1999 Škoda Felicia Fun Edition

With an interior reputedly inspired by the Frog Prince fairy tale as a reference to Volkswagen’s partnership with Škoda, the limited edition Felicia Fun was launched in 1997 and produced until 2001, a huge departure from the marque’s usual staid and sensible family vehicles. Built at the Škoda factory in Vrchlabí, Czech Republic, the intention was to produce just 300 units for the UK-market. As much a surprise that Škoda produced the car in the first place was that the car was very well received in the UK-market despite the vehicles design somewhat ill-suited to UK climate. In total 612 cars were sold into the UK.

All cars were factory finished in Yellow Fun paint and featured the ingenious sliding rear bulkhead to reveal two folding rear seats which were exposed to the elements. UK buyers thankfully were offered respite from the poor weather with a number of factory optional additional roof combinations, such as the Truckman Aerotop detachable rear hardtop. Fitted with the time-proven 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a power output of 73bhp, the Felicia Fun had a top speed of 101mph and could do 0-60mph in 12.5 seconds.

Supplied new on 26th July 1999 by Škoda main agent, MJL of Surbiton, Surrey, the interior matched the exterior in what could be described today, retrospectively, as eccentric. Never seen on a Škoda before or since, the fabulously kitsch interior combines the aforementioned frog motif cloth inserts to the seating and matched with yellow leather bolsters, door cards, steering wheel and gear stick. The utilitarian dashboard is brightened by the yellow dials and the odometer reading showed 38,839 miles at the time of cataloguing. The rear cargo area is fitted with wooden strips that show very little signs of wear, as does the rest of the car, which was serviced less than 700 miles ago.

Presented to auction with the original and well stamped service book, historical receipts, sales brochure, V5C, a fresh MOT will be issued for the sale, whilst the rather fun (pun intended) private registration number is generously included. It is important to note that constrained by the prior dominance of Soviet doctrine, this whimsical motorcar was designed, built and marketed within a decade of the collapse of the USSR and therefore an interesting entry in the history of the motor car.