Skoda's 130 RS: The Iconic Rally Legend That Transformed the Brand
Skoda's 130 RS made history in the 1970s and 1980s, achieving remarkable success in rallies and racing. The car, based on the humble 110 R coupe, introduced the iconic RS (Rally Sport) designation and transformed Skoda's image.
The 130 RS' story began with the 180 RS and 200 RS prototypes. Powered by a liquid-cooled, rear-mounted 1.3-litre four-cylinder OHV engine, its output grew from 84kW to 106kW. This engine propelled the 720kg racing version to a top speed of 220km/h.
The 130 RS debuted strongly, securing third and fourth places in its class at the European Touring Car Championship. It then won its class at the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally in 1977, finishing 12th overall. The car repeated this success in 1979 and 1981, placing eighth in the overall rankings. Remarkably, it also won the overall title in the 1981 European Touring Car Championship.
The Skoda 130 RS' achievements transformed Skoda's reputation. It made the once-dorky 100/110 sedan and coupe cool, paving the way for Skoda's RS models to make ordinary station wagons and SUVs desirable. The 130 RS' success in the 1970s and 1980s laid the foundation for Skoda's motorsport legacy.
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