It’s the kind of news that gets classic car fans in a frenzy: a rare example of an important car is unearthed and it’s in a great spec, featuring all the important options available that year.
Better still, it’s in outstanding condition, having been owned by the same careful driver since new. And here’s the clincher: despite leaving the factory decades ago, it has covered just 780 miles.
If we were talking about a Porsche, a BMW or even a cool hot hatch like a Golf GTi, we’d also be talking big money at this point. But what about when the car in question is a humble Skoda Felicia?
The Skoda Felicia is an important car, being the first car built after Skoda’s joint-venture with (and eventual takeover by) Volkswagen. Though it was based on the existing Favorit, the Felicia introduced new safety and luxury (okay, convenience) kit, and helped move Skoda away from joke territory towards the mainstream respectability it enjoys today.
So the Felicia is historically interesting, but that doesn’t make it particularly desirable, which is a shame because this 780-mile example is a real find.
A top-spec Laurin & Klement model, it’s finished in Indigo Pearl metallic and features heated leather seats, electric windows and mirrors, anti-lock brakes and a driver’s airbag fitted to the centre of the clearly VW-derived steering wheel.
The kind of equipment might sound fairly ordinary now, but coming from a company that was peddling the rear-engined Estelle just half a dozen years earlier, it was positively palatial.
Some Felcias came with a VW-sourced 1.6-litre petrol engine or 1.9 diesel, but have this car’s owner stuck with the simple 1.3-litre Skoda motor. Don’t expect fireworks.
Like most ridiculously low-mileage non-premium brand classified finds, this one is only up for sale due to the death of its one elderly owner.
What’s it worth? The vendor, Cranley Sports & Classics, in Norfolk admits it hasn’t a clue how to put a value on it and is open to offers. It’s unrepeatable, but it’s also very niche, so is unlikely to change hands for more than a few thousands pounds.
One thing’s for sure: if this curio tickles your fancy, get moving. You won’t find another.
Keyword: This 25 year-old Skoda has covered just 780 miles