Volga, Zhiguli, Gaz or Moskvich. These are the most famous Soviet car brands during the Soviet era. Despite this, you will not find many enthusiastic owners of old cars who were satisfied with the possession of Soviet vehicles. The thing is that most cars produced in Soviet years were very unreliable due to build quality.
The reason for the dubious reliability is that most of the cars created in the USSR were based on foreign analogues. But due to the planned economy of the Soviet Union, car factories were forced to save on literally everything. Naturally including savings on the quality of spare parts. Despite the quality of the fleet in our country, we have a rich history of the auto world.
Unfortunately, many Soviet car brands ceased to exist after the fall of communism and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Fortunately, some of the Soviet era auto brands have survived and exist to this day.
Nowadays, the popularity of Soviet vehicles has grown again, as many car models are now of collectible and historical value. Particular interest of the public arises in rare and sometimes strange cars, which were produced during the Soviet era.
Some of these models existed only in the form of prototypes, which never went into production. Cars that were built by private engineers and designers (homemade) are distinguished by a special exclusivity.
We have collected for you the rarest Soviet cars that appeared in the Soviet Union and make the history of our Patriotic auto world much more interesting.
GAZ 62
GAZ is the most famous car brand in our country. Cars under this brand were produced at the Gorky Automobile Plant. In 1952, the GAZ automobile plant introduced the GAZ-62 car, designed to replace the Dodge “three quarters” (WC-52) military SUV, which was used the Soviet army during the Great Patriotic War.
GAZ-62 is designed to carry 12 people. The carrying capacity of the machine was 1200 kg.
Car designers used several innovative solutions when creating the GAZ-62. So the machine was equipped with sealed drum brakes, as well as a fan for interior heating.
The car was equipped six-cylinder engine 76 hp This allowed the car to accelerate to 85 km / h.
It is worth noting that after the creation of the prototype, the GAZ-62 passed all the necessary tests. But some design problems did not allow the machine to be put into mass production. As a result, in 1956, GAZ began working on a new prototype.
ZIS-E134 Model No. 1
In 1954, a small group of engineers was given the task of building a special military vehicle for the military. The order came from the USSR Ministry of Defense.
On the instructions of the Ministry, it was supposed to be a truck with four axles of wheels, which could drive through almost any terrain, carrying with it a large number of heavy load.
As a result, Soviet engineers presented the ZIS-E134 model. As requested by representatives of the USSR Ministry of Defense, the car received eight wheels, four axles, placed along the entire length of the body, which made it possible to create pulling force, which was similar to the strength of armored tank vehicles. As a result, the ZIS-E134 truck easily coped with any rough terrain, which allowed it to go where no vehicle could reach.
The car weighed 10 tons and was able to carry up to 3 tons of cargo. It is worth noting that, despite the weight, the car could reach speeds of 68 km / h on any type of terrain with a hard surface. Off-road, the car accelerated to 35 km / h.
ZIS-E134 Layout No. 2
After the appearance of the first modification of the ZIS-E134, soon Soviet engineers and designers presented the second version of the eight-wheeled monster to the military department. This machine was built in 1956. The second version had a different body structure, reinforced beams, which made it possible to endow the car with landing capabilities. In addition, thanks to the tightness of the body and the special design of the technical part, the car was able to swim like a military tank.
Despite the heavy weight (total weight of 7.8 tons), the car could accelerate on land up to 60 km / h. The speed on the water was 6 km / h.
ZIL E167
In 1963, an off-road military vehicle ZIL-E167 was built in the USSR. The car was designed to move in the snow. ZIL-E167 was equipped with three axles with six wheels. On non-snowy sections of the road, the car could accelerate to 75 km / h. In the snow, the truck could only accelerate to 10 km / h. Yes, it was very slow. Nevertheless, the car had an amazing patency in the snow. So for ZIL to get stuck in the snow, something incredible must have happened.
The car was equipped with two mounted (in the rear) engines with a capacity of 118 hp. The ground clearance of the monster was 852 mm.
Unfortunately, the truck never went into mass production due to the great difficulties in expanding industrial production, as well as due to the inability to create quality box gears.
ZIL 49061
This car is also called "Blue Bird". ZIL-49061 was equipped with six wheels. Unlike its predecessors, this car went into mass production and became popular in many countries around the world.
The amphibious vehicle was equipped mechanical box gears, independent suspension for each wheel, two propellers.
In addition to the ability to move on the water surface, the SUV could overcome ditches more than 150 cm wide and snow drifts up to 90 cm high.
The maximum speed of the ZIL-49061 on land was 80 km / h. On the water, the car could accelerate to 11 km / h.
The car was mainly used by the USSR military as rescue operations. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the car began to be used by the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation. For example, two "Blue Birds" were sent to Germany in 2002 to participate in an operation to rescue people from a terrible flood. They turned to us for help, since in those years there was no similar equipment in Europe that was capable of performing difficult tasks in water and on land.
ZIL 2906
If you think that today's Russian cars are very strange, then learning about the next rare Soviet car, you will understand that the current vehicles of our country are quite adequate and normal.
During the Soviet era, ZIL-2906 cars were produced in our country, which did not have wheels. Instead, the machine was equipped with spiral shafts, which, rotating, set in motion unusual car. This allowed the SUV to move on the heaviest muddy terrain.
The body of the car was made of fiberglass. Two spirals installed instead of wheels were made of aluminum. This machine was designed to transport various loads (logged trees, beams, etc.) through swamps and snow.
Despite its advanced technology, the car moved too slowly. The maximum speed of the ZIL was 10 km / h (on the water), 6 km / h when driving through the swamp and 11 km / h when moving through the snow.
