The second generation Zaporozhets was a very popular passenger car in the Soviet Union since the late 60s. Series of two basic models - ZAZ-966 and ZAZ-968 - due to the characteristic shape of the side air intake pipes, it went down in history under the “popular” name “eared Zaporozhets”.

At the end of 1960, the Kommunar Zaporozhye Automobile Plant, recently redesigned from an agricultural engineering plant, produced the first Zaporozhets production vehicles of the first generation ZAZ-965. This model was developed not in Zaporozhye, but in Moscow: the body at MZMA, the engine at NAMI. All 1961 was spent on mastering and adjusting the conveyor production of these machines. In the meantime, the Design Bureau began work on a new model, the first original development of ZAZ. The chief designer of the plant at that time was an experienced engineer from GAZ, Yuri Naumovich Sorochkin, who participated in the creation of GAZ-M1, GAZ-M20 and other famous Gorky models. He gave the young team "carte blanche" to develop a promising family of cars.

Interestingly, according to Terms of reference not a single model was planned, but a whole series of cars for various purposes, which inherited the layout with a rear engine from the ZAZ-965, independent suspension all wheels: on a pair of transverse torsion bars in front and a lever-spring rear. The family consisted of three modifications:

"Zaporozhets" ZAZ-966 is a passenger car with a two-door body of a classic three-volume form, but dimensions and dimensions of the passenger compartment increased in comparison with the ZAZ-965.

ZAZ-970 - a freight or utility vehicle of a wagon layout with an increased ground clearance, van, pickup and station wagon bodies.

ZAZ-971 is a car of a wagon layout with a simplified open body for the village and the army.

The design artist Viktor Danilov was responsible for the appearance of the bodies. In the 60s, a car that externally resembles the ZAZ-966 with a two-door body of a similar dimension was produced by the German automobile company NSU. This gave rise to a persistent myth that the "eared Zaporozhets" was allegedly "copied" from NSU Prinz. In the 2000s, the historian of the Soviet automotive industry Sergei Kanunnikov investigated this legend, interviewed ZAZ veterans and, as a result, completely refuted this "version".

Firstly, the first prototypes of the future ZAZ-966 were built in 1961 even before the official debut of the NSU Prinz IV. Secondly, samples of NSU cars were not purchased by either ZAZ or US and were not tested in the USSR as "analogues" of any promising models. Thirdly, the division of panels and amplifiers, the technology of stamping all parts separately and welding the entire body play an important role in the production of a car body. For example, when developing the ZAZ-965 body, MZMA designers deliberately repeated the division of parts, the technology of stamping and welding of the body of the Italian small car FIAT-600, but at the same time they made restyling, partially changing the external design. The shape and nature of the division of body parts, as well as the production technology of the ZAZ-966 and NSU Prinz IV vehicles, have nothing in common. These cars have completely different geometry of windows, doorways, underbody, hood and trunk lids, rear panel.

And yet, the external similarity of cars "Zaporozhets" and NSU has an explanation. In the early 60s, great interest among automotive engineers around the world aroused american car Chevrolet Corvair rear engine. A sample of such a machine was tested in the USSR at NAMI. Both ZAZ and NSU were guided by the design style of this car, but two reservations must be made here too. First, the Corvair is a much higher class car, it is close in size to the Volga, and is equipped with a 2.5-liter 6-cylinder engine. Secondly, if the NSU engineers really tried to create the Corvair, reduced to the dimensions popular in Europe, then at ZAZ they tried to give their future model maximum personality traits, repeating only the general style. The lower rib of the sidewall rigidity, the very "ears" of the air intake, the decorative grille in the front made the ZAZ-966 unique, and, for example, round taillights "Fit" into one of the trends of automotive design 60s.

The final version of the ZAZ-966 was not formed immediately. The first prototypes differed in the shape of the glazing, side windows and reduced headlights from the ZAZ-965 were installed on them, there were alternative designs for the shape of the front trunk and rear. Later, they were looking for body proportions. The ZAZ-966 body acquired its future serial appearance around 1965.

Officially, the serial production of the ZAZ-966V began on December 31, 1966. In the spring of 1967, "new Cossacks" were already on sale in a Moscow car store in the Yuzhny Port. But, for example, in June of the same year, there were statements in the press that the volumes of production and supplies of "new Zaporozhtsev" were significantly lower than planned. The plant was just perfecting the production technology of the new model, and the bulk of the Zaporozhtsev produced until May 1969 were the usual "humped" ZAZ-965.

