Despite having had some coupés in its history, since joining the Volkswagen Group in the 1990s, Skoda never “had the right” to own one again. However, it came close to that. At the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, he presented a prototype of a coupé, very close to production, the Skoda Tudor.
It gave rise to talk due to its elegant lines, giving the air of a Superb without the rear doors and with a tailgate where only the model name appeared instead of the number plate. It also introduced some elements and details that began to incorporate the brand's future models, the most notable of which was the adoption of “C”-shaped rear optics, which are still used today.
The Skoda Tudor was the result of a challenge made to the brand's designers, having generated several proposals — from a Fabia pick-up to an Octavia convertible — but it was the coupé that captured the most attention, giving rise to the full-scale prototype that we know. .
The Tudor was a working prototype, having emerged equipped with the 2.8 VR6 with 193 hp from the Volkswagen group. Despite its proximity to a production model (the front was the Superb, for example), it was never produced.
The Skoda Tudor would eventually get a seat at the Skoda museum in Mlada Boleslav where it stands today. Well… if we exclude a small incident in India.
A stolen prototype?
Skoda took the Tudor to that Asian country to show it at a local salon. At the end of the event, and according to the brand, “under dramatic circumstances”, they lost the prototype. Someone must have liked the coupé so much they took it.
Subscribe to our newsletter
After intense searches carried out by the authorities, the Skoda Tudor appeared at a train station, but only months later. However, the daring author of the “disappearance” was never found.
Upon returning to the Czech Republic, the Skoda Tudor would have to be completely renovated, currently remaining in the museum of the Czech brand. Car theft is, unfortunately, common… but a salon prototype?