation. This was mainly used for export, you could not order them in Mototechna stores. But the owner says that he still needs the sill covers and door moldings to bring it to perfect condition. It's just that it hasn't been possible to find even the period center caps yet. Remembrancers will certainly be interested in an additional sunroof or a pair of front fog lights. When you take the handle and open the door, you hear that familiar sound, the double tinkling that accompanied me throughout my childhood. One would be moved by such nostalgia. Even the sound of the engine is very familiar to me. We set off on the first part of the ride, and I again take care of the interior inspection. More and more memories of door handles, heater vents and heater controls keep flooding my memory. On the contrary, I don't quite recognize the shape of the alarm clocks anymore. As it turns out, a number of things in the Rapid did not match the elements in the classic sedan. The door pockets are spacious, the seats are comfortable, but the seat belts don't want to retract completely, so you have to be careful not to pinch them in the door. But from the point of view of the time, self-winding belts were a novelty, so we can ignore winding as a childhood disease.
We finally find a suitable place to take some photos. Unfortunately, it is separated from the road by a ditch, where I would definitely not dare to go with my car. But this is a car built for the roads of the mid-80s, so it has no problem carefully going over a rough terrain or rattling down a dirt road. When we get to the location, I can really examine the car thoroughly. It's incredible how easily a car's silhouette changes for the better when you rake the back. I'm starting to understand why so many automakers are making something wrongly called a four-door coupe these days. The elongated doors compared to the sedan help the silhouette a lot.
Under the front hood is the luggage compartment, which of course we all know. However, it is fully equipped with an inner cover and the floor is also protected by a carpet. And it's also surprisingly spacious. It's not for moving, but I don't remember personally needing more for daily use. That it would be a Czech attempt at a hot-hatch from the 80s? And opening the hood to the side is also very pleasing. Although it never occurred to me to think about why they designed it that way, it can be tilted vertically thanks to it. Even the rear seats are more comfortable than I expected and there is plenty of room. Behind their backs is another storage space, much larger than it might seem at first glance. Just forget about the fashion of bottomless castles, this is just about throwing documents and sunglasses in there. In the back, however, you can beg a little for the space for the heads of passengers, but let's keep in mind that this is as inherent to the coupe's shape as foam is to beer.
Then I sit behind the wheel and tingle with anticipation. I have already driven a few youngtimers, some were easier to control and similar to new cars, while others, on the contrary, were complicated and made me very nervous. What will Rapid be like? Well, I expected the uncertainty and inaccuracy of the sedan. But I didn't make it. The engine runs perfectly and its sound will send you nostalgic shivers of joy. Dialing it is very pleasant. The ride was not too different from modern cars. Maybe a little noisier, but not so much that you'd mind. In addition, I kept thinking about the fact that I was sitting in a car that on socialist roads aroused the envious glances of sedan owners. The steering is precise, and it also goes beautifully lightly. Old school, when you didn't need a booster, because even the cars were light. However, you will have to get used to a few small things, such as the manual lowering of the windows or the slightly confused speedometer, which cannot always show the exact speed. However, driving the Rapid is very pleasant.
If you ever have the opportunity to sit in one, don't hesitate. You'll bring back a lot of nostalgic memories, and you'll also begin to appreciate a little more the convenient features of modern cars that we now take for granted. The Rapid is an elegant 80s with a rather nice body (especially considering the maximum effort to unify with sedans). The driving dynamics are sufficient, the interior space as well, but remember that it will never be a moving van. Don't even expect a sporty, rather stylish car, improved but still derived from a regular passenger car. But it is definitely not a car that the Skoda brand should be ashamed of.
Finally, we ask the owner a few questions:
Why did you choose this particular car, was it your long-term dream or a momentary decision?
I missed a number of Skoda sports cars.
How hard was this car to get?
It's a good find, but you'll only get it in poor condition for a little money. You pay extra for better.
How do you live with the car in normal traffic? And do you have it for pleasure or for daily use?
Rather for pleasure, but it manages normal traffic perfectly calmly, it behaves like most of today's cars. In terms of speed and handling, it does not lag behind today's cars.
What was the most interesting experience with your car?
When I started the car, I had to stop and cool it 3 times because the system was aerated. All this for 30 km.
Are you planning any modifications or repairs on it?
Just perfect the look. All that remains is to get wheel covers and moldings for doors and thresholds.
What is your biggest motoring dream?
Who wouldn't want the legendary 130 RS.
