In a nod to its rich automotive heritage, Škoda has unveiled the L&K 130, a one-of-a-kind vehicle created by students from the Škoda Auto Vocational School. The unique project commemorates the 130th anniversary of the founding of Laurin & Klement, the company that laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the Czech auto industry.
Founded in 1895 by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, Laurin & Klement began as a bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer before venturing into automobiles a decade later. In 1925, the company merged with the industrial giant Škoda Works, marking a new era in Czech automotive excellence.
To honor this legacy, Škoda’s apprentices transformed a Superb wagon into an eye-catching pickup truck—their tenth student-conceived concept car and the first to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Under the guidance of Škoda engineers, 28 students reshaped the vehicle’s B- and C-pillars and removed the rear section to create space for a custom-designed bike rack.
The result is an elegant yet functional machine, with two bicycles secured on an electrically extendable bed. The platform features rails that elevate and tilt the bikes at a 35-degree angle, allowing them to fit neatly when the rear compartment is closed. A third bike can be mounted on the roof.
However, the engineering ingenuity doesn’t stop there. On the passenger side, a specially designed rear door swings outward and slides back, revealing a single seat—an unconventional touch that replaces the original rear bench. In its place, students installed a cool box and an external speaker system, turning the vehicle into a mobile leisure unit. A custom rear window complements the modified frame, while the front is outfitted with a radio transmitter and a tablet linked to a rear-view camera.
Visually, the L&K 130 wears its heritage proudly. Adorned in gold, red, white, and black—a color palette inspired by the Laurin & Klement crest—the vehicle also features the original L&K logo, replacing the familiar Škoda winged arrow emblem. The intricate transformation took over 2,000 hours to complete.
The L&K 130 will make its public debut next month at the 112th edition of the Tour de France, an event Škoda has supported for more than 20 years. While a commercial production run isn’t planned, the concept stands as a creative tribute to innovation, craftsmanship, and a legacy that spans more than a century.
Source: Škoda
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