Škoda Rapid (1984)
Škoda Rapid | ||
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Kerb weight 855–915 kg (1,885–2,017 lb) | | |
Chronology | ||
Predecessor | Škoda Garde |
The Škoda Rapid is a
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
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]
Specifications
The Rapid used a
The engine was a
In the first years of production, Škoda Rapid 120 had 1174 cc 40.5 kW (55 PS; 54 bhp) aluminium block, cast iron heads engine and four-speed gearbox carried over from its predecessor Škoda Garde. These first series were made in BAZ Bratislava and they were known for its unreliability.
A stronger 1289 cc engine fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox was mounted on the Škoda Rapid 130, producing 43 kW (58 PS; 58 bhp) at 5000 rpm and 72 lb⋅ft (98 N⋅m) at 2850 rpm. Top speed was 95 mph (152.9 km/h) and the car could accelerate from standstill to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 16.5 seconds.[citation needed] The 1987 Rapid 136 introduced an upgraded 1.3, with new aluminium alloy 8-port cylinder heads.[1] Power and torque increased to 46 kW (63 PS; 62 bhp) at 5000 rpm and 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft) at 3000 rpm. While top speed remained the same, acceleration to 60 mph (97 km/h) was reduced to 14.9 seconds.[citation needed] In 1988 the Rapid 135 replaced the Rapid 130; it used the all-aluminium engine of the 136, albeit with a lower compression ratio that lowered output to 43 kW (58 PS; 58 bhp). The Rapid 135RIC was 1289cc and was fuel injected
Rapid Cabriolet
A convertible version of the Rapid was offered by Škoda GB on the British market. Standard Rapid coupés were imported and converted in the UK by specialist Ludgate Design & Development (LDD ltd.) in Kent, and were sold through the official Škoda dealerships.[5] The cars retained their window frames, and were reinforced with additional chassis bracing and a T-shaped rollbar similar to the Triumph Stag's. At a total price of just under £5,000, the Rapid Cabriolet was the cheapest convertible on sale in the United Kingdom.[5]
Gallery
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Rapid 135
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Rear view
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1985 Škoda Rapid
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1985 Škoda Rapid interior
References
- ^ a b c Goard, Derek (28 September 1988). "Skoda 136 Rapid Coupe". Autocar & Motor. pp. 52–59.
- ^ "Skoda Rapid on How Many Left". Howmanyleft.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-07-08.
- ^ Chauhan, Yatharth (11 October 2011). "Skoda Rapid: Undisguised images, design commentary and other details". Motoroids Auto Infoservices.
- ^ "ŠKODA Garde; Rapid (Type 743, 747)". Skoda. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
- ^ a b "Skoda Rapid Cabriolet 130". Motor. 27 July 1985. pp. 26–29.