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Mladá Boleslav, 11 September 2014 – ŠKODA premiere in China: The carmaker will be taking part in a classic car rally in China for the first time. A Laurin and Klement 300 and a ŠKODA Felicia will be on the starting line of the first 'Top City Classic Rally China'. The 'Top City Classic Rally China' comprises two uniformity and reliability trials in the regions of the Chinese cities of Beijing (12 to 14 September) and Shanghai (19 to 21 September 2014).

The international classic scene will be enriched by a unique new rallying adventure – the 'Top City Classic Rally China'. The participants will experience some real contrasts between the vibrant cities, ancient cultural sites and amazing areas of natural beauty over two consecutive weekends in China. "We are delighted that ŠKODA will have the opportunity of being at the premiere of this amazing classic rally," says Michal Velebný, Director of the ŠKODA Museum restoration workshop. "China is by far ŠKODA's largest individual market. The rally presents a great opportunity to showcase two real gems from our 119-year corporate history to a Chinese audience who are both enthusiastic and knowledgeable about vintage cars."

The Laurin & Klement 300 is a visually and acoustically impressive vehicle from the 1920s. The open-top L&K 300, which will be in the starting line in China, was built in 1923, and has been in the ŠKODA Museum's collection in Mladá Boleslav since 1974. The exhaust system does not feature any kind of soundproofing, which will surely guarantee an audible experience like no other for the spectators. In addition, the car, with its high, open body, is a feast for the eyes. The intern also known as 'Makina' L & K 300 is powered by a 50 hp engine with a 4713cc displacement. Its top speed is around 100km/h, and normal cruising speed is 60km/h. The four-speed transmission with a reverse gear drives the rear wheels of the vehicle's frame structure. The 200-liter fuel tank is located behind the seats.

The convertible ŠKODA Felicia built in 1961 epitomizes the noble elegance of the 1960s. The automotive homage to the 'Sweet Sixties' is one of the brand's most sought after vintage cars, and has steadily increased in value being so popular among collectors. The turquoise model driving through Beijing and Shanghai has long been one of the 'regulars' at important vintage car rallies in Europe. And even in China, ŠKODA Felicia is sure to win the hearts of all those watching the rally. With its elegant shape and the distinctive tail fin, the two-seater is open one of the finest vehicles of its time. Under the bonnet – a 50hp four-cylinder engine with a 1083cc displacement, accelerating the vehicle to a maximum of 130 km/h.

The 'Top City Classic Rally China' will start on 12 September in the Chinese capital Beijing. From there, the participants will be driving 477 km northwest over the following two days, reaching their destination on 14 September in the city of Zhangjiakou. The metropolis with 4.8 million inhabitants is also known as Beijing's Northern Door due to its strategic position above and northwest of Beijing.

The programme continues exactly one week later (19 to 21 September) with the second part of the 'Top City Classic Rally China'. The drivers will be taking a 581km journey southwest from Shanghai to the town of Qiandaohuzhen. The scenic route passes through unique natural landscapes, including around the famous Thousand Island Lake (Qiandao Lake), a vast, 573km2 reservoir.

Both trips in the 'Top City Classic Rally China' have been announced as uniformity and reliability trials. The China Rally has been organised by Motor Presse China in collaboration with the magazines Motor Klassik and Auto Motor und Sport.

China is by far ŠKODA's strongest individual market. With 227,000 deliveries in 2013, around one quarter of ŠKODA's vehicle sales worldwide went to customers in China. The Czech manufacturer has been on the Chinese market since 2007, where ŠKODA has since delivered more than 1.2 million vehicles. Sales in China grew 10.3% to 173,400 vehicles in the first eight months of this year alone.

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