Curious about the smallest Soviet car

• curious about the smallest Soviet car

"Zaporozhets" was 2 times cheaper "Lada" and 3 times cheaper "Volga". In the early years of car it costs 1,800 rubles, for the same money you could buy a thousand bottles of vodka. Thus to buy this vehicle could any thrifty Soviet citizen, who is not led tuneyadsky lifestyle

Curious about the smallest Soviet car

"Crooked" and "big-eared"

At the "Zaporozhets" was a lot of nicknames - from offensive "Constipation" to tender "tidy" and "Cheburashka". Each new model of "Zaporozhets" was his nickname - ZAZ-965 named "humpbacked" ZAZ-966 - "eared" ZAZ-968 - "soap box" and invalid ZAZ-965B dubbed "invalidkoy".

Curious about the smallest Soviet car

In 1961, Nikita Khrushchev during the next congress of the CPSU Central Committee called the 965-th model "tin can". After that, the producers quickly released a new model of "Zaporozhets".

RHD "Zhuzhik"

In addition to the base model of Zaporizhia Automobile Plant has released the modification 965S for the transportation of mail RHD, metal panels instead of the rear windows and a box for letters on the rear seat.

Curious about the smallest Soviet car

Steering column on the right side of letters simplified procedure of withdrawal: the postman could go directly to the sidewalk, right next to the box.

Export "Yalta"

Produced by the plant and export, more comfortable version of "Brokeback" - ZAZ-965A "Yalta". He was distinguished by improved sound insulation, exterior rear-view mirror, the presence of an ashtray and a radio receiver.

Curious about the smallest Soviet car

More economical copy "Fiat"

The prototype of the "Zaporozhets" is the Italian "Fiat 600". The similarity between the two cars is observed in body design, suspension design, transmission and steering.

Curious about the smallest Soviet car

In contrast to the "Fiat" engine "Zaporozhets" was located at the rear. Fuel "zhuzhik" expended little more cost - only 4, 5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Experimental Model "Squirrel"

Before the world saw the first "Zaporozhets", Soviet designers have created a test model. Initially popular runabout tried to create on the basis of a motorcycle engine.

Curious about the smallest Soviet car

In 1955, the forces of the Scientific avtomotornogo Institute (NAMI) was born US-50 "Squirrel". This car has received the name because the car body produced in the motorcycle capital of Soviet Russia - Irbit, which is also famous for its furs fairs.

US experts have created five "protein", but they have remained prototypes, not suitable for mass production.

Daughter "Zaporozhets"

In 1988 production started at ZAZ hatchback ZAZ-1102 "Tavria".

Curious about the smallest Soviet car

This car had nothing to do with "Zaporozhets": completely changed the design, the motor is mounted in the front, rather than rear-wheel drive - front, instead of air cooling - liquid.