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An icon reimagined: the futuristic yet practical Škoda 1000 MBX

What if one of Škoda’s rarest production cars was reborn today in the brand’s Modern Solid design language? Inspired by Škoda Auto’s rich heritage, the company’s designers have created modern interpretations of several legendary models — including a surprisingly fun and practical vision of the 1000 MBX coupé.​ 

The Škoda 1000 MBX was a unique coupé produced briefly in the 1960s, radiating the carefree spirit of its time. Its elegant two-door body combined style with everyday usability rather than focusing on pure sportiness. This essence served as inspiration for two Škoda Auto designers, who developed a modern reinterpretation of the MBX coupé. ​

“Our concept is sportier overall, yet, still has a friendly look. Modern sports cars often appear overly aggressive, while those from the ’60s and ’70s carried a certain elegance, even endearing charm — and that’s what I wanted to preserve,” says Antti Savio, responsible for the exterior design. “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,” adds David Stingl, who was responsible primarily for the interior design.

Translating that spirit into the present day, the Modern Solid-styled Škoda 1000 MBX becomes something of a crossover — though it may not look like one at first glance. David Stingl came up with a distinctive interior layout featuring a 2+2 seating configuration. The flat-floor electric platform, envisioned for this concept, allows the front seats to merge into a wide, comfortable bench, while the two individual rear seats feature cinema-style tip up seats. The design also features rear-hinged doors ensuring excellent cabin access.

Practical elegance 

“Our MBX concept is a 2+2 coupé that can easily transform into a two-seater with remarkable cargo capacity,” explains David. When the rear seats are folded upwards, there’s sufficient space for luggage — or even a bicycle or other sports equipment. “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,” he continues. The concept even features air suspension, allowing the ground clearance to be adjusted: low for a sporty stance, or high for tackling rough paths and easier cargo loading. 

David Stingl designed the dashboard as a glass-covered oval module into which images are projected. The oval motif is consistently repeated throughout the interior — visible, for example, on the steering wheel and the distinctive headrests. This concept draws direct inspiration from the original car’s instrument panel design. Like its historic predecessor, the modern 1000 MBX vision has no central console. Chrome accents of the original have been replaced with clean graphic details highlighted by ambient lighting, in line with Škoda’s current Modern Solid design philosophy. ​​

Inspired by Architecture

The same philosophy extends to the exterior. “I’m very fond of product design and brutalist architecture, so while developing this vision I studied several buildings and objects in that style,” says Antti 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 headlamps above the bonnet line, the character crease along the flanks halfway up the sides, 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. A rear-view camera replaces the window,” Antti explains, describing himself as a fan of compact three-box vintage coupés from the ’60s and ’70s.

The pair worked on the 1000 MBX vision for around three to four weeks. 

"We met at least twice a week to discuss how the interior and exterior should connect, ensuring the design reflected Škoda’s current philosophy,” Antti recalls. Early sketches were literally drawn on scraps of paper — one key idea came to him over a glass of wine in a bar: „I asked the waiter for some paper and a pen and quickly drew the concept, „he laughs. From there, the idea evolved into a 3D digital model.

David, meanwhile, began directly in a 3D environment, his area of expertise. “I started by shaping the architecture of the interior, then moved on to detailing its visual styling,” he says. The result is a striking interior that blends sporty elegance with practicality in an unprecedented way — a true Modern Solid crossover.