Skoda revives the 1000 MBX with a modern design vision

Skoda designers Antti Savio and David Stingl reinterpret the classic 1000 MBX coupe in the Modern Solid design language, merging heritage with electric-era practicality.

When it comes to Skoda’s heritage, the name 1000 MBX always evokes nostalgia. This 1960s coupé, based on the 1000 MB sedan, became a symbol of technical ambition and the carefree spirit of its era. Today, the company brings the icon back to life in a new form: designers Antti Mikael Savio and David Stingl have created a modern reinterpretation of the MBX, inspired by the Modern Solid philosophy.

The project took around a month to complete. Savio, responsible for the exterior, and Stingl, who designed the interior, met several times a week to connect past and present ideas. The first sketches appeared spontaneously—literally on scraps of paper—before evolving into a digital 3D model. The result is a refined yet expressive concept that merges the retro coupé aesthetic with the practicality of an electric car.

The modern MBX features a 2+2 layout with a flat floor and a front bench seat, made possible by an imagined electric platform. Rear-hinged doors ensure easy cabin access, while the rear seats fold up to create space for luggage or sports gear. Adjustable air suspension allows drivers to switch between dynamic stance and comfort. In this way, the concept stays true to the original’s idea of blending elegance with everyday usability.

The interior stands out as one of the project’s highlights. Its centerpiece is a glass-covered oval display module onto which images are projected. The motif repeats on the steering wheel and headrests, giving the cabin a sense of unity. Chrome details from the 1960s have been replaced by clean lines and ambient lighting in line with the Modern Solid approach.

For the exterior, Savio drew inspiration from modern industrial design and architecture, shaping bold forms that convey confidence through simplicity. Raised headlights, a character line along the flanks, and a sculpted C-pillar nod to the classic MBX without direct imitation. The rear window was replaced by a camera, making the silhouette more compact and sporty.

The original 1000 MBX was produced between 1966 and 1969, with just 2,517 units built. Its self-supporting body and pressure-cast aluminum engine block marked a major engineering milestone for Skoda. The new vision doesn’t attempt to replicate the past but translates its spirit through the language of modern design.

The project is part of the Icons Get a Makeover series, where the Skoda Design team explores how legendary models might look today. Earlier, the series introduced digital reinterpretations of the Favorit and Felicia Fun. Each is a creative experiment with no production intent but clear influence on the brand’s future design direction.

Once again, Skoda proves that heritage is not a relic of the past but a living source of inspiration for the cars of tomorrow.