Škoda Reimagines the Iconic 100 for the Modern Solid Electric Era

Škoda is once again turning to its rich heritage for inspiration, this time reinventing one of its most influential models: the Škoda 100, the brand’s first car to surpass one million sales. In a new design study created by exterior designer Martin Paclt, the beloved 1960s saloon is reborn as a sleek, modern, all-electric concept shaped by Škoda’s Modern Solid design philosophy.​​

Rather than recreate the classic 100 through retro cues, Paclt sought to reinterpret its core spirit. The focus was its stance, silhouette and unmistakable character—qualities that made the original a favourite for its simplicity, reliability and everyday charm. The result is a contemporary saloon with smooth, uninterrupted surfaces and generous proportions that echo the clean, honest engineering of the 1969 original.

Distinctive modern touches ensure the concept belongs firmly to the present. A four-element lighting signature and full-width LED strips at both the front and rear replace the chrome details of the past while paying subtle homage to them. A refined, oval graphic frames both ends of the car, referencing the classic Škoda 100’s front and rear design symmetry.

The study’s most daring innovation lies at the rear. Fascinated by how similar the original car’s front and rear windows were, Paclt explored this connection in a new direction—and ultimately removed the rear window entirely. The decision allows the rear to mirror the sculptural presence of the front, giving the car a bold and unmistakable identity. “It’s a break from convention and will definitely spark emotion,” Paclt says. “That’s exactly what design should do.”

Doing away with the rear window also enabled a practical advancement. To keep the concept grounded in technical reality, Paclt integrated a high-mounted fresh-air intake above the roofline, supported by subtle vents in the rear wings. This solution improves cooling efficiency for the electric powertrain while nodding to the original 100’s rear-engine layout. It also visually highlights the technical components positioned behind the cabin—another hallmark of Modern Solid.

The project began with traditional sketching, allowing ideas to form organically before evolving into a detailed 3D model. Paclt based the car’s proportions on the current Škoda Superb’s platform, recognising that the reborn 100 needed to be slightly larger and sit confidently on its wheels. This approach grounds the concept in realistic packaging while showcasing how Škoda’s next generation of design themes may be applied.

While the Škoda 100 concept is not slated for production, its creation serves a deeper purpose. The techniques, ideas and emotional storytelling unlocked through the project will influence Škoda’s future cars as it transitions further into its electric era.

The Legacy of the Original Škoda 100

Produced between 1969 and 1977, the Škoda 100/110 series became the brand’s first million-seller, with 1,079,708 units built. Evolving from the 1000 MB, it retained the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture but introduced more refined styling, improved comfort and enhanced practicality. The four-door saloon was known for its balanced proportions and clever packaging, including fold-flat seats on higher-grade models. Power came from a 1.0-litre engine producing 48 PS in the 100, while the 110 variants offered up to 63 PS.

Škoda’s modern reinterpretation honours this legacy by imagining how the model’s spirit—simplicity, ingenuity and character—could evolve in a fully electric future. Through this bold design study, the Škoda 100 steps confidently into the 21st century while remaining unmistakably true to its roots.