Škoda · 1934–1949

Škoda Superb

The original Škoda Superb is a full size luxury car that was made by the Czechoslovak car manufacturer ASAP, later AZNP from 1934 to 1949. It was the company's first car with a V8 engine and all-wheel drive. After 1949, Skoda's luxury car became the even larger and heavier Škoda VOS. In 2001, Škoda revived the Superb model name for an unrelated model based on the Volkswagen Passat.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Successor: Škoda VOS

All Škoda Superb data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Background

ASAP introduced a new range of cars in 1930s that significantly differed from its previous products. A new design of chassis with backbone tube and all-round independent suspension was developed under the leadership of chief engineer Vladimír Matouš and derived from the one introduced by Hans Ledwinka at Tatra. First used on the 420 Standard in 1933, it aimed to solve the problem of insufficient torsional stiffness that was inherent with a ladder frame. The backbone chassis was the basis for the Popular, Rapid, Favorit and Superb models. While in 1933 Škoda had a 14% share of the Czechoslovak car market, behind both Praga and Tatra, the company's new models helped it to become a market leader by 1936, with a 39% share in 1938. The Superb was introduced in 1934, at the time being Škoda's second highest model range after (probably due to currency fluctuations, as 860 was obviously a more expensive class than 650) the 650 (which was discontinued the same year) and it cost about double the price of a Rapid. The Superb was a replacement for the 860, a luxury 4-door limousine with a straight-eight engine that had been built between 1929 and 1932.

Design

The central supporting tube was split at the front, which allowed the engine and gearbox to be attached. The drive shaft was located inside the tube, and transmitted the engine's power to the rear wheels. The Superb utilized leaf springs for its suspension; one at the front and two at the rear. It featured hydraulically-operated drum brakes, with a mechanical handbrake connected to the rear wheels. First and second generation (Type 640). The first engine used in Superb was a straight-six flathead unit of 2,492 cc (152.1 cu in). It had a dry clutch and a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the 3rd and 4th gear. The car was offered with either 4 or 6 seats. The chassis weighed 1,130 kg (2,491 lb) and the whole car weighed 1,680 kg (3,704 lb), although this varied depending on the version of the car. Two different versions of this type were made. Third generation (Type 902). A new generation of Superb was introduced in May 1936 as the Type 902. When Škoda introduced the Superb in 1934, one of its main Czechoslovak competitors, Tatra, had begun to manufacture the Type 77, with a V8 engine; this was the world's first serially produced aerodynamic car. In order to compete with this car, the Type 902 Superb had more rounded bodywork and featured frontal styling more reminiscent of the smaller Popular and Rapid models. The engine was enlarged to 2,703 cc (164.9 cu in), and it was combined with a new gearbox that had an aluminium case. The Type 902 was available as 4 seat or 6 seat saloon, and as a 2-door cabriolet. Sodomka also produced a special version of the saloon that had a longer and more aerodynamic body. Fourth generation (Type 913). Another change came in October 1936, when the Superb Type 913 was introduced. The front of the car was redesigned and its flathe

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Škoda Superb
Manufacturer: ASAP/AZNP
Production: 1934–1943, 1946–1949
Assembly: Mladá Boleslav, Czechoslovakia
Class: Full-size luxury car (F)
Body style: 4-door saloon, 2-door cabriolet, 4-door limousine
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (Type 956)
Engine: 2.5 L SV I6, 2.7 L SV I6, 2.9 L SV I6, 3.1 L OHV I6, 4.0 L OHV V8
Transmission: 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual
Designer: Vladimír Matouš

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q392060CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%A0koda_Superb_(1934%E2%80%931949)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1377649266 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SkodaSuperB.jpgPublic domain · Photo: Späth Chr. · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.