Skoda Felicia classic cars for sale

History of the Skoda Felicia

Launched in 1959 as a modernised successor to the Skoda 450, the Felicia cabriolet brought a fresh aesthetic to the Czech manufacturer's line-up. Based on the Skoda 440, it was initially offered only as a cabriolet and featured technical innovations like a more powerful engine and a folding roof. The Felicia was positioned for export as an affordable, individualistic vehicle, particularly appealing in the Western market due to its styling and attractive price. After a 1961 facelift, both coupe and cabriolet versions were available, with roughly 14,863 units produced up to its 1964 discontinuation. Notably, the Felicia name was revived by Skoda in 1994 with a wholly new supermini, featured here as well, signalling modernisation under Volkswagen’s influence.

Model History of the Skoda Felicia

The original Felicia (1959–1964) evolved from the Skoda 440 and replaced the earlier Skoda 1101. It maintained rear-wheel drive, a focus on cabriolet styling, and incremental improvements such as the Felicia Super’s strengthened engine. Production ended in 1964 with the arrival of the 1100 MBX. Decades later, in 1994, Skoda reintroduced the Felicia name for a modern B-segment hatchback, based on a revised Favorit platform—marking one of the first key collaborations with Volkswagen Group and setting the course for future models.

Highlights and Unique Features

The Skoda Felicia stands out for its rare open-top design elements in the classic version and the colourful, versatile Felicia Fun derivative. The cabriolet’s combination of lively exhaust note, elastic engines, and accessible driving character made it a popular entry-point for driving enthusiasts and beginners in the classic scene. The Felicia Fun (1997–2001) brought a unique, vivid 'Yellow Fun' paint, removable rear bulkhead with occasional rear seats, bespoke leather/cloth trim, and off-beat bodywork to the compact pickup sector—all now highly sought after as collector curiosities.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Skoda Felicia Fun (1997–2001) is the best-known special edition—a lifestyle pickup developed for the UK and other markets, built in Vrchlabí. Finished exclusively in 'Yellow Fun' (L651), it featured a striking body kit, bold interior accents, seven-spoke alloys, rear jump seats exposed to the elements, and a bespoke owner’s manual. Only 612 units reached the UK, far fewer in continental Europe, making it a true rarity.

Engine Performance, Transmission and Handling

The early Felicia models delivered a surprisingly sporty driving experience within their class, with the cabriolet’s sound and suspension tuned for a fun, involving feel. Engines remained reliable and frugal, making them lively yet inexpensive to run. The Felicia Fun added to this a more modern 1.6 MPI powerplant mated with a 5-speed gearbox, adequate for the car’s size, and disc brakes up front for improved stopping power. - Felicia Cabriolet (1959–1964): 1.1–1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol, factory rated up to 55 PS (Super model), robust live axle rear, and light, simple handling.

• Felicia Fun (1997–2001): VW 1.6 MPI with 73 PS, removable rear seats (2+2 configuration), 0–100 km/h in ~12.5 seconds, unique body and interior specification.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Felicia cabriolet was noted for its sleek, period-appropriate lines and an interior focused on functional simplicity. The Felicia Fun, by contrast, boasted vivid yellow highlights inside and out, with matching stitched leather details, unique 'Frog Prince' logo badging, a protective wood-planked load bed, and optional hardtops. Side rails, bull bars, and a full body kit made the Fun model instantly recognisable even at a distance.

Other Features

The Felicia Fun shipped with a custom handbook in addition to the standard Felicia manual, original key set, and documentation—a testament to its status as a standalone edition rather than a simple trim variant. Early Felicia export models are particularly notable for their role in expanding Skoda’s reach in the West.

Summary of the Skoda Felicia

From the elegant 1950s/60s cabriolet to the playful Felicia Fun, Skoda’s Felicia series spans decades of Czech innovation, moving from classic rear-wheel-drive open-top enjoyment to late-20th-century VW-influenced, special-edition collectability. Whether sought for its rarity, design quirks, or mechanical honesty, the Felicia remains at the heart of Skoda’s classic lineup—a testament reaffirmed by its 100% share in both supply and demand among Skoda classic car enthusiasts.