Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept: The automotive world loves nostalgia, and Skoda has once again proven that history can beautifully blend with the future. With the stunning Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept, the Czech carmaker reimagines one of its rarest and most elegant coupes from the 1960s — the 1000 MBX — through its bold new Modern Solid design philosophy. This concept is not just a design exercise; it’s a tribute to Skoda’s engineering legacy and its forward-thinking approach to electric mobility.
The original Skoda 1000 MBX, launched in 1966, was derived from the 1000 MB saloon and marked a significant technological leap for the brand. It was Skoda’s first car to adopt a unibody construction — a big deal in its era. With only 2,517 units produced, the MBX quickly became a collector’s gem. Its delicate balance of style and simplicity, paired with a rear-mounted 988cc engine producing 42bhp, made it an icon of Czech automotive craftsmanship. Now, Skoda has brought this legend back — only this time, it’s electrified, digitalized, and modernized for today’s roads.
This modern reinterpretation of the 1000 MBX encapsulates Skoda’s vision for the future: sustainable yet stylish, digital yet emotional. Drawing inspiration from the past while being firmly rooted in the present, the new MBX Concept seamlessly combines retro charm with futuristic innovation. Let’s explore how Skoda has transformed a 1960s classic into a symbol of modern automotive design and technology.
Specifications – Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept |
| Platform | Flat-floor electric skateboard platform |
| Powertrain | Fully Electric |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (expected) |
| Seating Configuration | 2+2 convertible into 2-seater |
| Battery & Range | Not disclosed (concept stage) |
| Design Language | Modern Solid |
| Body Type | 2+2 Coupé |
| Doors | Rear-hinged doors |
| Interior Design | Glass dashboard with projection display |
| Suspension | Air suspension system |
| Special Features | Tip-up rear cinema-style seats, projected instrument panel |
| Designer | Antti Savio (Exterior), David Stingl (Interior) |
| Build Time | 3–4 weeks (concept creation) |
| Production Status | Concept only |
Design and Exterior: Retro Lines Meet Futuristic Form
The Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept captures the soul of the original while infusing it with modern elegance. Skoda’s designers — led by Antti Savio — carefully retained several iconic details, including raised headlamps above the bonnet, a strong crease line along the flanks, and the distinctive C-pillar treatment that gave the classic MBX its unmistakable charm.
Unlike its predecessor, this new MBX sits on a flat-floor electric platform, enabling a sleek stance and improved cabin space. The design is clean, aerodynamic, and instantly recognizable as a Skoda, yet refreshingly different — less aggressive, more approachable, and wonderfully balanced between sportiness and charm.
Skoda’s Modern Solid design philosophy emphasizes simplicity, confidence, and emotional appeal. The MBX Concept embodies these ideals with a sculpted yet friendly aesthetic, preserving the spirit of 1960s elegance while embracing 21st-century technology.
Interior: Classic Inspiration with Digital Sophistication
Inside, Skoda has taken a bold approach by combining digital minimalism with nostalgic storytelling. The glass dashboard projects digital imagery, such as the original MBX instrument panel, merging past and present in a single design stroke. The absence of a central console pays homage to the original 1000 MBX’s airy and simple layout, while providing more legroom and cabin openness.
The rear seats are cinema-style tip-up units, allowing the car to transform from a 2+2 coupe to a two-seater with expanded cargo space. The air suspension ensures a smooth, comfortable ride — perfectly aligned with the MBX’s character as a stylish and refined grand tourer.
Designer David Stingl, responsible for the cabin layout, described the car as “a coupé with remarkable everyday usability.” It’s not just a nostalgic weekend car — it’s envisioned as a practical, emotional EV for daily life.
Performance and Platform
Though technical specifications remain undisclosed, Skoda confirmed that the 1000 MBX Concept is based on a flat-floor electric platform, likely similar to the brand’s upcoming next-gen MEB or SSP-based EVs. This platform supports a low center of gravity and improved structural rigidity, key elements for handling and range efficiency.
