When it comes to the first Škoda car, many mistakenly associate the brand with Czech factories of the early 20th century. In fact, the company's roots go back to Austro-Hungarian Empire, where two bicycle mechanics are Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement - founded the company Laurin & Klement in 1895. Their first car Voiturette A, appeared only 10 years later, but became a real breakthrough: it was not just transport, but a symbol of technical progress for a small workshop that would soon absorb itself Škoda.
Why Voiturette A is considered the first car of the brand? The point is seriality: before her, Laurin and Clement collected single copies of motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles, but it was precisely Voiturette became the first full-fledged four-wheeled vehicle produced in 44 copies - an incredible success for 1905. The car was equipped V2 engine with a volume of 1005 cm³ and a speed of up to 40 km/h, which made it one of the most dynamic in its class. Today, original copies are valued at millions of dollars, and replicas can be seen in the museum Škoda in Mlada Boleslav.
Who was behind the creation of the first Škoda car: from bicycles to Voiturette A
History Laurin & Klement Voiturette A starts with two enthusiasts - Vaclav Laurin (mechanics) and Vaclav Klement (bookseller with technical education). In 1895 they opened a bicycle repair shop in Mlada Boleslav, but a year later they released their first motorcycle Slavia. The success was stunning: by 1900, the company was exporting equipment to several European countries.
The transition to cars was a logical step. In 1905, Laurin and Clement introduced Voiturette A — a compact car with an open body, designed for 2–4 passengers. Fun fact: name "Voiturette" (French for “small car”) was borrowed from French manufacturers, but the Czech version turned out to be more reliable and cheaper. By the way, this particular car became the first in the Czech Republic to passed official certification for driving on public roads.
- 🔧 1895 - founding of the company Laurin & Klement like a bicycle workshop.
- 🏍️ 1899 - release of the first motorcycle Slavia (power 1.75 hp).
- 🚗 1905 - debut Voiturette A, the first production car.
- 💼 1925 - merger with Škoda and the beginning of the era of the brand known today.
It is curious that Laurin and Clement did not initially plan to work on cars. Their main goal was to create reliable and affordable transport for the general public. However, after success Voiturette A they completely switched to automobile production, releasing another 7 models in the series over the next 10 years Voiturette (from A up to G).
- The first Slavia motorcycle
- Voiturette A car
- Merger with Škoda
- Export to other countries
Technical characteristics of Voiturette A: why it was ahead of its time
For 1905 Laurin & Klement Voiturette A was a real engineering miracle. Her V2 engine air cooling developed 7 hp with a volume of 1005 cm³ - this was enough to accelerate to 40 km/h. Transmission included 2-speed gearbox and chain drive on the rear axle (similar to motorcycles). The weight of the car was only 450 kg, which made it one of the lightest in the class.
Design Features:
- 🔩 Frame - wooden with metal reinforcements (typical for that time).
- 🔥 Ignition - magneto Bosch (innovation for the beginning of the 20th century).
- 🛞 Suspension — springs on all wheels, which ensured comfort on bumpy roads.
- 💡 Lighting — acetylene headlights (electricity appeared later).
| Parameter | Value (Voiturette A) | Comparison with Competitors (1905) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V2 1.0 l (7 hp) |
Most cars had 1-cylinder engines with a power of 4–6 hp. |
| Max. speed | 40 km/h | The average speed of competitors is 25–35 km/h |
| Transmission | 2-speed manual transmission + reverse | Many cars had 1 speed or belt drive |
| Price (1905) | ~3,600 CZK | Cheaper than French analogues by 20–30% |
Voiturette A became the first car in the Czech Republic that could climb inclines of up to 15% without losing speed - this was revolutionary for the mountain roads of Austria-Hungary. In addition, the car was equipped hand brake on the rear wheels and foot brake on transmission, which significantly increased safety compared to competitors, where brakes were often absent altogether.
If you see the Voiturette A replica on display, pay attention to the steering wheel - it is located on the right, like in British cars of that time. This is due to the fact that the Czech Republic was part of Austria-Hungary, where Austrian standards were in force (left-hand traffic was abolished only in 1938).
How the Voiturette A influenced the development of Škoda: from workshop to industrial giant
Success Voiturette A became a catalyst for Laurin & Klement. The company expanded production, hired additional engineers and began exporting to Germany, Russia and even the USA. By 1907, an improved version was released - Voiturette B with a 4-cylinder engine, and by 1914 the company became the largest automaker in Austria-Hungary, producing up to 500 cars per year.
Key milestones after debut Voiturette A:
- 1907 - exit Voiturette B (1.4 l, 12 hp).
- 1912 - start of production of trucks and buses.
- 1925 - merger with Škoda (industrial conglomerate).
- 1927 - release of the first car under the brand Škoda (model Škoda 4R).
Interestingly, after the merger with Škoda in 1925, Laurin & Klement retained its name in the logo until 1926. Only with model release Škoda 4R the brand has completely switched to a new name. However Voiturette A remains a symbolic starting point - it was she who proved that a small Czech workshop was able to compete with European giants.
The Voiturette A not only became Škoda's first production car, but also laid the foundation for the brand's future innovations, from the front-wheel drive models of the 1930s to today's Enyaq electric cars.