Initially, the second generation Zaporozhets had a 27 hp engine with a working volume increased from 746 to 887 cm 3. It received the MeMZ-966 index, and was introduced to the ZAZ-965 already in 1963. Tests have shown that if such a motor is ideal for a "humped" one, then for a larger "eared" one, the curb weight of which has increased by 120 kg, 27 hp. still not enough. Even before the start of serial production of the ZAZ-966, a new V-shaped air-cooled engine with a volume of 1198 cm 3 with a capacity of 40 hp was developed. MeMZ-968. In parallel, experiments were carried out to install on the ZAZ-966 inline engine liquid cooling from "Moskvich-408". The first releases of the "new Zaporozhets" were equipped with the same 27-horsepower engine. The Melitopol Motor Plant managed to produce the first batch of 40-horsepower engines only in 1968, another year was spent on mastering their mass production. A car with a 40 hp engine. assigned the index of the base model ZAZ-966, and the "compromise" 27-strong version - the modification index ZAZ-966V. Thus, ZAZ-966V appeared in mass production and became widespread much earlier than ZAZ-966.

The ZAZ-966, like the ZAZ-965, had several modifications for disabled people, and the design of all special wheelchair control levers did not change compared to the previous model. Throughout the years of production, ZAZ refined the production technology of the "new Zaporozhets" and replaced some components, so ZAZ-966 had a lot of "modernized" and "transitional" options, differing in small minor details. In 1971, the ZAZ-968 car was officially presented, which was the same ZAZ-966 with another set of minor changes. In 1972-1973, the plant produced transitional Zaporozhtsy, which were various combinations of ZAZ-966 and ZAZ-968 parts. Since January 1973, all cars began to be designated by the ZAZ-968 index, and the following 1974, the Zaporozhets had a restyling of the front end, replacing the decorative grille with an arrow-shaped molding.

Zaporozhians ZAZ-966 starred as game cars in films of different decades: "Taming the Fire", "Hello Doctor!", "Mimino", "Live Broadcast", "Raising Cruelty in Women and Dogs."

In total, about 270 thousand "Zaporozhtsev" with the index ZAZ-966 were manufactured. The surviving cars are still not uncommon. The Museum presents"Zaporozhets" ZAZ-966 1971 with a 40-horsepower engine.

Technical specifications

Number of places	4
dimensions	3724x1532x1368 mm
Wheelbase	2160 mm
Engine	gasoline, four-cylinder, V-shaped, overhead valve, air-cooled MeMZ-968
Working volume	1197 cm 3
Power	40 h.p. at 4400 rpm
Curb weight	720 kg
Maximum speed	140 km / h
Fuel consumption at a speed of 80 km / h	6.2 l / 100 km

The car "Zaporozhets" is passenger car, which was produced by the Zaporozhye plant "Kommunar", better known as ZAZ. The name, known all over the world, united the release of two generations of vehicles, which were similar in some technical characteristics. Moreover, for a certain period of time they gathered at the same time. A little later, the production of the initial models was stopped.

The history of the car "Zaporozhets" begins in 1960. The first generation is dated 1960-1969. During this period, the ZAZ-365 and ZAZ-365A models were produced. The second generation is represented by the ZAZ-368 and 368M line. It was produced from 1966 to 1994.

The main difference between Zaporozhets cars is their special design. They were all two-door sedans, the engine was introduced carburetor typeand the suspension mounted on the wheel axles was independent in all cases.

ZAZ-965 / 965A

The main modification called ZAZ-965 was produced for nine years from 1960. This car "Zaporozhets" has a prototype from which the main body design was taken, as well as some technical aspects (we are talking about the steering wheel, suspension, gearbox). However, unlike the original model, which is the progenitor, the basic structure has been redesigned and the engine has been rebuilt from scratch.

The car has 4 seats, including the driver's seat. Front and rear windows are able to interchange each other. The doors have an excellent mechanism that allows the doors to be opened backwards. The power unit, which this Zaporozhets car received, was a novelty for the global automotive industry, since it was used quite rarely. It is a 4-cylinder engine with special air cooling. It should be noted that it is located at the back, not in front. The rear wheels became the driving wheels. The described model ZAZ-365 was produced for export and disabled people.

The next model ZAZ-965A was distinguished by its engine: its volume was 887 m³, and its power was 27 liters. from. Instead of two mufflers, the car received only one, and the moldings on the sidewalls were removed.

