The title immediately makes it clear what this book in the unusual 22.5 x 17.5 cm format is about, namely the post-war models of the Czech manufacturer Skoda (pronounced Schkoda).
380,000 cars were produced between 1955 and 1971, half of which were exported abroad. They were called Spartak, Octavia, Felicia and bore the numbers S 440, S 445, S 450.
And they have long since disappeared from our roads and rarely attract attention at classic car events. Czech journalist Jan Tucek has dedicated a book to the post-war Skodas, which was published in Czech in 2010.
Georg W. Pollak has now translated it into German with the support of the Skoda-Oldtimerlclub Deutschland (URL Skoda-Oldtimerclubs.de).
From the beginnings after the war to the seventies
The book meticulously rolls up the Skoda history of the post-war years, showing the first models named Tudor, 1102, 1200, 1201 in sedan, estate and cabriolet versions, which were still based on the pre-war models.
Two chapters are then devoted to the first pioneering projects and prototypes, followed by a section on the Skoda 440/Spartak, which, entertainingly enough, also contains a letter from a new buyer with a detailed list of 17 points. For example, only one windshield wiper was fitted on delivery.
Chapter 6 then deals, among other things, with a laminate variant (GRP) that never made it into series production. Finally, Chapter 8 deals in detail with the Octavia (saloon) and Felicia (convertible).
Chapter 11 deals with two vehicles that were built abroad on the basis of Octavia chassis: Trekka and Skopak. Chapter 12 documents the use of Skoda vehicles in motorsport. A Skoda family history concludes the reading material, which comprises just over 190 pages.
Extensive collection of data
The book is completed by a comprehensive data section, which not only analyzes the production figures but also contains the technical features of all relevant models.
Richly illustrated
Although largely in black and white, it is the pictures in particular that cast a spell over the Skoda book. Rare factory photos, pictures from motor shows, production photos and illustrations of prototypes and chassis provide a comprehensive insight into the technology of the vehicles.
The work is rounded off by some enchanting color illustrations from brochures and operating instructions.
For Skoda fans and generally interested readers
Of course, the book "Spartak, Octavia, Felicia - History, Development, Technology, Sport" is primarily aimed at Skoda owners or those who once drove one of these cars or were transported in them. However, the excitingly told story is also of interest to people with a broad interest in the subject of automobiles, because in contrast to car brands and types such as Porsche or Ferrari, Skoda is comparatively sparsely represented in classic car magazines and book racks.
And closing such a gap with the help of a sympathetically produced, but of course not glossy, book is definitely worth 19.00 euros.
The book can be ordered via the email address [email protected] for Germany and [email protected] for Switzerland.
Bibliographical details
- Title: "Spartak, Octavia, Felicia - history, development, technology, sport"
- Author: Jan Tucek
- Translation: Dr. Georg W. Pollak, sc. et al.
- Language: German
- Size: 220 pages, approx. 20 color photos, over 290 black and white photos and illustrations
- Format: 22.5 x 17.5 cm, hardcover
- Publisher: Grada Publishing, a.s., Praha, Czech Republic
- Edition: 1st Czech edition 2010, 1st German edition 2013
- Price: Euro 19.00 (D)
- ISBN: 978-80-247-5036-1
- Available from: Order via email in Switzerland [email protected] and in Germany [email protected]
