“The Sachsen Classic is traditionally one of the most popular classic car rallies in Europe. We are very much looking forward to the event; for ŠKODA AUTO, taking part in the ‘Mille Miglia of the East’ is a very special highlight every time. This year, we will be starting with five vehicles from the ŠKODA Museum. They are real brand icons and represent various phases of our long corporate history.”
Andrea Frydlová, Head of the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav
This year, the ŠKODA Classic team consists of seven crews, including two vehicles from ŠKODA AUTO Deutschland. The importer will be heading to the track with a ŠKODA 110 R from 1978 and the legendary ŠKODA 130 RS (1976). The 130 RS was one of the most successful rally and racing cars in its class in the late 1970s and early 1980s: In 1977, the model took class victory in the Monte Carlo Rally, and in 1981, ŠKODA won the European Championship with it in the brand classification of the European Touring Car Championship.
The other five models belong to the ŠKODA Museum collection in Mladá Boleslav, the oldest being the ŠKODA RAPID OHV ‘Autobahn Wagen’ (1940). Only 100 of these special vehicles, which were optimised in a wind tunnel, were built between 1939 and 1941. With a capacity of 1,600 cm3 and an output of 42 hp (31 kW), the engine reaches a top speed of 120 km/h.
The ŠKODA 1101 ‘Tudor’ Roadster (1948) is also taking to the track. With its stylish body, this vehicle was completed at the Vrchlabí plant at the beginning of October 1948 after being ordered by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The era of ŠKODA vehicles with a rear engine and self-supporting body is represented by the timelessly elegant ŠKODA 1100 MBX de Luxe (1969). One striking design feature of this model is its missing B pillar. Combined with a curb weight of around 800 kg, the 51 hp (38.2 kW) engine with a displacement of 1,100 cm3 clocks a top speed of 127 km/h.
The ŠKODA 110 R Coupé (1971) from the ŠKODA Museum collection is one of the final units of the first model year. The sporty two-door is one of the Czech car manufacturer’s most iconic vehicles. Thanks to its twin carburettors, the lightweight, manoeuvrable car can reach speeds of 145 km/h.
The notchback ŠKODA 120 GLS (1978) with the range-topping Grand de Luxe Super trim can hit 150 km/h; the engine generates 58 hp (43 kW). The ŠKODA Museum acquired this car from the original owner in April 1978, and it has been representing the museum at classic car events in Germany and abroad since last year.
The popular Sachsen Classic is one of the so-called one-hundredth rallies: Speed is not the decisive factor for success; what counts is precision and regularity of driving. On Thursday, 18 August, the first car will set off from Zwickau in Saxony. The first stage will take the teams through the surrounding countryside before returning to Zwickau after 95 kilometres. The rally crews will also be driving through the Czech Republic on Friday. At around 11:00, they will reach the grounds of Kynžvart (Königswart) Castle. The route passes Chodovar brewery and Loket castle (Ellbogen) before ascending to the border mountain range, which the vehicles will cross in Boží Dar (Gottesgab). After 254 kilometres, they will have completed the second stage. On the third day, the route covers 233 kilometres through the Ore Mountains. That afternoon, the vehicles will reach the finish line in front of Chemnitz city hall, having travelled 582 kilometres.