ZAZ-966/968 / 968A

After the release of the first generation was fully debugged, the development of the next modification began. It happened in 1961. The prototype from which it was created new model, appeared in the autumn of the same period. However, the fabulous plans of the plant were prevented by the economic situation of the enterprise (there was not enough finance), and the fact that the working team had little experience had a strong impact. Moreover, all the elements that were added to the model became borrowed from other copies, in particular from foreign ones.

Serial production of the ZAZ-966 lasted from 1966 to 1972. At the same time, at first, only the so-called transitional model, which was called 966B, left the assembly line. Its disadvantage was that the engine was designed for 1.2 liters, and its power was 30 liters. from.

The car "Zaporozhets" 968 practically did not differ from the 966 model. Its main feature among all available is an improved version of the engine and a slightly modified control panel. The manufacturer constantly released an upgraded version of the machine. The changes were minimal, but in a few years (already by 1978) the car acquired a completely the new kind... The ZAZ-968A car was a representative of these copies. It has improved the security system, brakes, instrument panel. The latter was also used in such a vehicle as the ZAZ-968M car.

"Zaporozhets" 968M

The model with the "M" index went into production in 1979. It was she who closed the leading era of the Cossacks. This car was equipped with engines with a capacity of 28, 41, 45 and 50 horse power... The second option was the most common.

It differed from the main model “M” by its exterior and interior. The design was completely different. The number of chrome parts has decreased, while plastic, on the contrary, has increased. Due to the fact that the cooling system has been changed power unit, "Ears" were no longer installed on the body. This model became the one that the domestic manufacturer had been waiting for so long - it did not overheat. However, with the elimination of such a minus, another one was added. The air duct box began to clog up, and its tightness was broken too quickly.

This particular car "Zaporozhets" became the most popular. It was he who could be found at one time most often on the roads. This model was also available for disabled people.

"Zaporozhets" for export

Together with models for the domestic market, the Zaporozhye plant produced copies for export. Depending on which market this or that car was sent to, the name changed. There was "Yalta" (Jalta, Yalta) and "Eliette" (Eliette). Such names were invented because for European people the word "Zaporozhets" is difficult for both perception and pronunciation. Export options differed from authentic copies in an improved level of sound insulation. There were also installed rear-view mirrors, radio, lining.

Sales were carried out through Finnish and Belgian companies. No more than 5 thousand copies were sold per year.

Jokes about "Zaporozhets"

The engine of the car "Zaporozhets" often deteriorated. However, this was not due to a factory defect, as the owners of the car so vehemently argued. All problems arose from improper care of the vehicle. Also, jokes appeared because of the engine under the rear hood and its small size.

However, it should be noted that at that time "Zaporozhets" was a car that was no different from imported models its category in technical characteristics. And therefore, the constant bullying of him, in fact, was inappropriate. It should be noted that the same cars of the brand "Fiat", "Renault", "Volkswagen" became for their people the property and symbol of the corresponding era.

The most common joke was that the Zaporozhets was a humpbacked car. We are talking about the ZAZ-965 model, which had a specific body. She was also nicknamed the "armored car". Other models with indexes 966 and 968 are popularly nicknamed "eared" and "cheburashka", respectively. Their names came from the cooling system. The soap dish is the 968M model. People noted its similarity to this item due to the lack of air intakes. After the collapse, a lot of anecdotes appeared that told about accidents with the participation of "Zaporozhets" and "Mercedes".

Engine

In various modifications, the engine had a capacity of 41 to 50 hp. from. At the same time, he made a fairly loud rumble during work. The unit is capable of operating for about 40-50 km, but this is more to blame for consumers who do not follow what kind of fuel "absorbs" their car. However, this is the main plus of the engine. If imported options are able to die in such conditions after a short period of time, then "Zaporozhets" will serve faithfully for a very long time. Installed "air vents" were designed for a volume of 1.2 liters.

Transmission

First time new transmission works well, but over time the traction looses and the 4-speed gearbox starts to malfunction. A common problem it is difficult to switch between speeds, which already leads to the creation of an emergency on the road. When buying, each buyer had to discuss this nuance with the seller.

