Škoda Rapid 1500 OHV “highway” (1939-1941)

Designed for highway travel, this specific version of Rapid was produced between 1939 and 1941. It featured a four-stroke, four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1558 cc, generating 46 horsepower, paired with a three-speed gearbox, allowing it to reach up to 110 km/h. The aerodynamic design included a rounded front part, protruding fenders, and a slanting roof, optimizing efficiency and fuel consumption.

Innovation in car design

The Rapid 1500 OHV represented an innovative approach to automotive design, aerodynamics, and efficiency. It was offered in various body styles, including sedan, convertible, and van. In total, 1,804 units of the Rapid 1500 OHV were built. Among these, 110 units of the "highway" version featured a closed two-door body referred to as the "highway body”, intended for driving on motorways. Its aerodynamic body enabled high-speed travel at low fuel consumption. Notably, the Škoda Rapid 1500 OHV was the first historically documented model from Škoda to be tested in a wind tunnel. The model is on display as part of the museum collection. This vehicle was acquired in 2013, with its renovation completed in 2021.

Vítězslav Kodym
Head of Product Communications
+420 604 292 131
vitezslav.kodym@skoda-auto.cz

Anežka Boudná
Product Communications
+420 734 298 801
anezka.boudna@skoda-auto.cz