Skoda Felicia 450

Manufacturer	AZNP
Production	1959 to 1964
Class	Sports
Body style	2-door convertible
Layout	front engine, rear wheel drive
Engine	1.1 L I4, 1.2 L I4
Wheel base	94.56 in, 2400 mm
Length	160.16 in, 4065 mm
Width	63.04 in, 1600 mm
Height	56.33 in, 1380 mm

The Skoda Felicia and 450 is an open convertible automobile which was produced by AZNP from 1957 to 1964.

History 

The Skoda 450 or Skoda Felicia was a rear wheel drive convertible with two doors and 2 + 2 seats seats produced by the Czechoslovak (today Czech) car manufacturer AZNP under the brand name Skoda.

The 450 was produced between 1957 and 1964 and was based on the Škoda 440. The 450 was distinguished from the sedan and combi by a more powerful engine and a fabric roof. From about 1960 a hardtop was available as a extra, which made the Felicia suitable for all weather conditions.

The 450 was made from 1957 through 1959 with a four-cylinder engine with 1089 cc and 50 hp (37 kW). With this engine, the Škoda 450 could reach a top speed of 135 km/h fitted with a 4 speed gearbox.The suspension at front was independent, wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar and telescopic dampers the rear suspension fitted with  swinging semi-axles, laminated transverse upper arms and telescopic dampers.

In 1959 the name 450 was changed to Škoda Felicia after a modernization and some external changes. The 450 was built as Felicia until 1964. From 1961 a version with a 1221 cc 55 hp engine was also produced as Škoda Felicia Super.

The Felicia was introduced in 1959 as a 2-door convertible, replacing the Škoda 450. Able to seat five persons, it was equipped with a folding hood and a plastic hardtop. Styling is similar to that of the contemporary Škoda Octavia. The Felicia was offered only with a 1089 cc four-cylinder engine however a Felicia Super model was introduced in 1961 powered by a larger 1221 cc with 2 Jikov 32 SOPc downdraft carburettors . 

PERFORMANCE: 1200cc Super

• Engine capacity: 74.68 cu in, 1221 cu cm
• Fuel consumption: 29.7 m/imp gal, 24.7 m US gal, 9.5 1 x 100 km
• Max speed: 87 mph, 140 km h
• Max power (SAE): 55 hp at 5100 rpm
• Max torque (SAE): 61 1b ft, 8.4 kgm at 3000 rpm
• Max number of engine rpm: 5500
• Specific power: 45 hp/l
• Power-weight ratio: 36.2 lb/hp, 16.4 kg/hp
• Useful load: 772 1b, 350 kg
• Acceleration: 0—50 mph (0-80 kmh) 15 sec

The Škoda Felicia was one of the few convertibles in the Eastern Bloc to be produced in large numbers. The appearance was considered successful at the time. A tightly tuned chassis and powerful exhaust sound had to underline the sporty character. The steering was indirect and the handling strongly oversteered. The engine was considered elastic, but not high-revving. Among the positive features was modest fuel consumption.

Production of the convertible ended in 1964 without replacement. The sporty model was succeeded by the Škoda 1100 MBX, a rear-engine coupé. The Felicia name was resurrected by Škoda from 1994 for the compact Škoda Felicia.In total of the original 14,863 450 and Felicias were produced.