While we don’t yet know the battery capacity or power output, the concept showcases Skoda’s readiness to expand its electric performance portfolio, blending nostalgia with next-generation propulsion.
Features and Technology
The Skoda 1000 MBX Concept is as much about innovation as it is about inspiration. Among its standout features are:
- Glass dashboard with projection display
- Rear-hinged doors for easier ingress and style impact
- Air suspension for comfort and stance adjustment
- Modular 2+2 seating with folding cinema-style rear seats
- Flat-floor architecture for maximum interior flexibility
- Retro-inspired digital interface displaying historic gauge visuals
The emphasis here is on design purity and usability — proving that even nostalgic concepts can be built with functionality in mind.
Price and Production Outlook
As of now, the Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept remains a one-off design study, created in just three to four weeks. While Skoda has not confirmed production plans, the overwhelmingly positive reception suggests that elements from the concept — especially its design philosophy — could inspire future production EVs.
If the MBX-inspired coupe ever makes it to production, it could rival compact electric GTs such as the Mini Cooper SE Coupe or even the Alpine A290. Pricing, if it were to exist, would likely start around the £40,000–£50,000 mark.
Also read: Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC 2025: The Luxury SUV Goes All-Electric from £60,000
Other Details
This concept forms part of Skoda’s ongoing effort to reinterpret its most iconic models. After the Skoda 110 R Modern Solid, the 1000 MBX joins a growing lineup of design exercises that celebrate heritage while exploring future trends. It’s also a signal that Skoda is preparing to inject more emotional appeal into its upcoming electric range, blending practicality with passion.
Conclusion
The Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept stands as a beautiful tribute to the brand’s past while showcasing a confident vision of the future. It embodies everything Skoda stands for — practical innovation, emotional design, and authentic heritage. By reimagining a 1960s coupe through a modern electric lens, Skoda has created a car that appeals to both the heart and the mind.
The concept’s charm lies in its balance between elegance and modernity. It doesn’t shout for attention but earns it through thoughtful details, smooth proportions, and nostalgic storytelling. The designers have successfully revived an icon without diluting its identity, showing how timeless design can evolve across generations.
While we may never see this exact concept on the roads, its influence on future Skoda EVs is undeniable. Expect to see more of this Modern Solid DNA in the next wave of electric crossovers, coupes, and sedans.
Ultimately, the 1000 MBX Concept reminds us that progress doesn’t mean forgetting where you came from — it means bringing the best of the past into a brighter, electrified future.
FAQs of Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept
1. What is the Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept?
The Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept is a modern reinterpretation of the 1966 Skoda 1000 MBX coupe, designed using Skoda’s latest Modern Solid design language. It’s a fully electric concept showcasing how classic aesthetics can meet next-generation technology and sustainability.
2. Is the new Skoda 1000 MBX an electric car?
Yes. The modern 1000 MBX Concept is fully electric, built on a flat-floor EV platform to maximize cabin flexibility and efficiency. Although Skoda hasn’t shared battery or performance details, the model previews future electric technology from the brand.
3. Will the Skoda 1000 MBX Concept go into production?
As of now, Skoda has no official plans to mass-produce the MBX Concept. However, its positive reception and design philosophy are expected to influence upcoming Skoda EVs — especially in coupe and crossover formats.
4. What makes the MBX Concept’s interior special?
The interior is a blend of retro inspiration and digital innovation. It features a glass dashboard that projects digital instrument displays, cinema-style folding rear seats, and rear-hinged doors for easier access — all wrapped in Skoda’s signature minimalist luxury.
5. Who designed the Skoda 1000 MBX Modern Solid Concept?
The concept was designed by Antti Savio (exterior designer) and David Stingl (interior designer). Their goal was to preserve the friendly charm of 1960s sports coupes while introducing futuristic electric-era sophistication. Impressively, the entire project was completed in just three to four weeks.