Excitement in Montafon: Two vintage ŠKODAs head to the Silvretta Classic

› ŠKODA Felicia and ŠKODA 1000 MB Rallye head to 18th Silvretta Classic
› Dream cars on enchanting roads: Three countries, 590 km, 180 participants
› Tradition: ŠKODA celebrates 120 years of business in 2015

Mladá Boleslav, 30 June 2015 – Dream cars on enchanting roads: ŠKODA is heading to the start of this year’s Silvretta Classic (2 to 5 July) with two true automotive gems. The field of participants will include a ŠKODA Felicia and ŠKODA 1000 MB Rallye. This year will mark the 18th Silvretta Classic, which takes place in Montafon, Austria.

Since 1998, the Silvretta Classic has been regarded as a special summit of automotive treasures; captivating vintage cars drive along stunning Alpine routes. ŠKODA has taken part in this event for many years, and the brand is excited to be sending the smart vehicle duo this year.

“The Silvretta Classic offers the perfect blend of picturesque landscapes, fascinating vehicles and healthy competition,” says Michal Velebný, coordinator of the restoration workshop at the ŠKODA Museum. “We are delighted to be taking part once again with two fantastic ŠKODA Classics, presenting the brand’s great tradition to all the spectators at the event.”

This year, ŠKODA is sending the turquoise-green convertible ŠKODA Felicia built in 1961. The open-top classic is a real eye-catcher, an emotionally appealing and particularly elegant representative of the brand. With its stylish shape, distinctive tailfins and well-balanced proportions, the ŠKODA Felicia is an unforgettable crowd-pleaser. The vehicle is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine, which draws 50 hp from a 1089 cm3 capacity. The car’s top speed is 130 km/h. Almost 15,000 ŠKODA Felicias were produced between 1959 and 1964. Today, their desirability among collectors is continuously raising.

Spectators at the Silvretta Classic can look forward to a real racing star, the second classic car from Mladá Bolelav – the ŠKODA 1000 MB Rallye. This model is a special edition based on the ŠKODA 1000 MB, which was adapted for endurance racing. At that time, the 1000 MB was the first ŠKODA with rear wheel drive, rear engine and a unibody construction. The 1000 MB Rallye starting in the Montafon took part in many long-distance races, including the London-Mexico (1995) and Panama-Alaska (1997). Under the bonnet, there is a 90 hp, four-cylinder petrol engine, accelerating the vehicle to a top speed of 170 km/h. Everything about the car testifies to its robust rally appearance, including the sports seats, roaring engine and huge tube-protection framework.

The 18th Silvretta Classic will be leading the 180 participants through three countries: Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The classic cars will be travelling along stunning alpine routes, including the legendary Silvretta High Alpine Road, covering 590 kilometres in total. The starting gun will be fired on Thursday, 2 July and the finishing line will be crossed on Saturday, 4 July.

ŠKODA AUTO will be celebrating the company’s 120th anniversary this year, making the brand one of the longest established vehicle producers in the world. The roots of the company lie in 1895. 120 years ago, bicycle mechanic Václav Laurin and bookkeeper Václav Klement founded a bicycle-production company together (L&K) in Mladá Boleslav, Bohemia. Automobile manufacture began in 1905: L&K’s first car was the ‘Voiturette A’. What Laurin and Klement began in 1895 has since grown into an internationally successful volume manufacturer with 7 model series and 35 model versions. Producing more than 17 million vehicles since 1905 has proved the strength of the ŠKODA brand.

150630_Excitement in Montafon Two vintage ŠKODAs head to the Silvretta Classic

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