VAZ-E2121 "Crocodile"
Work on the creation of a prototype VAZ-E2121 (the letter "E" in the name of the model means "experimental") began in 1971. The car was developed by order of the Government, which wanted our country to have its own passenger SUV, available to the masses. As a result, engineers began to develop an SUV based on the VAZ-2101 and VAZ-2103 models.
Ultimately, Togliatti designers developed a prototype of the E2121 SUV, which later received the nickname "Crocodile" (because of the body color that one of the prototypes received). The car was equipped with all-wheel drive and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which was developed for the next generation of VAZ-2106 cars.
Despite not bad idea and the effort expended, this model went into mass production. A total of two examples were built for engineering research and testing.
AZLK MOSKVICH-2150
In 1973, the Moskvich Automobile Plant presented the prototype AZLK-2150. Recall that prior to this, the Moskvich Automobile Plant had already presented several conceptual models 4 x 4. But compared to them, the new AZLK-2150 model had a number of new constructive solutions. For example, the car received new motor the compression ratio of which was reduced to 7.25 (this allowed the car to run on A-67 gasoline). The car was designed for use in rural areas (in agriculture).
Unfortunately, like many stunning Soviet models, the AZLK MOSKVICH-2150 SUV never went into mass production. Reason for lack Money due to the widespread economy of the state. But it could not be otherwise. In a planned economy, it is generally surprising how so many high-tech cars appeared in the USSR.
In total, two AZLK-2150 prototypes were built: Moskvich-2150 (with a hard top) and Moskvich-2148 (with an open top).
VAZ-E2122
AvtoVAZ had another experimental car project, which received the code designation VAZ-E2122. It was an amphibious vehicle project. Development began in the 70s of the last century.
The most amazing thing is that the movement of the car through the water was carried out due to ordinary wheels. Eventually maximum speed cars on the water was only 5 km / h.
The car was equipped with a 1.6 liter gasoline engine, which transmitted torque to all four wheels.
Unfortunately, due to adaptation for movement on water, the car had many design problems. So the engine, transmission and front differential often overheated due to the fact that these components were in special closed cases. This was necessary to protect the vehicle components from water.
In addition, the car had terrible visibility. There were also significant shortcomings in the operation of the exhaust gas system.
Despite a number of difficulties and problems in the development of the machine, the USSR military department was interested in mass production of an amphibious off-road vehicle. As a result, the Ministry of Defense of the Soviet Union ordered several prototypes from AvtoVAZ. But unfortunately, this progressive car project never reached mass production.
UAZ-452k
In the 80s, the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant developed an experimental model 452k based on the famous UAZ-452 "Loaf". The main difference from the standard car was an additional axle, which improved the SUV's stability and traction on rough terrain.
Initially, two versions of cars were created 6 x 4 and 6 x 6. But during the testing process, the developers realized that due to the complexity of the design, the car turned out to be very heavy, which led to huge expense fuel. As a result, the project was decided to be partially curtailed. But not completely. The UAZ automobile plant eventually produced about 50 copies and sent them to Georgia. As a result, SUVs from 1989 to 1994 were used by various rescue services in the Caucasus. These instances did not cause any particular problems, since the mileage of the cars was relatively small, due to the peculiarity of operation.
ZIL-4102
When ZIL-4102 was created, it should be the successor to the famous ZIL limousine, which was used for many years by government servants and senior officials of the Communist Party of the USSR.
ZIL-4102 was equipped with front-wheel drive, and also had carbon fiber body elements: roof panel, trunk lid, hood and bumper.
Two prototypes were built in 1988. It was originally planned that the model will be equipped with three types of engines: 4.5 liter V6, 6.0 liter V8 and 7.0 liter diesel.
Since this model was designed for the elites, the car was naturally equipped with elements of luxury and comfort. So the car had power windows, ten audio speakers, a CD player, an on-board computer and a white leather interior.
Unfortunately, Mikhail Gorbachev was not impressed with the ZIL-4102, and he did not approve the project. That is why the luxurious ZIL did not go into mass production. It's a pity. We believe that if this model appeared in mass production, then our auto industry today would look different.
NAMI-0284 "DEBUT"
In 1987, the Russian Research Automobile and Automotive Institute(NAMI) developed a front-wheel drive prototype car, which was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1988. The machine received the code designation NAMI-0284.
This car attracted huge public attention at exhibitions and received many positive feedback critics and experts of the world car market.
The car had a unique feature for that time - an impressively low coefficient of aerodynamic air resistance (only 0.23 cd). This is surprising since many modern cars cannot boast such aerodynamic characteristics.
The length of NAMI-0284 was 3685 mm. The car was equipped with a 065 liter engine, which in those years was installed in the Oka (VAZ-1111).
In addition, the experimental model was equipped with electronic servo steering and cruise control.
Despite the low power of the engine (35 hp), given the low weight of the car (less than 545 kg), it was able to accelerate to 150 km / h.
Moskvich AZLK-2142
The first AZLK-2142 "Moskvich" was presented to the public in 1990. Engineers positioned the car in those years as the most modern car ever created by the AZLK automobile plant.
According to the plans of the Moskvich automobile plant, the car was to go into serial production in two years, when the company planned to start producing new generations of Moskvich-414 engines. He insisted on postponing the release of the new Moskvich model CEO Automobile plant named after Lenin Komsomol - AZLK. He believed that the new promising model should have had new generation power units.
But in the end, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the cessation of state funding stopped the project.
It is noteworthy that despite the fact that the car was not mass-produced, it became the starting point for the development of a new generation of Moskvich-2142, which was produced in three versions: "Prince Vladimir", "Ivan Kalita" and "Duet".
