Al Suttie takes a step back in time to try out a forerunner of today’s Skoda range, the 1000MB. Here are 10 things he learned about it:
1 – You’ve got to hand it to those communist chaps; they know how to build a decent car for £580.
2 – Compact exterior makes the 1000MB a doddle to jink through traffic and the turning circle is good too.
3 – No power-assisted steering requires an extra puff on your pipe when parking, but it is light and direct on the move.
4 – Worries about the notorious swing axle rear suspension prove unfounded and the 1000MB handles as nimbly as a Morris Minor.
5 – Only 35hp from the 998cc rear-mounted engine but the 775kg 1000MB puts in a spirited effort up to 60mph.
6 – After 60mph, better to sit back and enjoy the Skoda’s charms that are ideally suited to the travelling salesman.
7 – These charms include a fold-down bed made from the seat cushions, helping to save your corporation a few shillings on new-fangled motels.
8 – 37.6mpg won’t win the Skoda friends with the accounts clerks, but it’s better than the Vauxhall Viva’s 35.0mpg average.
9 – High-tech security features include hiding the fuel filler behind the Skoda badge on the front wing. Dashed clever.
10 – With an engine in the boot, there’s no room for the lady at home to go mad at the local shop.
