ŠKODA celebrates the anniversary of one of the most distinctive series in its history. the ŠKODA Popular Sport Monte Carlo has been in existence for eighty years. In 1936, the success of Popular Sport in the Monte Carlo rally prompted ŠKODA to launch an exclusive series of sporty roadsters, convertibles and coupes under that name. Until 1939, ŠKODA built seventy copies. They are now considered the most attractive classics of the brand
ŠKODA unexpectedly gained second place in the Monte Carlo Rally with a ŠKODA Popular with a slightly enhanced 1.500 cc four-cylinder engine. The Czechs decided to celebrate the success of the roadster with a new limited series of sporty models. Attractively lined models were launched under the name ŠKODA Popular Sport Monte Carlo. Just like the rally car, they were equipped with an enhanced engine. The used 1.4-liter four-cylinder from the Rapid delivered 31 hp (23 kW). This allowed the models to reach a top of 110 km / h. To be able to handle that respectable speed at that time, the ŠKODA Popular Sport Monte Carlo models were equipped with advanced gadgets. Hydraulic brakes, independent wheel suspension and transaxle technology are examples. In particular, the application of the latter construction is still seen as innovative today.
Twelve copies left
From the introduction in October 1936 at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris, ŠKODA built seventy copies until January 1939. The ŠKODA Popular Sport Monte Carlo left the factory in various variants. They were subdivided into 24 Spartan models and 17 luxury roadsters, 23 coupes, 2 convertibles and 4 bare chassis'. About twelve copies of that number survived. They are among the most sought after classics of ŠKODA. The factory museum in Mladá Boleslav has owned a ŠKODA Popular Sport Monte Carlo from 1968 since 1937. The factory uses this two-seater regularly during classic events. A second copy is currently being restored with love for the detail in the workshop of the ŠKODA Museum.