The very first production Škoda 1101 rolled off the assembly line at the Mladá Boleslav factory on Monday, 6 May 1946. It followed the successful Rapid and Popular models, which drove Škoda’s production and sales boom in the late 1930s. In the difficult post war period, the 1101 offered robust construction, reliability, low running costs and a comfortable ride even on poor quality roads, attracting customers in Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Modern design and many versions
The Škoda 1101, a four seater two door saloon just over four metres long, used a backbone chassis with independent suspension on all wheels. It was powered by a 1,089 cm³ OHV four cylinder engine producing 32 hp (23.6 kW). It reached 100 km/h and averaged 8.0 l/100 km – very economical for its time.
From 1948 onwards, the modernised 1102 was produced. In addition to a different radiator grille and bumpers, it offered an optional column-shift four speed gear lever in place of the floor-mounted lever. By 1952, when production of the Škoda 1101/1102 ended, a total of 66,904 civilian cars had been built. Beyond the most common two-door body style, other versions included a four-door saloon, an elegant roadster and the Tudor convertible with a retractable fabric roof. The universal design also enabled practical delivery vans, ambulances and estate models. In addition, more than four thousand derivatives were created for security forces, designated Škoda 1101 VO (military open) and Škoda 1101 P (emergency).
Success on global markets and in motorsport
More than 65 per cent of Škoda 1101/1102 cars were exported. By 1951, they were sold in 76 countries, with Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium and West Germany among the most significant markets. The Tudor also reached further afield, including Australia, Canada, India, Morocco, Kenya and South Africa.
The Škoda 1101/1102 range also made its mark in motorsport. In Europe and South America, the cars excelled in demanding rallies and circuit races thanks to their reliability and efficiency. In the 24 hour race at Spa (Belgium) in July 1948, three Tudors entered by a local importer won their class, crossing the line in close succession after completing 1,972 km in difficult, rainy conditions and securing a 1–2–3 class finish. In the 1950s, success continued with the Škoda Sport and Supersport factory specials, which shared the same technical underpinnings.
Exhibition provides comprehensive insight into the model’s storied history
The story of the car that helped Škoda restart production and resume exports worldwide after the Second World War features in the Škoda Museum’s themed exhibition 80 Years of the Škoda 1101 ‘Tudor’. The exhibition presents typical and rare versions of the model, with their stories told through large-format photo panels. With period film footage and unique artefacts, enthusiasts and families alike will find plenty to enjoy.
The Škoda Museum is expanding
The Škoda Museum’s permanent exhibition in Mladá Boleslav is complemented by special exhibitions and the possibility of visiting the recently opened depository housing 23 mostly unrestored cars in unique production facilities dating from 1906. By prior arrangement, a museum tour can be combined with a visit to the production lines in Mladá Boleslav as well as the Vrchlabí and Kvasiny plants, or with a tour of Ferdinand Porsche’s birthplace in Liberec Vratislavice. For more information, follow the Škoda Museum on Facebook or Instagram.
