Skoda 1000MB (1964 – 1969) Review

Skoda 1000MB (1964 – 1969) At A Glance

3/5

+Art deco styling, and cool details now

-Rear engined saloon lacking in space and quality

A switch to rear engines and the introduction of a less traditional, and rather ugly new style, marked the beginning of a downhill slide in Skoda’s fortunes, when the 1000MB made an appearance in 1964. After years of producing solidly dependable cars, Skoda turned to this Renault 8-inspired saloon in a move to modernize its products. The rear engined 1000MB was powered by an overhead-valve 988cc engine, using an aluminium cylinder block to help keep weight down, something that was necessary with the powerplant hanging over the rear axle.

The low compression ratio of 8.3:1 helped the engine to run on poor quality fuel, but it didn't do much for the car's power output, which was rated at 43bhp. From the outset, only a four-door saloon was available, but from 1966, a twin-carburettor two-door pillarless coupé was offered. Called the 1000MBX, very few were built as the cars were too expensive to buy. Although it only lasted five seasons, the 1000MB was replaced by the facelifted S100/110, and after that, the 105/120 Estelle, which lasted until 1990. The car became something of an international joke because it outlived its welcome by a considerable margin.