Škoda
Superb (first generation, 1934–1949)

Why it matters

The Superb name was first used in 1934 for Škoda's flagship model and has remained the name of its top model line. The first generation, based on the 640, combined a central tubular frame with independent wheel suspension and a 12-volt electrical system.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

The first mention of "Superb" is a diary note by plant manager Karel Hrdlička on 22 October 1934, applied to the modernised Škoda 640, which won out over the alternative "Regent". Series production of the 640 Superb began in March 1935 and from 1936 the car carried only the name Superb. In 1938, after more than 600 six-cylinder engines with side valves, Škoda moved to the OHV 3000 engine with 3,137 cc and 85 hp. A small series of V8 Superb 4000 cars followed in 1939-40 and production of the first series ended in 1949.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

The 640 Superb of 1934-35 is a seven-seat saloon about 5,500 mm long with a central tube frame, independent wheel suspension and a 12-volt electrical system. The six-cylinder 2,492 cc engine of 40.5 kW (55 hp) was followed in 1938 by the 3000 OHV straight-six of 3,137 cc and 62.6 kW (85 hp) with overhead valves, offered as a saloon, a limited-edition convertible and a limousine with a glass partition. Twelve Superb 4000 cars with eight-cylinder engines were built in 1939-1940.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   History: Tracing the Skoda Superb from its 1930s origins to its successful modern generations Level A Skoda Storyboard (press kit) · 2023-11-02

   • From 1935 to 1949, Skoda built a total of 2,500 units

   Accessed 2026-11-13
2. 2
   History: Tracing the Skoda Superb from its 1930s origins to its successful modern generations Level A Skoda Storyboard (Skoda Auto) · 2023-11-02

   • From 1935 to 1949, Skoda built a total of 2,500 units
   • six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,492 cm3
   • twelve Superb 4000s with eight-cylinder engines
   • new 3000 OHV straight-six engine ... overhead valves (OHV)
   • central tube frame with independent wheel suspension

   Accessed 2026-11-13
3. 3
   Success story: debut of first Superb models back in the 1930s Level A Škoda Storyboard (Škoda Auto) · 2023-07-21

   • a total of 2,500 units of all versions were built

   Accessed 2026-11-12
4. 4
   Škoda Storyboard press kit: History – tracing the Škoda Superb from its 1930s origins to its successful modern generations Level A

   • 2500 units across all versions of the first Superb generation, 1935–1949

   Accessed 2026-11-12
5. 5
   Škoda Superb (1934-1949): Founder of the traditional flagship model series Level A Škoda Storyboard (Škoda Auto) · 2020-08-04

   • SV in-line six-cylinder engine
   • 3000 OHV engine with a displacement of 3,137cc
   • The 2,492cc engine provided 55 hp (40.5 kW)
   • 2,492cc engine provided 55 hp (40.5 kW)
   • innovative central tubular frame chassis and sophisticated independent wheel suspension
   • uniformly acting hydraulic brakes
   • up to 5.5 metres long
   • top speed of 110 km/h

   Accessed 2026-11-12