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Škoda Popular
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1934 - 1946 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
4 cyl. |
Capacity: |
1089 cc |
Power: |
20 - 30 bhp |
Transmission: |
3 spd. man |
Top Speed: |
100 km/h (tudor) - 105 km/h (roadster-kabriolet) |
Number Built: |
4,220 / 6,600 |
Collectability: |
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There were many iterations of the popular "Popular",
Škoda's very successful car of the decade for
Europe in the 1930's.
Initially released as the 906,
there was a quick succession of models including the
907, 908 and 917 up to 1938.
The first example
was fitted with a rather insipid 1 liter engine, which
would increase in very small increments during the
life of the vehicle.
The Škoda was somewhat of a revolution in automotive
design, vehicles manufactured up to the 1930's had
traditionally used a ladder-type frame in their construciton,
however the Popular was based on central-tube
frame chassis.
While only 4,220 of pre 1938 models
would be manufactured, that number was considered very
substantial given the affordability of automobiles
in that era.
The most
collectable is without doubt the Škoda Popular
Sport - a car that would suprise all commentators of
the era by taking out second place in the 1938 Monte
Carlo Rallye - unfortunately only 72 would be built.
Yet another iteration, the Škoda Superb, would
be awarded a special prize in
1935 for its elegant design. However the best known of the Popular series was the
1100cc 927 model, manufactured (predominantly) during
the war years between 1938 and 1946.
Underpowered it
may have been, the Popular proved to be both robust
and reliable during the darkest period of automotive
history. That
6,600 were manufactured at a time when automobiles
were relegated to desires of a pre-war era demonstrates
how impressive the 927 Popular was.
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