UAZ-3170 "SIMBIR"
The development of the new UAZ SUV began in 1975. It was invented and developed by the leading designer of the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant Alexander Shabanov. As a result, by 1980, the automobile plant introduced the UAZ-3370 Simbir model. The SUV had a large ground clearance, which was 325 mm. Also, the car turned out to be quite high (height 1960 mm).
Fortunately, this machine entered mass production. True, due to the planned economy, the car plant could not produce large batches of SUVs. It is worth noting that the car was originally created by order of the Ministry of War. But in the end, the production of both military and civilian modifications was launched in mass production.
In 1990, the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant introduced the second generation of the SUV - UAZ-3171, the development of which began in 1987.
MAZ-2000 "Perestroika"
experimental model truck MAZ-2000 received the code name "Perestroika". The truck was designed with the aim of creating a modern truck for use by Soviet transport companies.
The main feature of the model was the model design of the truck. This meant that vehicle parts such as the engine, transmission, front axle and steering were located in front of the machine, which reduced the gap between the cab and the loading area. Thanks to the model design of the MAZ-2000 cab, it was possible to increase the volume of the body by 9.9 cubic meters. meters.
The stunning MAZ-2000 truck was first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1988, where it made an incredible impression on the public from all over the world. In total, several prototypes were built. But unfortunately the project never got the green light and the model didn't see the production line.
Many experts believe that the Perestroika truck has become the main inspiration for the designers developing the truck Renault car Magnum, which entered series production at the end of 1990 and then won the prestigious Truck of the Year award in 1991.
What is the reason that our ambitious project MAZ-2000 "Perestroika" did not take place? After all, apparently there were no obstacles to mass production. According to rumors that go around in the auto world, the project did not take place due to the fact that Mikhail Gorbachev sold the design of an amazing truck to the French. Naturally, all this has not been officially confirmed.
Homemade car "Pangolin"
In the Soviet years, everyone knew that the reliability and performance of domestic cars were not the best in the world. Also our vehicles didn't have a very good design. That is why many Russian engineers decided that since state-owned car factories cannot create cars that are in no way inferior to foreign counterparts, then it is necessary to create them on their own. As a result, many engineers in the USSR, in private, inspired by Western European and American sports cars, began to create their own home-made vehicles.
One such example was the Pangolin sports car created by Alexander Kulygin in 1983.
The body of the car was made of fiberglass. The sports car also received an engine from the VAZ-2101. The designer was inspired by the stunning design of the Lamborghini Countach. As a result, Alexander decided to create a car in the same style.
It is worth noting that this homemade car still exists and participates in various car shows.
True, over the years, some changes have been made to the design of the machine. For example, new doors were installed in the original design of the sports car, which now open up.
Homemade car "Jeep"
In 1981, an engineer from Yerevan, Stanislav Holshanosov, created an exact copy of the famous American SUV Jeep.
In order to build a car, an engineer used components from several other Soviet models cars. For example, for a homemade copy of the American SUV, the engineer took the engine from the VAZ-2101. rear axle, transmission, electrical, headlights and drive shafts were taken from the Volga GAZ-21
The suspension system, gas tank, instrument cluster and windshield wipers were borrowed from the UAZ-469.
But some parts of the car were created by individual project. For example, the front axle of the car was created from scratch by Stanislav himself.
It is noteworthy that the design of the front axle was repeatedly exhibited at various exhibitions throughout the Soviet Union and received several awards.
Homemade car "Laura"
Another example of an author's car is the Laura sports car, designed and built by two engineers from Leningrad, Dmitry Parfyonov and Gennady Hein. In our country, even today there is not a single normal sports car. Not to mention the USSR. So the engineers had no choice but to create their own sports car.
But unlike other engineers who actually created copies of cars of foreign analogues, Dmitry and Gennady decided to create a completely new car that is nothing like more than one vehicle.
"Laura" was equipped with a 1.5 liter engine with 77 hp, front-wheel drive and an on-board computer. The maximum speed of the sports car was 170 km / h.
Only two examples were built. It is worth noting that these cars were even marked by the leader of the Communist Party, Mikhail Gorbachev. Sports cars have also received many awards.
By the way, both cars are still preserved and are currently exhibited at various exhibitions.
Homemade car "Yuna"
This sports car was created by motorist Yuri Algebraistov. The name of the car was invented on the basis of combinations of the first letters in the name of the designer and his wife ("Natasha"). The car was built in 1982. This is the only sports car today, built on an individual project during the Soviet era, which is still in perfect condition and is used for all its intended purpose.
The fact is that Yuri is still constantly updating his car and carrying out all the necessary engineering works. That is why the machine is still in good condition and works like new.
At the moment, "Yuna" has covered more than 800 thousand km. Indeed, this was made possible by using foreign engine(from BMW 525i).
Homemade car "Katran"
This car was created by a man who has been obsessed with cars all his life. This car was created by a car enthusiast from the city of Sevastopol. The sports car received a unique body design. For example, the car did not have the doors we are used to. Instead, the engineer used a design that allowed the entire front of the cab, including the windshield, to be folded down so that the driver and passenger could get into the car.
The car also received independent suspension and, more surprisingly, an electronic cruise control system that could maintain a certain speed even on a descent.
In addition, the sports car had many more rare features and options, making it one of the most interesting cars ever created in the Soviet Union. So "Katran" can really be considered the most amazing car in the history of the Russian automotive industry.
In conclusion, we would like to note that we have not posted all rare cars created during the Soviet era. We have selected the best ones, which, in our opinion, deserve attention. If you have something to offer us in order to complete our list of Soviet cars, then we invite you to share your suggestions with us in the comments below.
The 1980s became a turning point not only for the country, but also for the Soviet automotive industry. At this time, projects were created for machines that could become the best in the world. The review presents a rating of the 10 most-very cars of the USSR, which few people know about.
