Produced from 1964 in the then newly built part of the Mladá Boleslav production site, the Škoda 1000 MB impressed with its modern technology, high level of comfort, and attractive design.
Sixty years ago, Škoda launched the production of the 1000 MB, a modern family car with a rear engine and all-steel body. Škoda Auto is now celebrating this anniversary with a special exhibition at the Škoda Museum. Up to and including January 5, 2025, the exhibition will showcase the complete history of this legendary vehicle—from the initial concept, through prototype development and preparations for series production, to the market launch and the production of successor models, which also featured rear engines.
Starting this July, visitors to the Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav will be able to explore 14 exhibited vehicles that highlight the history of the 1000 MB. The exhibits include the 976 and 988 prototypes from the 1950s, Formula 3 racing cars based on the Škoda 1000 MB, and various production versions of the 1000 MB and MBX. With the anniversary celebration of this successful model, the Czech brand also tells the story of its switch to self-supporting bodies and a rear-wheel drive concept. In addition to the exhibits, visitors can obtain information via video screens or have their picture taken in a photo corner with a replica of the particularly attractive coupé version of the MBX.
The Beginning of a New Era
The Škoda 1000 MB was launched in 1964 as a modern family car. The Czech brand had started work on the new model in the mid-1950s. Various prototypes with different drive concepts, as well as two- and four-door body versions, underwent a demanding development program that included tests under extreme weather conditions, resulting in the production of the 1000 MB. It was the first production model from Škoda in which the engine was placed under a modern, lightweight, self-supporting rear body structure. At the same time, the MB was the first real volume model in the history of Czechoslovakia, with Škoda producing more than 100,000 units per year. At the time of its market launch, the Škoda 1000 MB was at the top of its class thanks to its modern technology, high level of comfort, and attractive design. With its timeless elegance, it continues to attract attention 60 years later.
The Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. As a special offer, a combined ticket is available, which includes admission to the museum and a visit to the birthplace of Ferdinand Porsche in Liberec-Vratislavice. The exhibition “60 Years of Škoda 1000 MB” runs until January 5, 2025.
Further information (in Czech and English) can be found on the museum’s website at museum.skoda-auto.com.
