What Drives Someone to Collect Over 70 Skodas?
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to become a true car collector, Mark Torok’s story is one for the books. His passion for Skoda isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life. Imagine walking into a barn and finding not one, not ten, but more than seventy Skodas tucked away, each with its own story. For Mark, it all started with a simple fascination that quickly spiraled into a full-blown obsession. He jokes that there was a time when he was buying Skodas like most people buy groceries. That’s dedication on a whole new level.
But what’s behind this love affair? For Mark, it’s about more than just the cars themselves. It’s about preserving a slice of automotive history that many overlook. While some collectors chase after rare Ferraris or classic Jaguars, Mark is on a mission to save Skodas—especially those from the company’s transitional years in the 1990s, a period often forgotten by mainstream enthusiasts.
Which Skodas Make the Cut in Mark’s Collection?
You might think a collection this size would be all about the rarest or most valuable models, but Mark’s approach is refreshingly different. His oldest Skoda is a 1973 S110 DeLuxe, rescued from a scrapyard in the Czech Republic. The newest? A 2006 Skoda Superb V6, saved from being shipped off to Eastern Europe. But ask him about his favorite, and he’ll point to the original 2002 Superb—the so-called “stretched Passat”—a model that perfectly captures Skoda’s evolution from Soviet-era workhorse to modern contender.
Mark’s collection fills assorted farm buildings, each car waiting for its turn in the spotlight. He calls it his “Skoda orphanage,” a safe haven for models that might otherwise be lost to time. Most of these cars just need a bit of TLC—a wash, some basic recommissioning—and they’re good as new. It’s a testament to Skoda’s durability, especially considering the brand’s rocky reputation in the 1980s.
Why Do Some Skodas Fall Through the Cracks?
Here’s where things get interesting. In the UK, Skoda’s reputation tends to skip a beat. People remember the quirky Estelle from the 1970s and 80s, then fast-forward to the Fabia and Octavia of the 2000s. But what about the Favorit and Felicia? These models, launched during Skoda’s partnership with Volkswagen, are often overlooked—trapped in what Mark calls a “no man’s land of obscurity.” He’s made it his mission to rescue these forgotten gems, believing they deserve a place in the spotlight.
This isn’t just nostalgia talking. According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of Favorits and Felicias on UK roads has dropped sharply over the past decade. As emissions regulations tighten and scrappage schemes become more common, cars from the 1990s are disappearing at an alarming rate. Mark’s collection is a direct response to this trend—a way to ensure these models aren’t lost forever.
How Did Skoda Go from Punchline to Powerhouse?
To really understand Mark’s passion, it helps to look at Skoda’s journey. Founded in 1895 as Laurin & Klement, the company built its first car in 1905 and adopted the Skoda name in the 1920s. For decades, Skoda produced solid, if unremarkable, vehicles. But after World War II, the brand struggled under communist rule, and by the 1980s, Skoda was synonymous with unreliability—a punchline in car jokes across Europe.
Everything changed in the early 1990s when Volkswagen stepped in as a partner. Suddenly, Skoda had access to modern engineering, better materials, and a global distribution network. The result? A string of impressive new models, starting with the Favorit and Felicia, and culminating in the Fabia and Octavia. These cars not only changed public perception but also set new standards for value and reliability. Today, Skoda is one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe, with record sales and a reputation for quality that rivals its German parent.
What’s the Real Value in Preserving Unexceptional Cars?
It’s easy to see the appeal of saving a rare sports car or a luxury sedan. But why bother with everyday models like the Skoda Favorit or Felicia? For Mark, the answer is simple: these cars tell the real story of motoring for millions of people. They’re the vehicles families relied on, the first cars many young drivers owned, and the unsung heroes of daily life.
There’s a growing movement among collectors to preserve so-called “unexceptional” cars—models that were once common but are now rare simply because nobody thought to save them. Events like the Festival of the Unexceptional celebrate these everyday classics, shining a light on the cars that shaped our roads and our memories. Mark’s “Skoda orphanage” fits right into this ethos, offering a home to cars that might otherwise be forgotten.
What’s Next for Mark’s Skoda Orphanage?
Right now, Mark’s collection is spread across several farm buildings, each car waiting for its chance to shine. His dream is to bring them all together under one roof—a true Skoda museum where enthusiasts can see the full arc of the brand’s history. Until then, he’s content knowing they’re safe from the scrapyard, preserved for future generations.
Mark’s story is a reminder that car collecting isn’t just about rarity or value. It’s about passion, preservation, and the joy of sharing something you love with others. As he puts it, the doors to his orphanage will always be open to any unwanted Skoda. In his own way, he’s doing for Skoda what the Schlumpf brothers did for Bugatti—creating a treasure trove that will delight future fans and keep the brand’s legacy alive.
If you’ve ever thought about saving a car from obscurity, take a page from Mark’s book. It’s not rocket science—just start small. The outcome? Game-changing.