Skoda’s design team has been having fun after hours revisiting classic models and sketching out what they might look like with the brand’s latest design language. The “Modern Solid” design has now been applied to one of the rarest cars ever made by the Czech automaker. The 1000 MBX debuted in 1966, and only 1,403 units were produced before being discontinued in 1969. The rarer version, the slightly more powerful 1100 MBX, saw only 1,114 examples assembled.
The 1000 MBX/1100 MBX was essentially a two-door coupe version of the 1000 MB, retaining the rear-engined, rear-wheel drive layout. Like the original, Skoda’s revival is a boxy coupe that skips the B-pillars but adds small rear-hinged doors reminiscent of the Mazda RX-8. It features four sliding doors to access the bench-style front seats and fold-down rear seats similar to those found in movie theaters.
Skoda’s Antti Savio handled the exterior design, while David Stengel was responsible for the cabin. The duo completed the project in just four weeks for the brand’s recently launched “Icons Get a Makeover” series Reimagined 110 R Coupé. As with previous projects, this one is completely electric and has no chance of reaching production. These drawings are “what if” exercises, not previews of upcoming models.
Since it only exists as a digital concept, Skoda has imagined the 1000 MBX with cutting-edge features you won’t find on any of its real cars, such as a height-adjustable air suspension. The compact coupe, which is roughly the size of the last Audi TT, certainly pays homage to its predecessors, but it also reminds us of another futuristic design from a different brand: Nissan IDX.
Photo by: Skoda
Skoda’s latest creation from the world of imaginative design includes other clever touches, such as the unusual oval glass-covered dashboard. We’ve included images of the original to highlight the clear design inspiration and striking similarities.
The latest true concept wearing a solid modern design language and evolving into a production vehicle is See ora large electric vehicle scheduled to be produced within a few years. As for the 1000 MBX and its fictional predecessors, they will remain fascinating side projects from the design team, and sadly never made it into showrooms.
