Škoda Type 742

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The Škoda Type 742/746 was a family of small, rear‑engined, rear‑wheel‑drive cars built by AZNP in Czechoslovakia from 1976 to 1990. It started with the Škoda 105 and 120, added the 125 later, and evolved into the 130 and then the 135/136. Internally these were known as Type 742 for the 105/120/125/130 and Type 746 for the 135/136. Engines ranged from about 1.0 to 1.3 litres; early 105/120 used 1046cc and 1174cc units, while the 130 and the later 135/136 used a 1289cc engine, with the 135/136 receiving a newer Favorit‑based engine and other upgrades.

All models were four‑door sedans, with some two‑door coupé variants such as the Garde and Rapid. The cars used independent front suspension and a rear layout that started with swing‑axle designs and moved to a semi‑trailing arm setup on the later coupé and four‑door versions, improving handling.

In 1983 the range was updated to the 742M with new headlights, rubber bumpers, and other refinements, including rack‑and‑pinion steering. Power outputs varied by model but were roughly in the mid‑40s to mid‑50s horsepower range. The 1.3‑litre engines in the later 130 and the 135/136 gave higher performance for those models.

In the UK these cars were sold as the Estelle, with a later facelift version called Estelle Two. In Greece they were known as the Target, and in Iceland as the Amigo. The 130‑series arrived in the mid‑1980s, followed by the 135/136 fast‑back and coupé versions.

The 1.3‑litre cars proved strong in rallying, especially in the RAC rallies, where the works team won their class for many years. The line also played a key role in showcasing Škoda’s practicality, reliability, and value for money.

After fourteen years of production, about 2 million saloon variants were built in total. The last of the rear‑engined family were finished in 1990 as Škoda began focusing on newer models like the Favorit. In the UK and other markets the Estelle name remains a memorable symbol of an affordable, sturdy, easy‑to‑maintain car from that era. Today these cars are rare but appreciated by collectors for their simple design and rally heritage.