The Škoda Rapid is a fastback coupé designed and built by AZNP in Czechoslovakia between 1984 and 1990. Based on the rear-engined Škoda 130/135/136 sedan, it was a replacement for the Škoda Garde coupe built between 1981 and 1984 itself based upon the Škoda 105/120 sedan design, which was also called the Rapid in the UK market. Some Garde/Rapid cars were sent to Ludgate Design & Development in Kent, United Kingdom, by Škoda to be converted into convertibles.
Although the Škoda sedans had a poor reputation for build quality and handling throughout Western Europe at the time, the Rapid was significant for bucking this trend 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. Today the Škoda Rapid is gaining in popularity as a classic car with Garde and convertible models being most sought after.
The Rapid used a unibody structure and a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Front suspension was by double wishbones and coil springs. At the rear there were semi-trailing arms and coil springs, a major upgrade from the swing axle of earlier Škodas that gave safer and more predictable handling. Brakes were discs with four-pot calipers at the front, and drums at the rear. The engine was a water-cooled, carburated, OHV inline four mounted longitudinally, slanted to the right and overhanging the rear axle. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a transaxle gearbox.
SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCTION
• Country of Origin : Czechoslovakia
ENGINE
• Engine: 1.3L, I4
• Displacement: 1289cc
• Power: 43 kw (58hp)
• Torque: 98 N.m (72 lb.ft)
• Engine location: Rear
PERFORMANCE
• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Time = 16.5 secs
• Top Speed = 153 km/h (95 mph)
From a Danish comedy movie back in 1987, the same couple that also is known as "Walther & Carlo". Jarl Friis Mikkelsen and Ole Stephensen. The movie is called "Kampen Om Den Røde Ko" (Fight Of The Red Cow). It's the 1985 version, build specific for the film in Denmark.