Škoda L&K 130: A Superb Estate Transformed into a Bold Bike-Support Pickup by Students
Škoda’s deep-rooted connection with the world of cycling stretches all the way back to 1895, when founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement began building bicycles under the Laurin & Klement name. Fast forward 130 years, and this origin story is still deeply embedded in the brand’s identity. Nowhere is this more evident than in the latest Škoda Student Car project—the L&K 130—a creative transformation of the Superb Estate into a cycling support pickup. Crafted by 28 students from the Škoda Auto Vocational School, the L&K 130 isn’t just a clever reinterpretation of an estate vehicle; it’s a full-blown tribute to the company’s origins and ongoing dedication to cycling. Škoda has been a major partner of the Tour de France for over two decades, so it’s fitting that this special one-off vehicle will make its public debut during the 112th edition of the iconic race. The L&K 130 is not only a celebration of history but a showcase of modern thinking, ingenuity, and a hands-on approach to engineering education that has become a hallmark of the Škoda Academy.
Designing a Vision: From Estate to Pickup
Transforming the sophisticated Superb Combi into a functional, eye-catching pickup wasn’t a small feat. The students began by reimagining the car’s entire rear structure, removing the traditional boot and reshaping the B- and C-pillars to accommodate a custom-built cargo area. This flatbed isn’t just about utility; it’s smartly designed to hold two bicycles on an electrically extendable rack system that tilts the bikes at a 35-degree angle. This setup allows the bikes to fit snugly and securely, even when the rear section is closed. A third bike can be mounted on the roof, providing options for different transportation needs. The result is a vehicle that blends rugged utility with advanced engineering, staying true to the Superb’s elegant silhouette while drastically shifting its use case. Even the bed area has been thoughtfully integrated into the design, showcasing not only mechanical acumen but an aesthetic that respects Škoda’s current design language and functional integrity.
An Engineering Marvel: The Sliding Rear Door
One of the standout features of the L&K 130 is its unconventional sliding rear passenger door. This design element isn’t just a gimmick—it’s been engineered with the needs of professional cycling teams in mind. The door swings outward and slides backward, creating a safe and accessible entry point that can be operated in close proximity to passing cyclists during a race. It features dual locking mechanisms and twin handles, ensuring both security and ergonomic ease. Behind this door lies a single passenger seat, replacing the standard three-person rear bench, which has been removed to make way for other innovative modifications. This structural change reflects the vehicle’s specific mission: it’s not about ferrying people en masse, but about efficiently supporting athletes with the equipment, storage, and technology needed during competition. The sliding door represents a beautiful fusion of practicality and creativity, embodying the student team’s ability to think outside the box while staying rooted in real-world applications.
Interior Innovation: Cycling-Centric Cabin
Inside the L&K 130, the modifications continue to impress. Designed to cater specifically to the needs of a professional cycling support crew, the interior features a digital display system that presents live cycling data—ideal for monitoring rider performance or tracking real-time stats. In place of the left rear seat, students installed a cool box for storing water bottles, energy drinks, or medical supplies. This smart substitution is a nod to the vehicle’s mission, as staying hydrated and energized is essential during long stages. Above, a custom-built storage net is attached to the roof lining, perfect for lightweight essentials like energy bars, first-aid kits, or spare gloves. Even the driver’s cabin has been enhanced with a tablet system that streams video from a rear-mounted camera, giving the driver and support team increased visibility and tactical awareness during a race. Together, these changes make the cabin more than just a comfortable space—it’s a mobile operations center tailored for endurance cycling.
A Livery That Speaks to Legacy
No special edition Škoda would be complete without a livery steeped in history. The L&K 130 sports a striking color palette of white, red, gold, and black, all carefully selected to evoke the vintage Laurin & Klement branding. The familiar winged arrow Škoda logo has been replaced with the original L&K badge, a visual throwback to 1895 that sets this car apart even before it moves. These touches are not merely decorative; they’re symbolic of the blend of tradition and progress that the L&K 130 embodies. Painted lines flow elegantly across the vehicle’s surface, emphasizing its sleek transformation from wagon to pickup. The integration of heritage into the vehicle’s design isn’t just respectful—it’s emotionally resonant. In this way, the car tells a story not just of 130 years of Škoda, but of students who understand the importance of history and have the skills to reimagine it for the modern world. This kind of branding reinforces Škoda’s long-term commitment to cycling and craftsmanship.
Technical Mastery Through Education
The L&K 130 is not a product of a typical factory R&D team—it’s the work of 28 aspiring engineers and designers studying at the Škoda Auto Vocational School in Mladá Boleslav. With guidance from Škoda professionals, these students spent over 2,000 hours conceptualizing, planning, and executing this project from scratch. This tenth Student Car continues a long-standing tradition at the Academy, where students are given the opportunity to bring a concept vehicle to life every year. The focus isn’t just on the end result—it’s about the process. Students work cross-functionally, dealing with real-world automotive challenges including structural integrity, design constraints, electronics integration, and logistics. Through the L&K 130 project, these students developed hands-on experience that goes far beyond textbook learning. They’re not just building a car—they’re building their future careers, learning how to collaborate across departments and manage a full-scale automotive development cycle. The car is a classroom on wheels, and the results speak volumes about the depth of talent being nurtured at Škoda.
Plug-In Hybrid Power and Silent Operation
Underneath the handcrafted exterior, the L&K 130 retains the sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain of the original Superb Combi. This system allows the vehicle to operate on silent electric-only mode, which is especially useful in race settings where engine noise can be disruptive. This silent mode is also perfect for supporting professional cycling events, where a calm and quiet environment is crucial, particularly in the support convoy. The use of hybrid technology adds another dimension to the vehicle—it not only acknowledges the need for sustainability but also showcases Škoda’s commitment to integrating its student projects with the latest drivetrain advancements. The students didn’t shy away from working with complex powertrain systems, either. Integrating their modifications without compromising the hybrid system’s integrity required technical precision and a deep understanding of automotive architecture. In this way, the L&K 130 stands as a beacon of what happens when cutting-edge technology meets youthful passion and academic excellence.
A Showcase at the Tour de France
As a long-time partner of the Tour de France, Škoda has used the global stage of cycling’s most prestigious race to unveil and celebrate this one-off masterpiece. Set to appear during the 112th edition of the Tour in July, the L&K 130 isn’t just another support vehicle—it’s a rolling advertisement for the creativity and potential of the next generation of carmakers. While there are no plans for mass production, the attention the car will receive at the event is expected to shine a spotlight on the Škoda Academy and its student talent. Fans of cycling and motoring alike will appreciate the attention to detail, the clever utility elements, and the respect for heritage baked into every inch of the design. This isn’t a marketing stunt—it’s a meaningful project with real-world application and enormous educational value. It also reaffirms Škoda’s status not only as a carmaker but as a cultural and sporting patron that takes its commitments seriously.
Conclusion: Where Legacy Meets Future
The Škoda L&K 130 is much more than a modified Superb—it’s a full-circle tribute that combines history, education, sustainability, and design excellence in one thoughtful package. Every component, from the sliding door and bike racks to the plug-in hybrid system and L&K livery, speaks to a deeper purpose. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t just function well—it tells a story. For Škoda, it’s a celebration of 130 years of innovation and a symbol of their unwavering ties to cycling. For the students, it’s a launching pad into a promising future in automotive design and engineering. And for the public, it’s a fascinating glimpse into how heritage can inspire modern functionality. The L&K 130 may never hit the assembly line, but its impact will resonate through classrooms, racetracks, and showrooms for years to come. It's proof that with the right support, the next generation can not only honor tradition—they can reinvent it in stunning fashion.
