Despite being a relatively unknown car model outside of Eastern Europe, Skoda's history is quite fascinating. The brand's introduction of the Favorit in the Eastern Bloc market was one of the critical factors that led Volkswagen to acquire the Czech automaker.
Skoda's story dates back to the early 1980s, after several failed collaboration projects with the German Democratic Republic, the Czechoslovakian government decided to develop and produce a new model called the Favorit. The car was designed by Bertone and was the first Skoda model to feature front-wheel drive and a front-mounted engine. In July 1987, the Skoda Favorit made its debut at the Brno Machine Fair, and it continued to receive improvements throughout its lifespan. The car was eventually replaced by the Felicia in 1994, which was later succeeded by the Fabia.
Skoda Favorit
The 1993 Skoda Favorit LX in question has only been driven 34 kilometers since its original purchase by the first owner in Athens. The story goes that the owner decided that driving was not for her and left the car in a community workshop for three decades before it was discovered in the fall of 2022. It was then auctioned off, and a racing driver named Jiří Mičánek Junior bought it for the price of 24,000 euros.
This Favorit is not only the best-preserved one in the world but also quite unique due to its LX trim level, complete with wooden-imitation trim and attractive graphics on the sides. Despite being a later model, it lacks a tachometer and only has a large clock. The 1.3-liter engine produces 54 horsepower and benefits from Bosch electronics instead of a carburetor. With an oil, filter, and battery change, the car should still reach its advertised top speed of 137 km/h.
Source: Skoda
