Skoda 1000 MBX concept revealed

SKODA has channelled a rare communist-era coupe in designing its all-new electric concept vehicle, the 1000 MBX.

Said to offer a ‘fun and practical design’, the Skoda 1000 MBX harnesses the Czech manufacturer’s Modern Solid design language, and offers 2+2 seating, a flat floor, rear-hinged doors, and enough luggage space to accommodate an adult’s bicycle.

“Our concept is sportier overall, yet still has a friendly look,” explained Skoda 1000 MBX exterior designer Antti Savio.

Adding to his colleague’s comments, interior designer David Stingl said it was important the 1000 MBX concept reflected the feeling of the time when the original was built.

“Modern sports cars often appear overly aggressive, while those from the 60s and 70s carried a certain elegance, even an endearing charm, and that’s what I wanted to preserve.”

“We wanted to keep the car’s essence – what it represented in its time. It wasn’t a sports machine, but rather an elegant car for an active lifestyle.

“Our MBX concept is a 2+2 coupe that can easily transform into a two-seater with remarkable cargo capacity.

“This car should encourage its crew to go exploring without a moment of hesitation. It’s not meant to be just a fun weekend coupé to be a second car in the family, but a vehicle with exceptional everyday usability.

The concept features air suspension, a glass-covered oval dashboard display, console-free passenger cabin, cinema-style folding rear seats, and strategically placed LED ambient lighting in lieu of the original’s chrome garnishing.

“I’m very fond of product design and brutalist architecture, so while developing this vision I studied several buildings and objects in that style,” added Mr Savio.

“The result is a concept with bold, confident, and unusual forms that express strength and character.

Though not a retro design, the car still features subtle nods to the original, such as the raised headlights above the bonnet line, the character crease along the flanks, and the distinctive C-pillar treatment.

“The concept has no conventional rear window, which provides extra luggage space and gives the car a sportier, more compact appearance,” continued Mr Savio.

“A rear-view camera replaces the window.

For now, the 1000 MBX remains a 3D render, arriving as part of Skoda’s ‘Icons Get a Makeover’ series. There are no hints that the model will enter production.

The original Skoda 1000 MBX coupe was built upon the 1000 MB sedan, Skoda’s first car with a self-supporting body and a revolutionary aluminium engine block produced by pressure casting.

The two-door ‘Tudor’ variant, featuring frameless doors and no B-pillar, entered production in 1966 as the 1000 MBX with a 988cc engine delivering 42hp (31kW).

A stronger 1100 MBX version followed in 1968, powered by a 1107cc engine with 52hp (39kW).

Production, with a very limited daily output, ended just a year later, with only 2517 units ever produced, making it one of Skoda’s rarest production models.

Skoda says the 1100 MBX variant “remains particularly scarce”.