This car had many names. From offensive “Constipation” and “Humpbacked” to affectionate “Round” and “Cheburashka”. It was unusual for literally everyone: unusually small, unusually cheap, with an unusual "hump" in the stern, the bowels of which contained a rattling air-cooled engine. The price was also pleasantly surprising: 1800 rubles against 2511 for Moskvich and fabulous 5100 for the Volga! Having saved 22 of their salaries and having stood in line for a car for several years, the newly minted car enthusiast received his OWN vehicle... For many families in the USSR, it was the unsightly Zaporozhets that became the first car in the family. He was the subject of pride and ridicule at the same time. "Half an hour of shame and you are at work" - this is exactly about him. The most affordable car Soviet Union: Zaporozhets.

The history of this little car began at the end of the fifties, when it became clear that the country badly needed a car of an especially small class, such “ people's car"In the manner of Citroen" Shee-Vi "or the Beetle. The initial development of the car was entrusted to the Moscow Minicar Plant (MZMA). The work began at the end of 1956, the Italian FIAT 600 was taken as a basis, and the development was entrusted to the Moscow Minicar Plant.
Already in 1957, a prototype of the future "Zaporozhets" was created - then still Moskvich - 444, and only 5 experimental machines were made. By 1958, it became clear that the fully loaded Moscow plant simply did not have the capacity to manufacture a new minicar. And on November 28, 1958, the USSR Council of Ministers makes a "historic" decision to organize Zaporozhye plant agricultural machinery "Kommunar" production of a new car without interrupting the production of the main product. Melitopol Motor Plant (MeMZ) was appointed as the engine supplier
The production had to be opened practically from a "clean face", the plant did not have its own "automotive" engineers, therefore, part of the team was called up from GAZ and all the same MZMA, and part of them underwent training at these factories.

Serial FIAT-600

Moskvich-444. Prototype 1958. Highlighted by distinctive design elements and two-tone paintwork


ZAZ-965. Experimental model of 1960. You can see the characteristic drop-shaped repeaters of turns on the wings

Here is what one of the creators of the car, then only demobilized from the army airfield technician Ivan Koshkin, recalls (Autoreview No. 4, 2011):

Experimental Muscovites turned out to be running models. We could somehow move independently, but we couldn't drive on the road with a load. Judge for yourself: the front suspension with a transverse spring provided a dynamic travel of only 30-40 mm, although our roads needed at least 70. And this Irbit motorcycle motor? After all, it was immediately clear that he was not suitable! We did not even seriously test this sample.

Failures associated with the engine have always pursued the Cossacks. At first, for a long time, they could not find the required power unit, they even equipped experimental samples bMW motors, then, in the shortest possible time, they "adjusted" the motor, created by US and hastily sent to Zaporozhye ... Air cooling the engine automatically meant the presence of an autonomous stove, as a result, both did not work properly and did not have sufficient resource.



In 1961, the first batch of Humpbacks was released. However, it did not get into auto shops, but went to subcontractors. Disrupt the production plan passenger cars it was impossible in the USSR! Therefore, they got out as best they could, modernizing a frankly "raw" car "on the go" ...

Several basic modifications were produced on the basis of the Gorbaty:
965AE - export modification, featured improved interior trim and soundproofing, as well as an ashtray and radio as standard. It was sold in Western markets under the names Yalta or Jalta. According to various sources, about 5,000 copies were exported.

965B / 965AB / 965AR - a disabled modification designed for people with damaged legs and healthy hands.

965P - pickup truck for in-plant use. In general, the feasibility of creating a pickup based on a rear-engined car is highly questionable. Created with a workaround technology, it did not have a side or rear door.

965C- car for collecting letters with the right-hand drive and plugs instead of rear windows.

In 1963, the car was seriously modernized for the first time and began to install a 27-horsepower (against 22 in the previous model) MeMZ-965 engine, as well as carry out a facelift of the front end.

In 1963, the country's first Soviet "beach" comedy "Three plus two" was released. The lyrical and carefree tape with tanned characters, shiny cars and restaurants on the seashore at first did not like the powers that be from the cinema. Like, how so: in the frame, Soviet people do nothing for an hour and a half! They embark on car chases, read Western "duduktivs" and make love affairs. Such skepticism, however, did not prevent the film from attracting 35 million people at screenings in the country's cinemas ... However, for us, the picture is valuable primarily for the 966th Zaporozhets in the supporting role, as well as Andrei Mironov's catchphrase: "Tin can of the Zaporozhets system."

By the way, the dialogue that follows the phrase seems meaningless:

- Tin can of the Zaporozhets system!
- A new brand?
- Old stuff!

What new brand the diplomat Vadim asked the veterinarian Roman - it remains a mystery, tk. by 1963, the ZAZ-966 model had not yet been produced. We can only assume that two friends visited VDNKh, where new concepts of the "maturing" 966 were exhibited every year ...