10. NAMI-LUAZ "Proto"
In 1989, the car had every chance of becoming production model. In addition to the traditional requirements for SUVs (cross-country ability and reliability), Proto created comfort at the level of a passenger car. The body is made in the form of a power metal frame, on which light fiberglass panels are hung. The engine from "Tavria" provided the acceleration of the car up to 130 km / h. In general, it turned out to be a modern compact SUV With great opportunities for further modernization. But this development of the Leningrad laboratory of NAMI was “hacked to death” in Moscow, the car did not go into series.
9. NAMI 0288 "Compact"
"Compact" - experimental machine, created at the NAMI Institute and built in a single copy in 1988. The car had a number of technical solutions that were new in the USSR. On the "Compact" they put an on-board computer that controls the operation of the suspension. The engine from "Tavria" was modernized. It ran on gasoline and hydrogen. Fuel consumption - economical 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers. If the "Compact" got into production, it would become a strong competitor to the popular Daewoo Matiz.
8. NAMI "Okhta"
The Okhta project was developed in the Leningrad branch of NAMI and one copy was built in 1987. This is a 7-seater car with an amazing interior transformation capability. The middle row of seats folds down to form a table. The front seats swivel 180 degrees. So a simple salon turns into a cozy compartment. And if it was necessary to carry cargo, the second and third row seats were removed, and the minivan becomes a van.
For the USSR of the late 1980s, the model looked very futuristic with its streamlined body and large glass area. The headlights were very low. And from under the bumper at high speed a spoiler was put forward that improves the aerodynamics of the car.
7. ZIL-4102
ZIL-4102 was developed at the direction of the President of the USSR Mikhail Sergeevich Gorbachev to replace the outdated ZIL-41041. Bought new in England Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit to study. Also, when designing the car, they relied on the American "school" of limousine building and on the design of large Volvo sedans 760.
In 1988, two copies of the ZIL-4102 were manufactured. Appearance cars became more "democratic" than the former strict style ZIL-41041. The novelty was radically different from its predecessor. Firstly, the car was frameless, with a load-bearing body. Many exterior panels are made of fiberglass. The car received a V-shaped 8-cylinder engine with a volume of 7.68 liters and a power of 315 hp. Fuel consumption on the highway was 18 ... 21 liters per 100 kilometers.
The interior is very spacious, trimmed with white leather, "leopard" carpets and wood. IN rich equipment presidential limousine Includes power windows, radio, acoustic system for 10 speakers, a player for 10 CDs, an on-board computer and a speech synthesizer. Despite all the innovations, Gorbachev did not like the ZIL-4102, and the project was closed.
6. Moskvich-2139 "Arbat"
In the 1980s, the management of the Moskvich plant decided to replace the 2140 model, which had long been outdated. Engineers developed a number of projects that radically updated the lineup ten years ahead. Consider the most interesting models about which few people know.
Moskvich-2139 "Arbat" could be the first Soviet seven-seater minivan. Like many other models from this review, the Arbat has a steel body on which plastic panels are attached. The car received a transformable interior and a multifunctional steering wheel. In 1991, a working model was built, which remained a concept.
5. Moskvich-2143 Yauza
The Yauza concept car represented the further development of the Moskvich-2141 sedans. The model could claim the title of the car with the stupidest windows: the upper windows were rigidly fixed, and only the lower ones opened. In 1991, 3 copies of Yauza were assembled.
4. Moskvich-2144 "Istra"
Of all the AZLK concepts aimed at 2000, the most realistic is the Moskvich-2144 Istra. Her body is completely aluminum. A single side door opens up like a supercar, giving access to a salon full of new features. Information about the speed of the car was projected onto the windshield, as well as an image from a night vision device. The safety of the car was improved by belts, airbags and anti-lock system brakes (ABS). The car has a climate control system, so the side windows were made non-opening, leaving only small windows.
Work on the wonderful concepts "Arbat", "Yauza" and "Istra" stopped with the collapse of the USSR, and most of the other interesting ideas remained on paper.
3. VAZ-2702 "Pony"
In the 1970s, if you needed to transport a small load, such as a TV or a washing machine, you had to drive a car with a carrying capacity of over 3 tons. GAZ-53 and ZIL-130 were the most popular delivery vehicles for different services. This caused unnecessary fuel consumption and worsened the environmental situation, especially in Moscow.
Then at VAZ they designed a compact delivery electric car VAZ-2702 "Pony". The first sample went in 1984. It was made of aluminum, which greatly facilitated the body. But at the same time, this became the main problem of the car: it was not strong enough and reliable enough. Therefore, despite the interesting and promising concept, "Pony" has not received further development. So the country lost the first mass-produced electric car.
2. ZIL-118 "Youth"
The Yunost bus was developed in the early 1960s on the basis of the ZIL-111 executive limousine. His concept was unique for those years. The main difference between "Youth" and other buses - elevated level comfort and smooth running. The car drove almost like a car. And it is not surprising, because the engine from the ZIL-130 truck was installed on the Yunost, the power of which was more than enough.
Buses were assembled several units a year on special orders from television, the KGB, and as ambulances for especially important patients. In total, from 1963 to 1994, the plant manufactured 93 cars.
1. MAZ-2000 "Perestroika"
In 1988 on Paris Motor Show the noisy debut of the unique Soviet truck- MAZ-2000. It was an attempt by the engineers of the Minsk Automobile Plant to show how they imagine a long-range truck of 2000. According to the concept called "Perestroika", the tractor is divided into two parts. The cab module is rigidly attached to the van. It has a flat floor, high roof, large panoramic glass. The cabin is equipped with air conditioning, TV, radio, table, refrigerator, electric stove, VHF radio and even a rear view camera. And it's all on an 80s truck!
