Škoda Octavia (1959)

The Škoda Octavia is a small family car which was produced by Czechoslovak automaker AZNP (now Škoda Auto) from 1959 to 1971, at their plant in Mladá Boleslav. It was introduced in January 1959 and was named Octavia as it was the eighth car produced by the nationalised Škoda company.^[3]

Škoda Octavia saloon rear view

Škoda Octavia Combi

Škoda Octavia
Overview
Manufacturer	AZNP
Production	1959–1971
Assembly	Czechoslovakia: Mladá Boleslav Ireland: O'Shea, Cork New Zealand: Auckland Chile: Arica[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Small family car
Body style	2-door saloon 3-door estate
Layout	FR layout
Related	Škoda Felicia (1959–1964)
Powertrain
Engine	1089 cc I4 1221 cc I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94.5 in)[2]
Length	4,065 mm (160.0 in)
Width	1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Height	1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Škoda 440/445
Successor	Škoda 1000/1100 MB

The saloon was produced until 1964, when it was replaced by the Škoda 1000 MB. An estate version was introduced in 1961, and remained in production until 1971.^{[citation needed]}

The Octavia was the successor to the Škoda 440/445 on which it was based. It featured redesigned front axles with a coil spring and telescopic shock absorbers rather than a leaf spring as in the 440.^[3]

The 1,270 kg (2,800 lb) saloons were sold with 1089 cc engines producing 40 PS (29 kW), later 50 PS (37 kW), and 1221 cc engines with 45–55 PS (33–40 kW). The slightly heavier estate wagons at 1,365 kg (3,009 lb) were all shipped with 1.2 litre engines. The top speed was 110 to 115 km/h (68 to 71 mph).^{[citation needed]}

The Škoda Octavia engine and gearbox were used in the Trekka light utility vehicle, which was manufactured in New Zealand from 1966 to 1973, and also in the Skopak, which assembled and sold in Pakistan in the 1970s.^[4]

The Octavia name was resurrected in 1996 for a new model.

In popular culture

The car is featured in the game My Summer Car as the abandoned and wasp-infested "RCO Ruscko", found at a ventti dealer's house.