Škoda Auto is commemorating 125 years of motorsport at one of the most prestigious global car exhibitions, Rétromobile 2026, held in Paris. The exhibition, running from January 28 to February 1, 2026, showcases eight historical exhibits, marking key moments from the brand’s racing history. From its humble beginnings with a 1903 motorcycle to the advanced rally specials of today, Škoda continues to celebrate its rich legacy in motorsports.
A Glimpse of Racing History: The Eight Iconic Exhibits
The 125th anniversary exhibition at Rétromobile spans over 300 m², with eight exhibits carefully curated from the Škoda Museum. These vehicles embody the brand’s progress, innovation, and success across different eras of motorsport.
From Two-Wheeled Beginnings to Modern Rally Dominance
Škoda’s journey in motorsport began with the Laurin & Klement BZ motorcycle in 1903, marking the brand’s earliest involvement in competitive racing. Fast-forward to the present, and the brand’s legacy now includes a diverse array of racing vehicles, including the 1937 Škoda Popular Sport Coupé, the 1957 Škoda 1100 OHC, the 1976 Škoda 130 RS, and the 2007 Škoda Fabia WRC cutaway model.
Key Highlights of the Exhibits:
- Laurin & Klement BZ (1903): This single-cylinder motorcycle, which reached a top speed of 60 km/h, marks Škoda’s earliest involvement in motorsports.
- Škoda Popular Sport Coupé ‘Malá Dohoda’ (1937): This rally car participated in the historic ‘Malá Dohoda’ Rally, finishing 7th overall and 2nd in the team classification.
- Škoda 1100 OHC (1957): A racing car built with a tubular chassis and fiberglass body, it competed on various circuits until 1963.
- Škoda 130 RS (1976): Known as one of Škoda’s most successful racing models, it won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1977.
- Škoda Octavia RS (2002): The fastest production model at the time, boasting a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine.
- Škoda Fabia WRC ‘Cut Car’ (2007): A promotional cutaway version of the Fabia WRC, designed for a film and added to the Škoda museum in 2014.
- Škoda Fabia R5 Combi (2015): A reimagined rally car, this estate version showcases Škoda’s rally prowess with a new twist.
Škoda’s Future in Motorsport: The Škoda Enyaq RS Race Concept
The Škoda Enyaq RS Race concept car is a fitting tribute to the brand’s future in motorsport. Combining Škoda’s commitment to sustainability with the performance legacy of its past, the Enyaq RS Race reflects the future of motorsport and the brand’s role in electric racing innovations.
Rétromobile 2026: A Celebration of Automotive History
Rétromobile is one of the most prestigious events in the world of historic automobiles. Celebrating its 50th edition this year, the exhibition attracts more than 130,000 visitors annually. Škoda’s participation underscores the importance of automotive heritage and innovation in shaping the future of the industry.
Škoda’s Commitment to Motorsport Excellence
With a legacy spanning over a century, Škoda continues to lead in motorsport innovation. The company’s commitment to excellence and future growth in the sport is evident through its continuous advancements in vehicle design and performance. The exhibits at Rétromobile highlight not only Škoda’s storied past but also its drive toward a dynamic future in motorsport.
