1990 Skoda Rapid 135RiC - last ever Rapid built

[skodanorman]

Skoda Rapid 135RiC

LAST EVER SKODA RAPID 

 

 

Welcome to the advert for this incredibly rare, special and historically significant car. H35 URB was the "last rear engined Skoda coupe" as authenticated by Skoda. It comes complete with the framed certificate from the factory stating it to be the last one. I can also provide a photo of the car at the factory - providence that is rarely found with a classic car. 
The car was ordered by Lord Strathcarron and registered in August 1990. Whilst some rear engined Skodas were registered after this, this car remains the last to have left the factory. Lord Strathcarron featured in some period magazines due to it being what was seen as an unusual choice of motorcar. Again, I have managed to track down copies of a few of these. Lord Strathcarron owned it until his death in 2006. To that end the V5c states only ONE PREVIOUS OWNER before me. Lord Strathcarron used the car regularly and clocked up 38,000 miles. He kept the car completely original aside from adapting some rear mudflaps to be fitted as front mudflaps. I was going to remove these in order to keep the car 100% original, but decided against it as they are a part of its rich history. 
The car retains the rare Bendix RiC injection system (only a few hundred of these sold new and even fewer survive intact today) and it runs really well and is a very smooth and progressive drive. The gearchange is light and crisp and frankly, it is an absolute joy to drive. If you've driven one of these cars before then you'll know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, then you really should. Motoring perfection (in my opinion of course!) 
I bought the car in 2013. Upon purchase I had the car sent to a reknowned rear engined Skoda specialist who carried out a comprehensive recommision of the vehicle, including the following:
MOT, replaced the smashed N/S window, fitted rebuilt brake calipers, replaced rear brakes, full engine service, king pins greased, replaced starter motor and a few odds and sods. I also replaced all four tyres for the correct original specification Michelin tyres (£200 worth). 

Since then I haven't done much with the car aside from have it MOT'd. The last MOT was in July 2014 - expires 07 July 2015. The car received 3 advisories for having play in front suspension ball joints. 

I am selling the car as I'm really not using it as I should (just 650 miles since the MOT in July). I think the car is somewhat wasted hiding in my garage and would hope that it could be better enjoyed by all fans of this wonderful marque. Ideally the car could do with some cosmetic work as it lets the car down a little. Both sills and arches will need attention (see photos) in the not too distant future. There is also a scratch on the roof and some paint peel around the windscreen (an indication of just how thin the original Skoda paint was!). 
Furthermore, the driver's door pin is missing and just this morning the fuel gauge stopped work (although the fuel light works) - has a fuel tank of fuel though so shouldn't be a worry. 

But on the whole, this is a cracking opportunity to buy what I feel is the best Rapid; not just in the country, but in the world. It is the LAST EVER RAPID - the very last! Discounting the Porsche 911 (and recently launched Renault Twingo) I think it is also possibly the last example of a mass produced rear engined car. It is just so rare, special and devine. It's a beauty. Bid now before I my senses return and I keep this little beast. 
 

 

£4,500

Located in Aberystwyth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 6 June, 2015 by skodanorman

[skodanorman]

 

 

 

 

[skodanorman]

So here is the car outside the factory.

 

 

 

And here it is featured in Auto Express in the early 90s. 

[Leakar77]

Congratulations on owning such a rare car, as to the value in it's current condition, very difficult to say, I have my own opinion but I'll keep that to myself, the only other rear engined mass produced car I can think of in recent times that you haven't mentioned is the Clio v6, GLWTS.

[skodanorman]

Congratulations on owning such a rare car, as to the value in it's current condition, very difficult to say, I have my own opinion but I'll keep that to myself, the only other rear engined mass produced car I can think of in recent times that you haven't mentioned is the Clio v6, GLWTS.

 

I would have said that the Clio V6 was mid-engined? 

 

The price is fair. These cars are going up in value and this one has the history and provenance beyond any other rear engined Skoda that I can think of still in private hands. It is a unique opportunity and you won't loose money on it. 

[Leakar77]

I would have said that the Clio V6 was mid-engined? 

 

The price is fair. These cars are going up in value and this one has the history and provenance beyond any other rear engined Skoda that I can think of still in private hands. It is a unique opportunity and you won't loose money on it. 

You sir, are indeed correct, but although i`am wrong, I`am still going to keep trying to convince myself that if an engine is mounted where the rear seats are it`s rear engined. 

Edited 8 June, 2015 by Leakar77

[Gaz]

Wow, just Wow!!   

 

GLWTS

 

Gaz