440 with Octavia body

At the end of Škoda 440 Spartak production and the beginning of the new Octavia’s, an interesting “transitional” version appeared, assembled from remaining parts. This hybrid was officially designated as “Škoda 440 with Octavia-type body.”

It displayed all external features of the Octavia / transitional model, but underneath, it still carried the chassis and front axle of the Škoda 440 Spartak. Even its official name retained the Spartak designation.

Mr. Kocián, the owner of such a car, describes it in detail:

“This model is precisely called ‘Š 440 transitional type’, as stated in the owner’s manual. The manual consists of the eighth edition of the regular Spartak guide with an added supplement. I own this car (year 1959); it’s from the first owner and almost completely original (removed sill trims, different dashboard switches, etc.). It differs from the Octavia by having one-piece bumpers and trim strips – either arrow-shaped or aluminum ‘Škoda 440’ inscriptions (see attachment) – and, of course, the 440 chassis.”

“I’m sending a picture where the separation of the grille design is clearly visible (at least I hope so). This car appeared in Světy motorů magazine, probably in 1953. As for the transitional type: nobody knows how many were built, since it’s uncertain how many Š 440 chassis were actually fitted with the ‘new’ body. My car, with chassis and engine number starting with 345xxx, belongs to the third quarter of 1958, although it was dispatched on February 18, 1959! Whether the engine sat in storage for months or the number was reused from a production gap, no one can tell. Each car was unique — as the manual often says, ‘if fitted’ regarding accessories, lights, etc. It was simply the end of production, using up remaining stocks. A brochure probably never existed, since no one wanted to advertise a car that was ‘neither fish nor fowl’. A few still exist today. As I mentioned, mine is quite corroded, so I’ll likely replace the body with a Spartak one — thus it will leave the group of transition types and become an ‘ordinary’ Spartak.”