Škoda – From Laurin & Klement to a National Icon
The Škoda brand traces its roots to the Laurin & Klement workshops, founded in 1895, which merged with the Škoda Works in 1925. Škoda quickly established itself as a leading manufacturer of passenger and commercial vehicles in Czechoslovakia. Thanks to its reliability, affordability, and innovation, its models became popular across generations. Many, such as the Popular, Rapid, or Superb, became milestones in Czech automotive history.
Period (approx. 1911–1930)
- Laurin & Klement S (1911–1916): Reliable and robust mid-size car.
- Laurin & Klement MK (1913–1924): Luxury model for demanding customers.
- Laurin & Klement 105 (1923–1925): Updated model with technical improvements.
- Laurin & Klement 150 (1923–1925): More powerful and comfortable version of the 105.
- Laurin & Klement 350 (1925–1927): Technically advanced model before the merger with Škoda.
- Laurin & Klement/Škoda 110 (1925–1929): Transitional model after the merger, available in various body styles.
- Škoda 422 (1929–1932): First model with the Škoda badge, small four-cylinder engine.
- Škoda 430 (1929–1936): Mid-size car with a good balance of performance and comfort.
- Škoda 645 (1929–1934): Upper mid-range car with six-cylinder engine for comfortable driving.
- Škoda 860 (1929–1932): Luxury eight-cylinder model, the flagship of the brand.
Period (approx. 1931–1936)
- Škoda 633 (1931–1934): Six-cylinder model with enhanced comfort and performance.
- Škoda 637 (1932–1935): Reliable and improved version of the 633.
- Škoda 420 Standard (1933–1938): Small economy car, predecessor of the Popular series.
- Škoda 418 Popular (1934): Basic compact model of the soon-to-be-famous Popular line.
- Škoda 420 Popular (1934–1938): Affordable and reliable model offered in many body variants.
- Škoda 640 Superb (1934–1936): First of the Superb line, luxury model with six-cylinder engine.
Period (approx. 1937–1947)
- Škoda Popular OHV (1937–1938): Modernized version with OHV engine and more power.
- Škoda Popular 1100 OHV (1938–1946): Stronger version with hydraulic brakes.
- Škoda Rapid (1935–1947): Sporty mid-range model.
- Škoda Favorit (1936–1941): Comfortable and modern car in the upper mid-range class.
- Škoda Superb (1936–1949): Continuation of the luxury line with a modernized design.
- Škoda 1101/1102 "Tudor" (1946–1952): Post-war family car with many body styles, 1,089 cm³ four-cylinder engine and 32 hp. The first post-war model that kickstarted the revival of the Czechoslovak automotive industry.