The traction module rotates relative to the cabin with the help of hydraulic cylinders. A 6-cylinder MAN diesel engine with a capacity of 290 hp was put on the concept. Thanks to improved aerodynamics, the car could accelerate to 120 km / h. Suspension on all wheels - independent, on air springs. The brakes are equipped with an anti-lock braking system.
engineers were actively working on the machine, two working copies were built. They even developed a project on how to combine several trailers in a row, forming a road train with a carrying capacity of 80 tons. But with the collapse of the country, the project was closed, and developments and patents were sold to Western firms.
Unfortunately, concept cars rarely made it into production in the Soviet Union. But they still remain the most exotic.
At the end of 1960, the Zaporozhye plant "Kommunar" produced the first series of cars "Zaporozhets". The dream of a "people's car" has become a reality. The Soviet automobile industry fulfilled the dreams of both a peasant car and a car for the party elite.
Zaporozhets
Since the mid-1950s, people's requests for a compact, inexpensive "people's" car have become more and more widespread. The task of creating one was set by the state economic planning authorities for development in the period 1959-1965. It was decided to take the Fiat 600 as the basis for the future car. It must be said that the “humpback” was not a blind copy of the Italian small car. Many structural units have undergone significant changes. ZAZ 965 became a real "people's car", "starred" in such films as "Three plus two", "Queen of the gas station" and many others. A “humpback” appeared even in the cartoons “Just you wait” and “Vacation in Prostokvashino”.
The Ukrainian auto industry, having experimented on the “humpbacked” Zaporozhets, which was a replica of the six hundredth Fiat, released a new model during the years of Brezhnev’s rule, almost a full-fledged, but very compact sedan, in the exterior similar to the Chevrolet Corvairs. Distinctive feature the car became large air intakes, which the people immediately dubbed ears, from which ZAZ 966 got its nickname. In later models, the "ears" were cropped, but the nickname remained. "Eared" was the first car of Vladimir Putin, a 19-year-old law student won his first car in the DOSAAF lottery.
ZIL-111
"Catching up and overtaking America" was the main goal in the development of Soviet industry in the 1950-60s. This trend also applies to domestic auto industry, especially its representative segment. The first secretary of the CPSU, Nikita Khrushchev, wanted the same car as american president, only better. By the end of the 50s, the “Stalinist” ZIS-110, which had served faithfully for 13 years, became obsolete and ceased to suit immediately for several reasons. Firstly, it did not outwardly correspond to the trends in the development of auto design, and secondly, the ZIS-110 was not a piece, it was produced on an assembly line and filled taxi fleets. It is clear that the head of the Soviet Union could not drive the same car with mere mortals. An order was given for the production of a new executive car; the result of this order was the ZIL-111. Suspiciously similar to the American Cadillac, the Zil-111 combines all the best that the automotive industry could give: an automatic transmission with push-button controls, power windows, a V-shaped eight-cylinder engine, power steering, a four-headlight lighting system and a representative seven-seater saloon. During the production of the model, only 112 cars were produced. An interesting fact: when the production of executive cars "Huntsy" began in China, the design of the ZIL-111 was taken as the basis.
"Gull"
The most beautiful car Soviet Union, "Seagull" was the most massive Soviet executive class car. As part of his appearance the car was a compilation of the design solutions of the American automobile industry, the so-called fin style, or "Detroit Baroque". "The Seagull" can be attributed to centenarians Soviet car industry: cars were produced from 1959 to 1981. The heads of ministries and departments, the first secretaries of the republican communist parties, the ambassadors of the USSR abroad traveled on the "Seagulls". In addition, several special modifications of the car were produced: filming, semi-phaetons, the case of the production of a railway railcar based on the GAZ-13 is also known.
Immediately after the start of production of "Seagulls", a "hunt" began for them - an elegant, comfortable car seduced party functionaries, but the obsolete ZiM remained the main member carrier. A way out of the situation was found: at one of the defense plants, the front and rear end from Zim. In practice, a camouflaged car of a high level of comfort was obtained, popularly nicknamed "Oslobyk". "Gull" for a long time was inaccessible to the mass buyer, after two overhauls it was supposed to be disposed of. Only in the 70s, Brezhnev allowed to make money on the "Seagulls": the cars began to be widely used by registry offices, served by Intourist, diplomatic missions of foreign countries, ministers, military parades, Soviet ambassadors abroad and stars visiting the USSR.
"Volga"
Volga should be black. The black 24th Volga was a symbol of an entire era, which is not surprising - the car was produced from 1970 to 1992. This car was an indicator of well-being and cherished dream every Soviet citizen. The mass sale of the Volga into private hands, however, was never envisaged: most of the cars were distributed to government agencies, taxi companies and for export. Only very wealthy people could afford the Volga, in comparison with the “popular” Moskvich and Zhiguli, nomenclature cars were very expensive. "Volga" was produced in several modifications, the most common was, of course, a sedan. There were fewer station wagons, and almost all of them went to the needs of the national economy, so for a long time they could be bought either in Beryozka chain stores for checks, or received on an individual order.
VAZ 2101 ("Penny")
VAZ 2101, "Kopeyka" - a legendary car, the most popular car in the USSR. The Italian Fiat 124 was taken as the prototype of the first Zhiguli model. True, the Italian was significantly improved, more than 800 changes were made to the Fiat design.
"One", as the people at first lovingly called the VAZ 2101, was a revolutionary car for Soviet motorists. The level of execution and assembly of cars was at a very high level. Suffice it to say that many of the changes made by Soviet designers were used later in the production of cars in Italy. "Kopeyka" was a favorite car not only in the Soviet Union, but also in the countries of the socialist bloc. In Cuba, to this day, "penny limousines" are used as fixed-route taxis. In 2000, according to the results of a survey of almost 80 thousand motorists from Russia and the CIS countries, conducted by the magazine Za Rulem, the VAZ 2101 was recognized as "the best Russian car of the century."
