The Škoda Museum in Mladá Boleslav has expanded its exhibition space with a new publicly accessible archive dedicated to 31 design studies and prototypes from the late 1950s to the present day. The new hall, named “Odtajněné koncepty” (Unveiled Concepts), complements the “Spící krása” (Sleeping Beauty) exhibit opened last fall, forming a separate guided tour circuit that requires advance reservation.
The new exhibit showcases the brand’s design and technical evolution, presented in a “garage-style” setting within a historic factory hall dating back to 1913. Each exhibit includes a brief description, with detailed information available via QR code scanning. The museum anticipates rotating the displayed vehicles, similar to its main exhibition.
Seznam vystavených vozů
Škoda 973 „Babeta“ (1953)
Developed for the Czechoslovak army, the Škoda 973 “Babeta” featured all-wheel drive and significant ground clearance, offering excellent off-road capability. A total of 30 units were produced, and it even made a cameo appearance in the 1964 film “Kdyby tisíc klarinetů.” Its nickname is derived from the song “Babeta šla do světa.”
Škoda 976 (1956)
The Škoda 976 was developed as a study for a new personal vehicle with a front engine and front-wheel drive. Later, a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration was chosen.
Škoda 988 (1958)
The Škoda 988, created between 1957 and 1958 in four examples with visual differences, was an early prototype of the 1000 MB model. This version featured an all-metal monocoque body and, uniquely, an experimental overhead camshaft engine.
Škoda 988 (1958) |
Škoda 990 NOV Combi (1963)
Although the Škoda 1000 MB was sold as a sedan, a two-door coupe MBX also existed. A unique station wagon version also emerged somewhat serendipitously. The prototype logged 7,000 km of testing but was deemed unfeasible for production due to the complexity of its flat engine layout.
Škoda 998 Agromobil (1963)
The Škoda 998, with all-wheel drive, was intended for Czech farmers, foresters, and the military. Development was carried out in collaboration with Česká zbrojovka Strakonice, where it was to be manufactured. Thirteen units were built between 1962 and 1963.
Škoda 720 (1971)
The Škoda 720, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, was a progressive mid-size sedan that failed to gain political traction after 1968.
Škoda 740 (1971)
Josef Čech created the Škoda 740 in 1969 as a study for a new vehicle with a front engine. Later, a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration was selected.
Škoda 788 (1991)
The Škoda 788, a sanitary version of a form car with an extended wheelbase, was created in 1991. Despite initial testing, only two units were produced as similar vehicles were already available from van manufacturers.
Škoda Vision E (2017)
The Vision E study, unveiled in 2017, represented a bold step towards an electric future, later embodied by the Enyaq model. The vehicle, showcased in Shanghai and Frankfurt, featured a digital instrument panel and touchscreen infotainment for all passengers.
