Škoda Garde/Rapid
| Škoda Rapid | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | AZNP |
| Also called | Škoda Garde |
| Production | 1981–1990 |
| Assembly | Kvasiny Bratislava |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupé |
| Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related | Škoda Type 742 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 4-speed manual (Garde/Rapid 120) 5-speed manual (Rapid 130/135/136) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94 in) |
| Length | 4,200 mm (165.4 in) (initial) 4,200 mm (165.4 in) (facelift) |
| Width | 1,610 mm (63 in) |
| Height | 1,380 mm (54 in) |
| Kerb weight | 855–915 kg (1,885–2,017 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Škoda 110R |
The Škoda Rapid/Garde is a fastback coupé designed and built by AZNP in Czechoslovakia between 1981 and 1990. Based on the rear-engined Škoda 105, 120, and 130 saloons, it was a replacement for the Škoda 110R Coupé built between 1970 and 1980. For the first few years, it was sold as the Škoda Garde in the Czech home markets and some export markets as well. The Rapid/Garde are internally known as Type 743 models, with the later 135/136 Rapids being referred to as Type 747. The Rapid name was originally used on 1930s Škoda models, and was revived again in 2011 on the Indian market Rapid saloon, based on the Volkswagen Vento, and in 2012 on a Rapid hatchback for the international market.
The Škoda Rapid was famous being described as "the poor man’s Porsche" after Autocar and Motor defined the Škoda Rapid "a beginners' course to the 911", as it had a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, just like the Porsche 911.
According to the website "How Many Left?", there were a total of 50 Škoda Rapids left on British roads in 2011.