VAZ-2108 ("Chisel")
"Eight" was the first front-wheel drive Soviet car. For domestic automotive industry it was a revolutionary model. Before that, all Zhiguli models were exclusively rear-wheel drive. Some components and assemblies of the VAZ-2108 were developed jointly with Western companies Porsche and UTS. The amount of the contract between the Minavtoprom and Porsche is unknown. However, it is rumored that sharpening the "chisel" allowed the company to build a full-size wind tunnel instead of a poor climate chamber. For its unusual shape, the “eight” was immediately dubbed the “chisel” by the people, however, despite the nickname, the car “took root”. The "eight" (and later the "nine") deserved special popularity during the years of perestroika among representatives of the underworld. Frisky front-wheel drive cars with "predatory" outlines - perfect car"brothers".
VAZ 2121 "Niva"
task to do all-wheel drive vehicle"Zhiguli" put before the "VAZ" Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR Alexei Kosygin. The task was not easy, but they did it even better than well. Niva became the world's first small SUV. In fact, it was with the Niva that the era of crossovers began. In addition, the Niva was the first car with permanent all-wheel drive. The decision on permanent all-wheel drive was made by the designers because of the economy, in order to reduce the load on the transmission: when assembling the first Soviet jeep used parts from passenger cars "Zhiguli". "Niva" has become very successful model and enjoyed well-deserved love not only in the USSR, but abroad. The export versions of the Niva were thoroughly tuned, the price for them abroad was comparable to the price of the Mercedes, the demand was no less. "Niva" was successfully sold in more than 100 countries of the world, it was assembled in six countries: in Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Panama, Greece, Canada. In many countries there are still Niva clubs, and in England Niva fans even publish their own magazine.
In recent years, the territory of the former Union was flooded with cars made not in its expanses. And this is not bad at all) Reliable and strict Germans, creative and sophisticated Japanese, stylish and powerful Americans, cheap French and nauseating Chinese ... since foreign cars came, Soviet manufacturers are in the deepest ass! There are an order of magnitude more Cayennes and Escalades on the streets of Kyiv, Moscow, Minsk and those than Muscovites, Volga or Niv.
But what were they, the cars of the USSR? And how would we see them today, without the Internet and digital photography?..
In 1916, the Ryabushinskys concluded an agreement with the tsarist government for the construction of an automobile plant in Moscow and the production of trucks for the needs of the Imperial Army. The Fiat 15 Ter developed in 1912 was chosen as the base model of the car, which proved itself well in off-road conditions in the colonial wars of Italy. The plant was founded and received the name of the Moscow Automobile Society (AMO). Before the revolution, it was possible to assemble about a thousand cars from ready-made kits, but it was not possible to create their own production facilities.
In the early 1920s, the Labor and Defense Council allocated funds for the creation of a truck. The same Fiat was chosen for the sample. There were two reference copies and partially documentation.
The automobile industry of the Soviet Union started on November 7, 1924. On that day, Moscow saw the first cars of the country's first automobile plant. They passed through Red Square during the October parade - ten red trucks AMO-F15, which were manufactured at the plant, whose brand is known to everyone today as ZIL.
The F-15 was produced with a power of 35 hp. and a volume of 4.4 liters.
A year later, the first domestic 3-ton trucks were assembled in Yaroslavl, and in 1928 the first four- and five-ton trucks ...
but we will talk about Soviet cars
NAMI-1 (1927-1932), maximum speed 70 km/h, power 20 hp. With. First mass-produced passenger car Soviet Russia, approximately 370 copies were produced.
The features of NAMI-1 included a spinal frame - a pipe with a diameter of 135 mm, an air-cooled engine, the absence of a differential, which, in combination with ground clearance 225 mm provided good cross-country ability, but affected increased wear tires. There were no instruments in NAMI-1, and the body had one door for each row of seats.
The Spartak plant, the former carriage factory of P. Ilyin, where production was launched, did not have the equipment and experience for a full-fledged automobile production. In particular, therefore, the reliability of NAMI-1 caused a lot of criticism. In 1929, the car was modernized: the engine was boosted, a speedometer and an electric starter were installed. There were plans to transfer the production of NAMI-1 to the Izhora plant in Leningrad. However, this was never done, and in October 1930, the release of NAMI-1 was stopped.
The GAZ-A passenger car was manufactured according to the drawings of the American company Ford (1932-1936). Despite this, it was already somewhat different from the American prototypes: for the Russian version, the clutch housing and steering gear were reinforced.
Maximum speed 90 km/h, power 40 hp
Passenger car L-1 (1933-1934), maximum speed 115 km/h, power 105 hp.
The plant "Krasny Putilovets" (since 1934 the Kirov Plant) by 1932 stopped the production of obsolete wheeled tractors"Fordson-Putilovets" and a group of specialists from the plant put forward the idea to organize the production of representative cars.
The prototype of the car, which received the name "Leningrad-1" (or "L-1") was the American "Buick-32-90" 1932.
It was a very perfect and complex (5450 parts) machine.
Passenger car GAZ-M-1 (1936-1940), maximum speed 100 km/h, power 50 hp
On the basis of the GAZ-M1, modifications of the "taxi" were produced, as well as the "pickup" GAZ-415 (1939-1941). In total, 62,888 GAZ-M1 vehicles left the assembly line, and several hundred have survived to this day. Chassis this model exhibited in automotive department Polytechnic Museum in Moscow.
KIM-10 is the first Soviet mass-produced small car. 1940-41, top speed 90 km/h, power 26 hp
Passenger car ZIS-101.