Where can you see the first Škoda car today: museums and replicas
Original copies Laurin & Klement Voiturette A - extremely rare. According to the museum Škoda, only preserved 5–7 cars, most of which are in private collections. However, there are several places where you can see this historic car:
- 🏛️ Škoda Museum (Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic) — a completely restored one is on display here Voiturette A 1905, as well as other early models of the brand.
- 🚗 Technical Museum in Brno (Czech Republic) — exhibits a replica assembled according to original drawings.
- 🌍 Vintage car exhibitions - sometimes Voiturette A participates in shows, for example, on Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (USA) or Goodwood Festival of Speed (UK).
Cost of the original Voiturette A at auctions can reach $1–1.5 million, but much more interesting are her remarks. For example, in 2015, for the 110th anniversary of the model Škoda released a limited edition of 10 copies, hand-assembled from historical drawings. One of them was donated Pope Francis during his visit to the Czech Republic.
Why is Voiturette A so rare?
Most of the cars were destroyed during the First and Second World Wars. In addition, many examples were disassembled for spare parts to repair newer models. Today, the original Voiturette A is considered the "holy grail" for vintage car collectors.
5 little-known facts about the first Škoda car
Even experienced car enthusiasts do not know many details about Voiturette A. Here are some surprising facts:
- The first test drive took place on mountain roads. Laurin and Clement personally tested the car on the track Mlada Boleslav - Prague, having overcome a pass 300 meters high. This proved the reliability of the engine and transmission.
- The car could tow a trailer. Advertising materials from 1905 stated that Voiturette A capable of pulling loads up to 200 kg - incredible for a 7 hp machine.
- Body color chosen by buyers. There were no standard shades: customers could order the car in any color, from black to bright red (although for an additional fee).
- No driver's license required. In Austria-Hungary until 1910, to drive a car it was enough
police permits, which was issued after a short exam. - The car took part in races. In 1906 Voiturette A finished at 5th place in rally Prague — Vienna, outperforming several more powerful competitors.
Another interesting point: in the first versions Voiturette A there wasn't windshield. Instead, a leather visor was used, which protected the driver from the wind, but not from the rain. Glass appeared only in the model Voiturette B (1907).
The engine must have a serial number stamped on the block|Original tires - with a diamond pattern (replicas often use modern tires)| Steering wheel - wooden, with a metal rim|On the frame there must be a plate with the inscription "Laurin & Klement, Mlada Boleslav"-->
Why Voiturette A is relevant today: lessons for modern automakers
119 years after debut Voiturette A her legacy continues to inspire Škoda. Here are a few principles that the brand adopted from that era:
- 🔧 Modularity - as well as Voiturette A, modern models Škoda (for example, Enyaq or Kodiaq) are built on unified platforms, which reduces production costs.
- 💰 Availability — Laurin and Clement positioned their car as a “people's car.” Today Škoda follows this course by offering some of the most affordable cars in the segment (e.g. Fabia or Scala).
- 🌍 Export potential - already in 1905 Voiturette A sold outside Austria-Hungary. Today Škoda exports machines to 100+ countries, including India and China.
In addition, Voiturette A has become an example of how a small company can compete with giants by innovation and flexibility. Today Škoda applies this approach to the development of electric vehicles: e.g. Enyaq was created on the platform MEB (with Volkswagen), but got unique solutions such as 13" touch screen and system Simply Clever.
⚠️ Attention: If you see an ad for sale of an "original Voiturette A" for less than $500,000, it is almost certainly a scam. There are many counterfeits on the market, especially from China and Eastern Europe. Please check the serial number through the museum before purchasing Škoda or auction house Bonhams.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the first Škoda car
How much does an original Laurin & Klement Voiturette A cost today?
Auction prices vary from $800,000 to $1.5 million, depending on the condition. The last sale was recorded in 2019 at auction RM Sotheby's — the car sold for $1.1 million. Replicas are much cheaper: from $50,000 to $150,000.
Why was the first Škoda car called Laurin & Klement and not Škoda?
Because at the time of release Voiturette A (1905) the company was not yet owned Škoda. The merger took place only in 1925, after which the brand began to be called Škoda. Before that Laurin & Klement was an independent company.
Is it possible to buy a replica Voiturette A and drive it on the road?
Theoretically yes, but in practice it is difficult. Replicas are usually collected as exhibition copies and are not road-legal certified. To legalize a car you will need:
- Obtain permission for an individual design project.
- Pass a technical examination (in Russia - at NIIAT).
- Install modern lighting and braking systems.
In the Czech Republic and Germany the process is simpler - they have special categories for vintage cars.
What other Laurin & Klement models are worth knowing?
After Voiturette A the company has produced several iconic cars:
- Voiturette B (1907) - the first 4-cylinder engine.
- L&K FK (1907) - the first truck of the brand.
- L&K EN (1911) - a luxury car with a 6-cylinder engine.
- L&K 300 (1923) - the last model before merging with Škoda.
Where can you ride the Voiturette A?
Several museums and private collections offer test drives on replicas:
- Škoda Museum (Czech Republic) — sometimes holds open days with the opportunity to ride.
- Retro Classic (Stuttgart, Germany) — working copies are often presented at the exhibition.
- Private retro car clubs - for example, Veteran Car Club of Great Britain.
The cost of such a trip is from €200 to €1000 for 10–15 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: If you are planning to restore an old car Laurin & Klement, please note that spare parts are practically absent on the market. Most parts will have to be custom-made according to original drawings, which can increase the cost of restoration by up to $200 000+.