Spotlight on diecast Skoda models by Abrex

The Abrex company was formed in 1998 with the idea of producing models of cars built in its native country. When we think of Czech cars, we think of Skoda, and the Abrex range is largely made up of models of Skodas through the ages. The models are good quality products, well-detailed and finished, in a range of scales, and made at the Hongwell factory in China.

Although the Skoda name has only been well-known in the UK for a comparitively short time, this car manufacturer dates back to the early days of motoring, and a number of the early cars are modelled in the Abrex range, alongside the latest vehicles.

The history of this car manufacturer follows well-defined lines, starting with bicycles and then motorcycles from the mid-1890s. At that time, the company was known as Laurin & Klement, after its founders. Cars and commercials followed, plus military vehicles for WWI and agricultural machinery.

Abrex produces a 1/43 scale model of the 1905 Laurin & Klement Voiturette from this time, a typical Veteran car, which makes an attractive piece, available in a choice of colours.

To create a stronger industrial base, the Laurin & Klement Co merged with Pizen Skodovka Co in 1925, becoming Skoda. Abrex has also modelled a product of this era, the 1927 L & K Skoda 110 Combi, which is a classic Vintage open tourer, to which can be added a choice of open or covered dropside body, again in a choice of colours.

During the 1930s, Skoda produced the Type A Skoda Popular, available as a car or light van. Its light weight and reasonable price helped the Popular to live up to its name, especially when the Popular Sport Coupé performed well in the 1936 Monte Carlo Rally...

*This is an excerpt of the article 'Czech these out' first published in Diecast Collector's March issue. To see which issues of Diecast Collector are available to buy online, click here

*Diecast Collector is a monthly magazine which focuses on all types of diecast models from Dinky Toys to Oxford Diecast