Skoda Estelle 130 GL

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The tough little Czechoslovakian Skoda was a conventional enough machine, designed to carry out its day to day duties in far worse conditions than it was ever likely to see on British roads.

The Estelle, as it was badged in the UK, sold in significant numbers thanks to its low price, over 120,000 finding UK buyers who were tempted away from a second hand car purchase with the thought of a brand new Skoda for the same money.

Later models had five-speeds, the radiator moving to the front of the car which improved reliability thanks to more consistent cooling at motorway speeds. The rear swing-axle suspension came in for attention too, the addition of semi-trailing arms leading Autocar and Motor to state that the new version "handled like a Porsche 911" - although the 1,289cc 58bhp engine meant that the similarity had to stop at that...

In all, two million were produced, their survival rate being woefully small, no doubt due to their slightly ‘Eastern bloc’ build quality and the endless stream of Skoda jokes which must have tempered the enthusiasm of budget car buyers as the Skoda entered its twilight years.

This remarkable range-topping 130GL was delivered new by Marriots of Boston in 1988, costing its new owner just £4,198.45. Fitted with alloy wheels, a vinyl covered roof, Skoda-embossed sunroof and a Phillips radio, this rare survivor has led an easy life, having covered just 32,750 miles from new.

The vendor reports that it remains in excellent condition, the interior looking almost as it did the day it left the factory. He believes the paintwork to be the original and it retains its handbook, service book and original sales brochure – it even has its original number plates and rear window sticker which were added by the supplying dealer. The logbook shows three previous owners and seven old MOTs are on file to warrant the mileage. Recently recommissioned for sale, it is due to have a fresh MOT in time for the auction.

Advertised in period as ‘The Surprising Skoda’, this time-warp Estelle brings back plenty of memories of life in ‘80s Britain and we think is actually starting to look quite cool. The new owner will also get to see how those 911 handling claims stack up...