Skoda 720:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzqjkcdruno
This Skoda with model designation 720 is probably the only surviving prototype of the model. Because of a political decision it has never reached production despite the fact the development was finished and first cars tested.
This is how the successor to the popular Skoda 1000MB was to look like. With a lenght of 4.30 metres it was a typical midsize saloon. Sporty looks were supported by four round headlamps and negative angle of the front facia. Flowing lines of the back finished of the elegant looks. The famous Italdesign was signed under the style of the new car and although the cooperation with the italians came at a cost of 40M csk it also introduced modern procedures and know-how.
Couple of prototypes in three body shapes and two types of the front end were produced in 1969. The front of the car would reveal what engine and trim the car had. The quad-lamp version would have a petrol 1.5 litre engine while smaller 1.2 litre would only have two headlamps. A simple instrument panel fully satisfied the needs of the prototype vehicle however a lot of parts and design ideas were later used in the 105/120 model range. The seats are soft and comfortable and the back seats are generously roomy. The four cylinder petrol engine made out of light alloys develops 87hp at 5500rpm. Together with 125nm of torque and four speed gearbox brings the car to a maximum speed of around 95mph.
All the wheels had independent wishbone suspension with coil springs and telescopic dampers. Car was equipped with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the back. Thanks to soft suspension it likes to roll in the corners and when compared to modern cars the steering is heavy and not precise.
There was a long list of optional equipment prepared for the model, like ABS air conditioning, automatic gearbox, disc brakes for the back wheels and even a pneumatic suspension was considered. It is obvious that the 720 was created by enthusiastic engineers who were working on a completely new type of car than before. They have proved they would have been able to produce a car that would have not been lost in the world market however it was not meant to be.
Joka viimeksi nauraa, kuolee iloisena.