Photo: Skoda
Although it only got to demonstrate its impressive abilities competing in Central and Eastern European races, because of the political restrictions at the time, Skoda 1100 OHC will forever be remembered and celebrated as a famous winning racing car.
After the 1949 Skoda Sport made its debut in the 24-hour race at Le Mans, in 1950, which would end up also being the last time a Skoda car would get to compete there, it was time for a new model to take things further.
Unlike the Skoda Sport and Supersport, which were built on a modified Skoda 1101 production model chassis, the new model used a lattice frame, with thin-wall steel tubes welded together. One of the most striking things about it was the reduced weight.
With a 3,880 mm length (12.7 feet), 1,430 mm (4.6 feet) width and 964 mm (3.1 feet) height, this racing car weighed only 583 kg (1,285 lbs). This was possible due to the use of glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP) and the low air resistance body designed by Jaroslav Kindl, and it improved acceleration rates and speed levels, with a maximum speed of 200 kph (124.2 mph).
Skoda 1100 OHC’s four-cylinder engine was able to generate 92 hp at 7,700 rpm, which was an impressive achievement at the time. The Borrani torsion bar suspension of the 15”-spoke wheels was another innovative feature. The 3-spoke steering wheel was removable, to facilitate access inside the car, and enabled precise steering. As for the wheel suspension, it was independent in all corners, with a trapezoidal wishbone axle at the front and the rear wheels mounted on a swing axle with trailing arms.
In June 1958, the Skoda 1100 OHC made its debut on the municipal circuit in Mlada Boleslav, and immediately became victorious, with Miroslav Fousek winning the race. This would be followed by other wins both at home and in the region.
The 2 vehicles that were made in 1957 and 1958 had open bodies, while the 2 other ones that were built in 1959 were coupe variants. The open-top models are still in great shape today, one being at the Skoda Museum and the other one owned by Skoda UK.
Unfortunately, both of the coupe version got destroyed in accidents, when they were privately owned. But there’s good news also – the team at Skoda Museum is trying to rebuild this model, using the components that didn’t get damaged.
Unlike the Skoda Sport and Supersport, which were built on a modified Skoda 1101 production model chassis, the new model used a lattice frame, with thin-wall steel tubes welded together. One of the most striking things about it was the reduced weight.
With a 3,880 mm length (12.7 feet), 1,430 mm (4.6 feet) width and 964 mm (3.1 feet) height, this racing car weighed only 583 kg (1,285 lbs). This was possible due to the use of glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP) and the low air resistance body designed by Jaroslav Kindl, and it improved acceleration rates and speed levels, with a maximum speed of 200 kph (124.2 mph).
Skoda 1100 OHC’s four-cylinder engine was able to generate 92 hp at 7,700 rpm, which was an impressive achievement at the time. The Borrani torsion bar suspension of the 15”-spoke wheels was another innovative feature. The 3-spoke steering wheel was removable, to facilitate access inside the car, and enabled precise steering. As for the wheel suspension, it was independent in all corners, with a trapezoidal wishbone axle at the front and the rear wheels mounted on a swing axle with trailing arms.
In June 1958, the Skoda 1100 OHC made its debut on the municipal circuit in Mlada Boleslav, and immediately became victorious, with Miroslav Fousek winning the race. This would be followed by other wins both at home and in the region.
The 2 vehicles that were made in 1957 and 1958 had open bodies, while the 2 other ones that were built in 1959 were coupe variants. The open-top models are still in great shape today, one being at the Skoda Museum and the other one owned by Skoda UK.
Unfortunately, both of the coupe version got destroyed in accidents, when they were privately owned. But there’s good news also – the team at Skoda Museum is trying to rebuild this model, using the components that didn’t get damaged.
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