Skoda is mostly associated with affordable and sensible vehicles for pragmatic people. However, that doesn’t mean all of them are boring. In fact, the Octavia RS has always been based on the VW Golf GTI and is something of a sleeper. The story of this particular one started 10 years ago, on August 19th, 2011, when it set a speed record. The humble Skoda was dubbed the Bonneville Special and after serious modifications, it went to the Bonneville salt flats in Utah and managed a 227.080 mph (365 km/h).

This is enough for 7.1 seconds to 60 mph (97 km/h) and a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h).

The VW-derived, EA888, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine was tweaked by REVO Technik and had extensive modifications, among which upgraded injection system, better cooling including a radiator with a 10-liter capacity, bigger Garett turbocharger working at 2.0 bar (29.0 PSI), and many other supporting mods. The gearbox was borrowed from an Octavia GreenLine, as it had longer gear ratios, and a mechanical limited-slip differential was installed. The result was 608 horsepower to the front wheels.

Expectations were shattered, as Skoda initially aimed for 200 mph (322 km/h). Now 10 years later, the mighty Skoda has been restored to its former glory. It features the same shiny livery, although with a different shade of green. The aerodynamic wheels have been swapped for normal ones. As part of the restoration process, the team behind the car remembered to put back the car's front brakes, which were removed for the record attempt. The Octavia RS still has the stripped interior, fire extinguishers, and a parachute.

Nowadays, the Skoda Octavia Bonneville Special is fully restored and is equipped with regular wheels and tires, ready to blast down at Millbrook Proving Ground’s high-speed oval in Bedford, U.K. At the very least, this proves that even a seemingly boring car like a Skoda Octavia can be a formidable performer.