Meanwhile, objectively speaking, ZAZ-965 was originally an outdated model: the body and rear suspension borrowed from the popular FIAT-600, the front - from the Volkswagen-Zhuk, the engine resembled the Tatra "air", only greatly reduced. By the way, FIAT - 600 also once "starred in a movie", and not with anyone else, but with Maestro Frederico Fellini himself. It was the white Fiat that became the first car of one of the minor heroes in the 1957 Cabiria Nights.

By the way, such a controversial element of the design as the doors hung on the middle pillars was caused by the need to improve the usability of the car for the disabled, whose "target audience" was partly. In general, the car was originally designed to be as maintainable as possible, simple in design and passable. For example, the engine could be removed from engine compartment together, and the front and rear windows were interchangeable.

In Kiev, near the building of the road technical school on the Lybidska metro station, there is a monument to the 965th.

Historical background: Zaporozhye Kommunar plant has a long history. It was founded in 1863 (interestingly, two years after the abolition of serfdom) by the Dutchman Abraham (Abraham) Koop and specialized in the production of agricultural machinery. In 1923 former factory Koopa was nationalized and renamed Kommunar. Having retained the main line of business, the plant was redesigned to produce more modern products - combines and tractors. In 1961 the plant was renamed into Zaporozhye Automobile Plant and the production of automobile products was launched there.

In 1966, the plant starts producing a new model of the Zaporozhets - ZAZ-966. There are still controversies surrounding the design of this car. Many point to an obvious resemblance to the West German NSU Prinz 4. However, the underlying idea of \u200b\u200bthe Prince's design - namely the wrap-around horizontal waist line - is in turn styling elements of the 1960 American Chevrolet Corvair. By the way, the "Constipation" so familiar to us could have looked much bolder, as evidenced by the search prototypes of those years. However, pretentious front fenders, a sloping roof and an abundance of chrome would very quickly make the car obsolete, and a private change or renewal of the main model was impossible for a number of reasons. Perhaps that is why a more “calm” outwardly version was put into production. Structurally, it did not differ much from its predecessor and was equipped with only a slightly "upgraded" engine from the previous model (ZAZ-966 with a MeMZ-966V engine - 887 cc, 27 hp).

One of the first prototypes of the 966th. 1961 year. Feels strongly influenced by the American School of Design



Another of the search prototypes. The front end is not so pretentious


And this option strongly resembles the VAZ "kopeck" design of the front end


Original Source: 1960 Chevrolet Corvair


NSU Prinz 4


Serial ZAZ-966


ZAZ -968 has been produced since 1972. Notable for including the introduction of reversing lights. Before us, however, there is again an export modification

Full-scale production of the ZAZ-966 with its own power unit (1198 cc, 41 hp) began later, in 1967. However, there was not enough 1.2-liter engines for all cars, and some of the cars, even the next, "968", models were supplied with a 30-horsepower engine, leading its pedigree directly from the ZAZ-965 engine and even at that time did not provide the necessary speakers.

Below is a video recording of the news of those years, dedicated to the new ZAZ-966 going on sale

However, it seems to me more interesting to talk not about the "966" itself, but about the modifications that were supposed to be produced on its basis and which have remained concepts forever.

In 1962, taking into account the experience accumulated on the ZAZ-970 model, Kommunar presented a whole family of light vehicles of the 970th family (all 4x2), among which was the all-metal van ZAZ-970B. Appearance the whole family was developed at the factory bureau for the architectural design of the car (the concept of a "design center" did not exist then) under the leadership of Yuri Viktorovich Danilov, and Lev Petrovich Murashov was the leading designer of the monocoque body (while still working at ZMA, he participated in the creation of Moskvich-444 "). The cars were equipped with up to 27 hp. engine from ZAZ-965A (located behind) and a standard gearbox. In addition, the cars inherited from the ZAZ-966 independent suspension of all wheels: front torsion bar on trailing arms and rear spring suspension.


ZAZ-970. 1961 year


ZAZ-970B. 1962 year


ZAZ-970B vans had a partition between the passenger compartment and the cargo compartment. The useful volume of the cargo compartment was 2.5 cubic meters. Carrying capacity of the car was 350 kg with driver and passenger. The rear-engine layout of the 970th family determined the originality of access to cargo in the van body - cargo doors were located on both sides of the body. In addition, in some sources there is a mention of another auxiliary door at the back, above the motor. It is also worth noting that due to the V-shaped design of the engine, it "humped" into the body, which is why the cargo area was not even throughout the floor area.


