The decision to begin work on a successor to the Škoda 440 Spartak was made in 1955. Although the first prototypes of the new passenger car were ready a year later, the entire process of developing, testing, and preparing its production took a decade. During this time, modernized Spartaks, or Škoda Octavias, were leaving the AZNP factory in Mladá Boleslav. Introduced in 1964, the Škoda 1000 MB featured an attractive, then-fashionable four-door body and an all-new, rear-mounted, 988 cc, 42 hp liquid-cooled engine. In 1966, the lineup expanded to include a de Luxe model with more extensive equipment. That same year, engine power was also increased to 48 hp. Due to typical “infant-age” issues, the new Škoda model was somewhat mischievously nicknamed “1000 Little Mistakes” in Poland.
From 1966 to 1968, the 1000 MBG de Luxe model with a 52 hp engine was also produced, as was an attractive two-door variant called the 1000 MBX de Luxe, which is now one of the most sought-after collectors’ items. Prototype cars with a station wagon body were also developed, but they did not enter production.
In 1969, the bodywork of the Škoda 1000MB was modernized. The oval front fascia decoration was replaced by a light plastic strip, and the rear panoramic window gave way to a less impressive curved glass. This car was produced for only one year, serving as a transitional model for the new generation of Škoda, the 100 model. Between 1964 and 1969, a total of 420,000 Škoda 1000MBs and 22,000 cars with the 1100 engine were produced.
Displacement: 988 cm³
Engine type: Petrol
Engine power: 48 HP (35 kW) at 4750 rpm
Maximum torque: 75 Nm at 3000 rpm
Camshaft location: SOHC (OHC)
Number of cylinders 4
Cylinder arrangement: inline
Number of valves: 8
Injection type: carburetor
Brake type (front): disc
Brake type (rear): drum
