The Škoda 1101 Sport, also called the Tudor Roadster, made its public debut at the 1950 Paris Motor Show. Built on the platform of the popular Škoda 1101 sedan — nicknamed the ‘Tudor’ — this open-top roadster represented one of the most ambitious vehicles Czech automaker Škoda had ever produced in the post-war era.
The 1101 Sport turned heads immediately. Its sleek, flowing body lines and vibrant red paint gave it a bold, sporty presence. The design captured the optimistic mood of early 1950s Europe, where style and forward motion went hand in hand.
Under the hood sat a 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine producing 50 horsepower. That was enough to push the lightweight roadster past 120 km/h — about 75 mph. The well-engineered suspension kept handling sharp and responsive, making every drive feel connected and lively.
Inside, the craftsmanship was careful and deliberate. Leather-clad seats, a clean dashboard layout, and a convertible top all came standard. In place of traditional windows, the car used side curtains — a common feature on roadsters of the era that kept the interior minimal and purposeful.
Despite its strong showing at the Paris Motor Show, the Škoda 1101 Sport never entered mass production. Only two prototypes were ever built. That extreme rarity makes both surviving examples highly prized among vintage car collectors worldwide.
The Tudor Roadster name tied directly back to the sedan it was derived from. Škoda had built the 1101 sedan as a reliable, everyday car for Czech drivers. The Sport version took that proven mechanical foundation and wrapped it in an entirely different kind of body — one built for excitement rather than practicality.
Škoda’s history stretches back to the late 19th century, and the brand had produced vehicles across many segments. The 1101 Sport showed that Škoda’s engineers and designers could compete in the sportier end of the market, producing a car with genuine performance credentials and refined aesthetics.
The attention to detail on the 1101 Sport extended beyond what the specifications list. Every panel, stitch, and fitting reflected a standard of quality that went well beyond what a simple prototype required. Škoda treated these two cars as a genuine statement of what the brand was capable of.
