Škoda Octavia
A modest family car whose name meant eighth—the eighth Škoda built with its postwar central-backbone design.
1959 Škoda Octavia · Rutger van der Maar · CC BY 2.0
Research pending
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More than a set of wheels.
Škoda began building the original Octavia in January 1959. Its name came from the Latin word for eighth because it was the eighth model in the company's postwar line of cars using a central backbone frame. The body looked tidier and more modern than the 440 it replaced, while a revised front axle with coil springs and a stabilizer improved the ride.
Look a little closer.
Octavia means eighth, but the car became number one in many family memories across Central Europe.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A familiar chassis, carefully improved
The Octavia kept Škoda's backbone frame and rear swing axles, but its front axle gained coil springs and a torsion stabilizer. The update improved comfort without throwing away a proven structure.
Source: Škoda Storyboard · Octavia celebrates 60 years ↗A long-lived family
The two-door saloon stayed in production until 1964, while the estate continued until 1971. Škoda reports about 360,000 original-generation Octavias, including more than 54,000 estates.
Source: Škoda Storyboard · 60 years of the Octavia ↗Where these facts come from
- Škoda Storyboard · Octavia celebrates 60 years
- Škoda Storyboard · 60 years of the Octavia
- Škoda Auto · History 1956–1965
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.