1936-1941, top speed 120 km/h, power 110 hp
This model was distinguished by many technical solutions that had not previously been encountered in the practice of the domestic automotive industry. Among them: dual carburetor, thermostat in the cooling system, damper torsional vibrations on the crankshaft of the engine, synchronizers in the gearbox, body heater and radio receiver.
The car had a dependent spring suspension of all wheels, a spar frame, a vacuum brake booster, rod-driven valves located in the cylinder head. After modernization (in 1940), she received the ZIS-101A index.
Passenger car GAZ-11-73.
1940-1948, top speed 120 km/h, power 76 hp
Car GAZ-61 (1941-1948)
Maximum speed 100 km / h, power 85 hp.
Passenger car GAZ-M-20 VICTORY (1946-1958)
Maximum speed 105 km / h, power 52 hp.
A unique car of the Soviet automobile industry.
The GAZ-M20 prototype appeared in 1944. In terms of the design of the body-front suspension, the car was very close to the Opel-Kapitan, but on the whole it looked fresh and original, but it became especially obvious in the first post-war years, when mass production of “victories” began in Gorky, and leading European firms revived the production of pre-war models. On prototypes of the GAZ M20 Pobeda, there was a b-cylinder engine;
In 1948, due to design flaws (the car was put on the conveyor in a terrible hurry), the assembly was suspended and resumed in the fall of 1949. Since then, the car has been reputed to be strong, reliable, unpretentious. Until 1955, a version with a 50-horsepower engine was built, then the M20 V version was modernized, in particular, with a 2-horsepower boost. motor. In small quantities for special services, the GAZ-M20 G was produced with a 90-horsepower 6-cylinder engine. In 1949-1954. built 14,222 convertibles - now the rarest modification. In total, until May 1958, 235,999 "victories" were made.
"ZIS-110" (1946-1958), maximum speed 140 km/h, power 140 hp
The ZIS-110, a "representative" comfortable limousine, was indeed a design that took into account all the latest achievements of automotive technology at that time. This is the first novelty that our industry mastered in the first peaceful year. The design of the car began in 1943, back in the war years, on September 20, 1944, samples of the car were approved by the government, and a year later, in August 1945, the first batch was already being assembled. In 10 months - an unheard of short time - the plant completed the necessary drawings, developed the technology, prepared the necessary tooling and equipment. Suffice it to recall that when the plant mastered the production of ZIS-101 cars in 1936, the preparation for their production took almost a year and a half. At the same time, it should be taken into account that all the most complex equipment - dies for the manufacture of body parts, frame spars, conductors for welding body components - were obtained from the USA. For the ZIS-110, everything was made on their own.
"Moskvich-401" (1954-1956), maximum speed 90 km/h, power 26 hp
Moskvich-401 is actually not even a copy, but in its purest form Opel Kadett K38 of the 1938 model, with the exception of the doors.
Some people think that the stamps on rear doors were lost in transit from Rüsselsheim and were rebuilt. But the K38 was also produced with a 2-door, so it is possible that the stamps of this particular version of the car were taken out. The commander of the American occupation zone did not take the money brought by the Soviet delegation, and ordered to give the Russians everything they needed from the Opel factory. On December 4, 1946, the first Moskvich was assembled.
Indexes 400 and 401 - factory designations of engines. The rest indicate the body model: 420 - sedan, 420A - convertible. In 1954 there appeared more powerful model engine - 401. And the latest Moskvich-401s were equipped with new Moskvich-402 engines.
Passenger car MOSKVICH-402 (1956-1958), maximum speed 105 km/h, power 35 hp.
"GAZ-M-12 ZIM" (1950-1959), maximum speed 120 km/h, power 90 hp Engine. At its core, this is a six-cylinder GAZ-11 engine, the design of which the Gorky residents began in 1937. Its release was launched in 1940, and it was used on GAZ-11-73 and GAZ-61 passenger cars, as well as on light tanks and self-propelled guns of the times of the Great Patriotic War and trucks GAZ-51.
"GAZ-13 CHAYKA" (1959-1975), maximum speed 160 km/h, power 195 hp. With.
Soviet dream car, made in the image and likeness of the Detroit Baroque.
"Seagull" was equipped with a V-shaped 5.5-liter engine, X-shaped frame, automatic transmission (!!! 1959 in the yard), the salon consisted of 7 seats. 195 l. With. Under the hood, good acceleration, moderate consumption - what else is needed for complete happiness? But to say all this about "The Seagull" is to say nothing.
"The Seagull" appeared in 1959, at the very height of the Khrushchev thaw. After the gloomy "ZIS" and the gloomy "ZIM", she was distinguished by a surprisingly human, if not feminine, face. True, this face was created in other parts: in terms of design, the GAZ-13 was an unscrupulous copy of the last Packard family - the Patrician and Caribbean models. And far from the first copy, first with Packard they made a ZIL-111 for members of the Politburo, and later they decided to make a simpler limousine to replace the ZIMs.
"GAZ 21R VOLGA" (1965-1970), maximum speed 130 km/h, power 75 hp
"GAZ-24 VOLGA" (1968-1975), maximum speed 145 km/h, power 95 hp
"Volga GAZ-24", which got on the conveyor on July 15, 1970, was created for 6 whole years. Inventing a new car is not an easy task, but the Soviet automakers of the sixties knew the way. And when they received an order to prepare a replacement for the beautiful, but too ancient Volga GAZ-21, they did not suffer from doubts and remorse. Have you brought three overseas cars? "Ford Falcon", "Plymouth Valiant", "Buick Special" 60-61? and, armed with adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers and other tools for analysis, they began to learn from experience.
As a result, "24th" has become a real automotive revelation (compared to its predecessor "21R"). Judge for yourself: the sizes have decreased, and wheelbase increased, the width remained the same, but the interior became more spacious, and the trunk was completely huge. In general, a typical case of "more inside than outside".
"ZAZ-965A ZAPOROZHETS" (1963-1969), maximum speed 90 km/h, power 27 hp
On November 22, 1960, the first batch of brand new cars, serially named ZAZ-965, went to happy customers. Which soon lined up a huge queue, since the price for the "Zaporozhets" was set very reasonable - about 1200 rubles. Then it was about the annual average salary.
Strange as it may seem now, but then the ZAZ-965 was more popular with the intelligentsia than with workers or collective farmers. The reason for this was in many ways too tiny trunk, which could not be loaded with bags of vegetables. The problem was solved only by the creation of a lattice pallet, fixed on the roof of the car, on which they immediately began to load half a ton of potatoes, then a whole stack of hay, which made the Zaporozhets look like Asian donkeys.
ZAZ-968 Zaporozhets, maximum speed 120 km/h, power 45 hp
ZAZ-968 was produced from 1972 to 1980. He had such features as an improved MeMZ-968 engine with an increase to 1.2 liters. displacement, while its power increased to 31 kW (42 hp).
Hello dear readers, today we will present to your attention the best cars of the USSR. As you understand, our TOP will include those cars that were popular among the population Soviet Union back in the middle of the 20th century. Perhaps you will meet one of them modern roads countries. The list will be quite large, so I propose to immediately proceed to its consideration.
ZAZ 968
The well-known "Zaporozhets" was quite popular during the Soviet Union. In particular, this applies to the ZAZ 968 model. It was the dream of many. It was produced right up to 1994, but with the advent of more perfect technology gradually faded into history. Created special modifications this Zaporozhye giant, which were specially intended for the disabled. Engine power of 30 liters. With. in those years it was quite enough for trips around the city. In those days, in the first place was not speed, but quality. ZAZ 968 fully met the needs of the inhabitants of the Soviet Union.
Moskvich 412
This is the ninth place in our ranking. Even today you can find this model on the roads of our country. The peak of popularity of the steel horse came in the mid-70s. An engine capacity of 1.5 liters was enough to compete even with foreign brands which were quite rare then. Motor power - 72 liters. With. For the time it was pretty good. Our country in the 70s even exported the model to foreign states. Moreover, the geography of distribution was quite wide.
VAZ 2107
The famous seven, which has not been published for just a couple of years, is in 8th place in our rating. In the early 80s, this particular brand was one of the most popular. Then she did it conscientiously. Engine power - 74 liters. With. It's just perfect for that time. At the same time, the car was very economical, and consumed only 7 liters of gasoline per 100 km. The design for that time is simply progressive. Today used model can be purchased at any car market for acceptable price, but since the 90s, the quality of the brand has deteriorated significantly.
GAZ 12 ZIM
Just luxury car, which was produced in the Soviet Union from 1948 to 1960. During that period, the peak of its popularity falls. Today it can only be found in the collection of rich oligarchs. The engine of the brand worked on the 72nd gasoline. The engine power was enough for the city of that time. This work of art was sometimes used as a taxi.
VAZ 2103
Sixth place goes to the VAZ 2103. A typical Zhiguli, which was developed jointly with the Italian company Fiat. It was produced at the Volga Automobile Plant from 1972 to 1984. Four cylinder engine was able to accelerate to hundreds in 16 seconds. Its power was 77 liters. With. Today, cars can be found on the streets of our country, but every year there are fewer and fewer representatives of this family.
VAZ 2108
The top five is opened by the VAZ 2108, which in the mid-80s made a revolutionary revolution in terms of design. Soviet stamps began to have after that a very respectable appearance. Years of release - 1984-2003. Standard engine had a capacity of 64 liters. With. At the same time, it allowed to accelerate to a speed of 100 km / h in 15 s. A very economical brand that consumed only 5.4 l / 100 km.
GAZ 2410
Our beloved Volga is on the 4th position of our list. It was produced for a relatively short time, only 7 years, starting in 1985 and ending in 1992. The 2.5 liter engine had a power of 100 hp. With. For that time, very good indicators. At the same time, a person bought at his disposal a fairly roomy steel horse. There is even a limousine.
Volga 21
The Volga 21 opens the top three. It was produced from 1955 to 1970. The iron horse was produced in several modifications at once. At the same time, it was accessible to the middle class of the population of the Soviet Union. Perhaps that is why it became popular. The 2.5-liter engine had a power of 75 hp. With. Today, a car can be found on the roads of the country, but this happens less and less. The model cannot be called economical. It consumes in mixed mode 15 l / 100 km.
VAZ 2101
The penny is in the second position. This is definitely the most popular brand which has been in production for a long time. Official figures speak of 18 years of fruitful work of AvtoVAZ engineers. The 1.2 liter engine had a power of 62 hp. With. Even today you can meet this classic representative of the VAZ on the roads of our country. This speaks of the quality of production that existed in the middle of the 20th century at the plant. The brand accelerates rather slowly. Up to a hundred will have to accelerate it in about 20 s. With all this, its efficiency and reliability allows it to be located on the 2nd place in the hit parade.
GAZ 13 "Seagull"
It is this model that becomes the leader, and is rightfully considered the best of those that were produced in the USSR. From 1959 to 1981, she simply had no equal in terms of elegance. It was mostly ridden simple people, and representatives of high ranks, emphasizing their status. The engine displacement was 5.5 liters. At the same time, its power was 195 hp. With. A real monster of the time. He had 8 cylinders and 16 valves, which for that time was an undeniable progress. Few foreign cars could compare with the GAZ 13 in terms of performance.
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