English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Škoda Garde: two-door rear-engine coupé and what to know when buying
Škoda Garde — a two-door coupé with a rear engine produced from 1981 to 1984, part of the 105/120 family. We explain how it differs from the sedan, which engines to look out for, and what to check if you come across one in the used market.
Garde in brief
The Škoda Garde debuted in November 1981 as a two-door 'fastback' coupé, based on the 105/120 family. It was a sportier and more stylish version of this family compared to the sedans.
Later, it was updated and became the Škoda Rapid. The Garde was produced for only a few years, making it a fairly rare collector's item today.
How it differs from the sedan
The key difference — the rear suspension: the Garde featured a significantly improved rear suspension with trailing arms, which enhanced handling and laid the groundwork for later updated models. Sedans at the time still had the older rear suspension with swinging half-axles.
A two-door body with a sloping (fastback) rear, making it look sportier than the sedan and more appealing to enthusiasts.
Engines and gearboxes
The Garde had a 1.2-litre (1174 cc) petrol engine, producing around 58 hp (43 kW) — the same as the 120 LS and GLS sedans. The engine is at the rear, driving the rear wheels.
The gearbox is manual. The car isn't fast, but it handles better than the sedan and is more enjoyable to drive for comfort.
What to check when buying a Garde
The most important thing is the body condition: check for rust on the sills, arches, floors, and boot floor. Finding replacement coupe body parts, especially doors and glass, is harder than for a saloon, so factor this in before buying.
Check the cooling system (look for air hoses), rear suspension, brakes, and exhaust. Parts, especially body and interior ones, are scarce in Lithuania, but there are enthusiast clubs and specialist suppliers.
Trim levels
Trim level names depend on the market and year of production; the Garde had one main variant.
Standartinė versija
1981–1984Two-door coupe with a 1.2-litre engine and improved suspension.
- Sportier looks than the saloon
- Improved rear suspension
- Two-door body
Garde vs saloon comparison
| Garde | 120 sedanas | |
|---|---|---|
| Body | 2-door coupe | 4-door saloon |
| Rear suspension | With trailing arms | Older, with wobbly suspension |
| Who it's for | Enthusiasts | Everyday use |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€ | € |
The Garde is great for enthusiasts who enjoy a rare, sportier classic car; the sedan is more practical for daily use.
Pros
- A rare, unique classic car
- Improved rear suspension
- Sportier looks than the saloon
- Simple and inexpensive technical construction
Cons
- Rare, so parts can be harder to find
- Risk of corrosion due to age
- Plush comfort and power
Frequently asked questions
How does the Škoda Garde differ from the 120?
The Garde is a two-door coupe with an improved rear suspension, while the 120 is a four-door sedan with an older suspension.
How does the Garde differ from the Rapid?
The Rapid is the later, updated version of the Garde.
How many years was the Garde produced?
Production ran from November 1981 until roughly 1984, when the model was replaced by the Rapid.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
