Skoda recalls the 1000 MB
Skoda is commemorating the start of production of the 1000 MB in 1964 with a special exhibition.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Skoda
Skoda is commemorating the start of production of the 1000 MB in 1964 with a special exhibition: the 14 vehicle exhibits also include the 976 and 988 prototypes from the 1950s.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Skoda
Skoda set up a completely new 80-hectare production area at its main plant especially for the 1000 MB.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Skoda
Production of the 1000 MB started at Skoda 60 years ago. The factory museum now has a special exhibition commemorating the then modern family car with rear engine and all-steel body - from the first considerations about the basic concept, prototype development and preparations for series production to the market launch and the production of successor models, which were also rear-engined.
The museum in Mladá Boleslav is exhibiting 14 vehicles from the model's history until January 5. 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. The series also stands for the brand's switch to self-supporting bodies and a rear-wheel drive concept. In addition to the exhibits, visitors can also obtain information via video screens or have their picture taken in a photo corner with a replica of the MBX coupé version, of which only around 2,500 vehicles were built.
Skoda began work on the new model in the mid-1950s: Various prototypes with different drive concepts as well as two- and four-door body versions and including tests under extreme weather conditions finally resulted in the production of the 1000 MB. It was the brand's first production model with the engine positioned under a modern, lightweight and self-supporting rear body structure. At the same time, the MB was the first real volume model in the history of Czechoslovakia. More than 100,000 units were produced each year. At the time of its market launch, the Skoda 1000 MB was at the top of its class thanks to its technology, high level of comfort and design.
Without the modern production methods of the time, the success of the MB would probably not have been as great. For example, 60 years ago, a unique Czechoslovak patent for aluminum die-casting was used in large-scale automotive production at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The 1000 MB was also built in a completely new 80-hectare section of the production facility. In the first five years, more than 443,000 units were produced, over half of which the brand exported to dozens of countries around the world. The vehicle concept also proved its worth in numerous racing and rally events. In a constantly evolving and modernized form, it formed the mainstay of the model range for over a quarter of a century before the Skoda Favorit heralded the start of the modern era.
The Skoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. As a special offer, a combined ticket is available which, in addition to admission to the museum, also includes a visit to the birthplace of Ferdinand Porsche in Liberec-Vratislavice. The museum's branch, located around half an hour's drive from Mladá Boleslav, can be visited from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays. (aum)
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Skoda is commemorating the start of production of the 1000 MB in 1964 with a special exhibition.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Skoda
Download:
Skoda is commemorating the start of production of the 1000 MB in 1964 with a special exhibition: the 14 vehicle exhibits also include the 976 and 988 prototypes from the 1950s.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Skoda
Download:
Skoda set up a completely new 80-hectare production area at its main plant especially for the 1000 MB.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Skoda
Download: