Škoda Felicia Kit Car

At first glance, one might wonder why Secret Classics is including the Škoda Felicia Kit Car in the magazine. Since the Czech brand is continually offering glimpses of its 125-year motorsport history this year, this car is also one of them. What’s more, it is actually 26 years old, even if you might find that hard to believe. The Felicia took over the baton from the Favorit, which brought Škoda its first major international rally championship title. The company wanted to build on this success with its successor model. At the end of 1994, the FIA announced new regulations for Formula 2 in the World Rally Championship. In addition to the use of production-based cars, these also allowed the construction of so-called Kit Cars. These were more heavily modified vehicles in which only the bodyshell, including doors, hoods, roof and windows came from series production.

Two engines homologated

In direct comparison with the Škoda Felicia for everyone, widened fenders were noticeable, providing space for larger wheels. These were suspended from Proflex shock absorbers and concealed the generously dimensioned brake system from AP Racing. The bumpers were also given a sportier look. While the basic shape of the dashboard was retained inside, special round instruments and gauges from Stack were installed. In addition to the 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine of the previous model, Škoda was also able to use a new 1.5-liter engine in the development of the Felicia Kit Car. Forged pistons and crankshaft as well as multipoint fuel injection ensured decent performance. Both engines were homologated, giving customer teams the choice of 136 or 156 hp. High reliability and tidy lightweight construction helped in the competition.

New engine for 1996

Competitors relied mainly on two-liter displacement engines, which made life difficult for Škoda. However, the Czech team had developed an excellent chassis with fully adjustable MacPherson front axle and additionally stiffened rear axle from the Škoda Pick-Up. In the course of the 1995 season, the factory team had already participated in 24 rallies with the Felicia Kit Car, four of them in the world championship. Behind the Renault and Peugeot teams, they finished in a surprising third place in the final standings. However, this also gave rise to a certain commitment for 1996. In order to be more competitive, Škoda developed a 1.6-liter engine together with the Volkswagen Group, to which Škoda now belonged. This engine with multipoint injection also entered the production models at the same time. In the Kit Car, it produced 174 hp, was lighter and had a wider usable rev range.

World championship title 1996

The modified Felicia made its debut in the World Rally Championship at the 1996 Portugal Rally. While Pavel Sibera finished second in his class there, he won in Australia. His teammate Emil Triner celebrated his victory in New Zealand by drifting onto the finish ramp – despite front-wheel drive. Finally, the famous rally world champion Stig Blomqvist took over the wheel and drove to third place overall at the RAC Rally in Great Britain – class victory included. In the end, Škoda was once again the Formula 2 world champion. The Felicia Kit Car also achieved various successes in the domestic rally championship in the Czech Republic. From 1997, it was gradually replaced by the larger Octavia Kit Car. Private drivers, however, continued to use the Felicia for many years.

Images: Škoda