Celebrating its 130th anniversary in the automotive industry, Škoda is opening a unique exhibition to visitors that reveals the deep-rooted heritage and industrial history of the brand.
The exhibition is held in an original factory hall built in 1906. Visitors have the opportunity to closely examine 23 historical Škoda models, most of which were discovered in remote corners of the country before entering the museum collection, forgotten over the years, but preserved “as is”. This special exhibition also brings to light many behind-the-scenes stories throughout Škoda’s 130-year history that have not been publicly available until now.
The exhibition area, which served as a metal forging factory, hosts the huge steam hammer used in the mass production of large metal components. This historical venue, restored by the Škoda Museum, carries the spirit of the brand’s earliest industrial periods to the present day. While all elements except the floor remain original, visitors see the vehicles among the original roof beams and iron support structures. It is known that founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement gradually expanded this facility over time, and some of the Laurin & Klement models on display were even produced in this very building.
While each car in the exhibition tells a different story about Škoda’s deep-rooted history, some models particularly stand out. Originally designed as an open-top sports car, the L&K Škoda 110 Coupé (1928) was donated to the museum by its second owner in 1973 and has survived to this day, preserving its original character.
Another remarkable model, the Popular Roadster Deluxe, is featured in the exhibition in its original form with its striking Monte Carlo body and blue-grey metallic color. Traces of that period can still be seen on the hood of this car, which was produced specifically for the 1936 Prague Motor Show.
The exhibition mainly features models produced in the first half of the 20th century. The oldest car on display is the 1913 model L&K Sd, which represents the brand’s transition from bicycle production to automobiles. While the Škoda Rapid OHV from 1948 stands out as the newest model in the exhibition.
This special exhibition not only brings together rare and historical automobiles; It also reveals Škoda’s 130-year uninterrupted innovation journey, from Laurin & Klement to the present day, accompanied by the brand’s heritage and engineering vision.
Automobile Magazine – English
