Skoda, the Czech automaker known for its practical and reliable vehicles, celebrates 130 years this year – a milestone shared with another automotive icon: The Autocar magazine. This shared birthday serves as an intriguing reminder of how deeply intertwined these two entities are within the wider history of the automobile. While seemingly disparate, both originated in a world dominated by bicycles, highlighting the crucial role these humble machines played in sparking the passion for motorized transportation.
Back in 1895, Václav Klement, a resourceful bookshop owner, and Václav Laurin, a meticulous engineer, pooled their talents in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic, to establish a bicycle factory. This marked the genesis of Skoda – a name now synonymous with affordable yet dependable cars – as well as the beginning of what would become a legacy built on innovation.
Around the same time, across the globe in London, Illife, Sons and Sturmey were experiencing their own automotive awakening. These renowned publishers of The Cyclist magazine recognized the burgeoning potential of the horseless carriage. Recognizing this nascent market, they partnered with entrepreneur Harry Lawson to launch The Autocar, thus solidifying both organizations’ connection to the pivotal moment when bicycles yielded to automobiles.
Fast forward a century and a half, and both Skoda and The Autocar have surpassed their founders’ wildest ambitions. Yet, the journey isn’t just about size; it’s about evolution.
Skoda’s story is one of strategic expansion and technological advancement. While Klement and Laurin started by crafting bicycles, they soon pivoted towards internal combustion engines and motorcycles in 1898. This diversification culminated in their groundbreaking debut car in 1905: the Voiturette A. Though modest in size (a two-seater powered by a tiny 7bhp engine), it propelled Skoda into prominence within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, eventually solidifying its position as a major player in the burgeoning automotive industry. By 1908, Skoda had established overseas branches, including one in London, foreshadowing the global presence it enjoys today. This makes our starting point for this celebratory journey quite apt: Tottenham Court Road in central London, bustling with the city’s characteristic Monday morning energy.
From there, the road leads to Coventry – a city steeped in automotive history and deeply connected to Skoda’s legacy.
This journey offers more than just geographical distance; it explores the intricate threads connecting these two pioneers through the rich tapestry of automotive evolution.
