1985 Skoda Estelle 130LR

Highlights

One of five cars imported and used by Škoda UK for rallying
Group / Class A Homologation No: A-5252 and later converted to Group B 'LR' specification by Škoda GB
Comprehensively restored to period specifications over a five-year period
Highly competitive in its class in the UK and Europe
Featured by Classic & Sports Car magazine in their May 2024 Edition

The Appeal

Before Škoda became the well-regarded part of the Volkswagen Group it is today, the Czech manufacturer, (then still building cars behind the iron curtain), were unjustly lumbered with an image problem. That was a terrible shame, as Škoda had an illustrious back catalogue of impressive cars dating all the way back to 1905 and during the 1980s, their output was as innovative as ever. The solution, as has always been the case in the automotive industry, was to "win on Sunday and sell on Monday". In other words, Škoda needed to prove its worth in competition, and that's where out car comes in...

This 1985 Škoda 130 is one of the five cars, (registered as "155" to "159,"), imported by Škoda UK exclusively to take part in rallying. Our example was retained by Škoda UK and loaned to Cars & Car Conversions magazine to convert to 130L/Group A5 specification. It would then participate in the 1985 Lombard RAC Rally with the magazine's Philip Young and co-driver Derek Pickup.

Škoda would then further develop the car from Group A to Group B 'LR' specification. This involved the incorporation of an eight-port alloy cylinder head, twin Dellorto DHLA40 carbs, and four-pot caliper disc brakes. In line with the company's commitment to producing 20 evolution cars, additional modifications were made, including the installation of Lexan windows, Group B aluminium doors, bonnet, rear engine cover fibreglass spoiler, and various other competition parts. It would compete in the Škoda Challenge Series for three years.

It has seen action in numerous historic rally events as part of the “Slowly Sideways” group and “Rallying with Group B”. Qualifying to belong to these groups has enabled the car to be accepted and run in events including Goodwood Festival of Speed, Silverstone Classic, Oulton Park Gold Cup, Wales Rally GB (demo), and Top Gear Live at the NEC, amongst many others. We're informed that the Estelle is also eligible for numerous other historic events in the UK and Europe. As one of the rarest period rally cars in existence, it is welcomed by event organisers.

Now restored, following a painstaking five-year process, this Estelle is in fantastic condition and true to its period competition specifications. The vendor has been its custodian for nine years, but the time has arrived for someone new to continue the preservation of this important piece of Škoda history.

History and Paperwork

Imported for rallying by Škoda GB and registered on 4th September 1985
V5C present
To be supplied with a fresh MOT
Classic & Sports Car, the UK's best-selling classic car magazine, have featured this Škoda in their May 2024 edition
Photographs depicting part of the restoration accompany the car as do several photographs of the car in action
Originally campaigned as a 130 "L" in period and since converted to "LR" specification by Škoda GB

The Condition

Restored by the vendor over five years
New Škoda period body panels used
Lombard RAC livery and colours
Škoda magnesium wheels
MAXXIS R19 185 70 R13 Gravel Tyres fitted
Factory Škoda aluminium roll cage
Brantz International 2S Pro Tripmeter
AP Cylinder Fly-off handbrake
Brake bias control

The Škoda has undergone a comprehensive five-year restoration by the vendor, involving a complete strip-down to silicone blasted shell and refresh. This process included the repair or replacement of any corroded areas. Genuine Škoda period panels were used where required, maintaining authenticity. The entire car has been professionally heavily primed and repainted in the original blue/white colours used on the works rally cars. While there are a few minor chips, likely incurred during reassembly, they are easily rectifiable.

The car has received new period-correct decals, created by professional motorsport designers and reportedly identical to those used in the 1985 Lombard RAC rally. As befits a rally car, there's a full brace of headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps including Hella Comet 500 spotlights - which are all new and therefore in excellent condition. The bonnet is secured with two quick-release clips, opening easily to the side, and remaining stable. The windscreen is in good condition without noticeable chips or scratches.

From the side, the doors are fitted “best fit”. Lightweight Lexan replaces the windows with opening sections in the front doors. All doors function smoothly. The rear has the original “Bird Bath” spoiler. Škoda magnesium wheels, in great condition, are fitted with new 185/70R13 Maxxis Victra R19 tyres.

The interior largely adheres to the original specifications with some enhancements. The dashboard is free of splits or cracks. Instruments function correctly, with the odometer displaying 41,453 miles, believed to be original. Additional features include an Omex shift light, switches for fans, spotlights, push-button start, dual fuel pumps and visible fuses and relay boards as well as a Brantz International 2S Pro Tripmeter to the Co-Driver with switchable L/R wheel probes. A Stilo DG-10 digital intercom with active noise cancelling facilitates communication with the co-driver and Bluetooth pairing. Thunderpole T800 CB Radio.

Both seats are original, restored in excellent condition, secured by Hans six-point harnesses. A hand-held PD 2.40Ltr AFFF fire extinguisher is positioned just in front of the driver's seat, while the PD 4.25Ltr AFFF mechanical fire extinguisher system located behind the Co-Driver seat.

The Mechanics

1289 cc OHV 8 Valve
Works Billet camshaft
Twin Choke Dellorto carburettors
Five-speed gearbox with LSD
Quick rack steering
Stainless steel exhaust
Complete new wiring loom by motorsport specialist

The engine in the Škoda has undergone a full rebuild, restoring it to its original specification, as detailed below:

Displacement: 1289cc OHV 8 Valve
Sump: Type 130 with Oil Pick-Ups
Number of Cylinders: 4
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Aspiration: Normally Aspirated
Camshafts: Works Billet Camshaft
Camshaft Adjust: Adjustable Vernier Pulley
Valve Sizes: Cosworth YB 31mm (Exhaust) / 35mm (Inlet)
Carburation: Twin Choke Dellorto - 6970401400 – DHLA40

Under the bonnet, an aluminium foam-filled fuel cell, a facet competition fuel pump, and a regulator with a pressure gauge delivering precise fuel amounts to the 1289 cc engine.

Despite its modest capacity, the highly-tuned engine boasts an impressive output of 132 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 114 lb/ft @ 6000 rpm, with a power-to-weight ratio ranging from 6.1 to 6.4 kg/HP (13.4 to 14.1 lb/HP).

The gearbox is a five-speed unit featuring a limited-slip differential and a Sach single-plate clutch. The car effortlessly starts up and runs without any reported issues. Gear selection is smooth, and the vehicle exhibits strong performance across the range. The exhaust manifold, coated internally and externally with ceramic, connects to a new stainless-steel exhaust crafted to match the original design.

For stability during forest stages, Bilstein shock absorbers and coil springs with semi-trailing arms are used. The car's precise positioning is facilitated by a “Quick Rack” with 2.8 turns lock to lock. Braking is handled by four-pot calipers on both front and rear, with vented disc brakes at the front.

Underneath, the car is safeguarded by front, centre, and rear aluminium undertrays. (Note: The rear undertray was temporarily removed for photographic purposes, providing visibility of the engine.)

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