Pickup truck ZAZ-970G "Celina". 1962-1964 years


All-wheel drive ZAZ-971. 1962 year
Soon after the creation of the prototype truck ZAZ-970, in 1962 at the Kommunar plant was built four-wheel drive vehicle ZAZ-971 with a tented top, also made on the ZAZ-965A and ZAZ-966 units. The car had a rear-mounted power unit. Only one car with such a body was built. Subsequently, the plant carried out work to create four-wheel drive modifications of cars of the 970th family based on constructive solutions, worked out at ZAZ-971.

In 1969, the country's screens released the cartoon "Gena Crocodile" about a crocodile working, oddly enough, as an African crocodile in a zoo. Children are very happy about the new, unusually staged puppet cartoon, and adults rename "Constipation" to "Cheburashka" for the characteristic shape of "ears-air intakes"

In 1972, ZAZ-968 appears
In 1973 it was upgraded to the ZAZ-968A version.
In 1974, its original "luxury" modification ZAZ-968A was released. Active (brakes) and passive (seat belts and energy-absorbing steering column) safety improved. The cabin has less chrome and more plastic. A new plastic front panel covered archaic bare metal. Instead of the old seats, they installed new, more comfortable ones from the "Kopeyka" VAZ-2101. Both models were produced in parallel until mid-1979.
In 1979, it was replaced by the ZAZ-968M, which, with minor changes, was produced until the end of the production of this model.

Modifications of the ZAZ-968M generally repeated the models of previous years of production, and on the basis of defective bodies, pickups for internal plant services were still produced. However, there was information that until 1994, such cars were also produced on orders.

Small car big country: Zaporozhets


Experimental ZAZ-968M. Attention is drawn to the "refined" wheels. Such did not go into the series.
In terms of design changes, the designers followed the classic restyling scheme for those years: gradually the car lost its original chrome decorative elements, and plastic or rubber ones took their place. During the modernization, Zaporozhets lost both the famous ears and the characteristic chrome strip on the front end, called "Wings of the Soviets", and the rounded repeaters and lights were replaced by square and rectangular, respectively. Powerful and modern engine in its entire long conveyor life, the car never got it. And even on the 968 M version, weak 30-strong motors were sometimes installed, although 41 and even 50-horsepower motors were already produced.

Since the beginning of the seventies, the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant has been making attempts to create a new front-wheel drive car Perspektiva (the name Tavria will be fixed much later), but all these attempts will be unsuccessful until 1988. However, the creation of Tavria is a different era and the topic of one of our next reviews.

In total, during the production of the Zaporozhets, about three million copies were produced, which is certainly not much for a country with almost three hundred million population (as of 1991). The same FIAT-600, produced from 1955 to 1969 - i.e. 14 years old, sold 2,600,000 copies, while by 1970 the population of Italy was about fifty-three million people. The Zaporozhets did not become truly popular. Neither the efforts of Nikita Khrushchev, nor the unconditional enthusiasm of the staff of the enterprise were able to perform a miracle where this miracle was not expected. Tester Ivan Koshkin speaks most eloquently about the failures of his native enterprise:

… In our country the whole country worked for geniuses, but only in one area - defense.

And yet, in front of a huge part of Soviet motorists, Zaporozhets fulfilled its task - it became the first car, introduced it to a different culture of movement and way of life. They say that in 1972, a student at Leningrad State University, Volodya Putin, won his first car in the lottery - it was precisely the ZAZ-966. “Throwing in” is this or the truth, of course, we hardly know - however, in many respects, “Ushastik” really was the first, and if he was a little lucky, he would certainly become the most popular car ...

The whole history of "Zaporozhets"

5 (100%) 1 vote [s]

This car had many names. From offensive “Constipation” and “Humpbacked” to affectionate “Round” and “Cheburashka”. It was unusual for literally everyone: unusually small, unusually cheap, with an unusual "hump" in the stern, the bowels of which contained a rattling air-cooled engine. The price was also pleasantly surprising: 1800 rubles against 2511 for Moskvich and fabulous 5100 for the Volga! Having saved 22 of his salaries and having stood in line for a car for several years, the newly minted motorist received his OWN vehicle. For many families in the USSR, it was the unsightly Zaporozhets that became the first car in the family. He was the subject of pride and ridicule at the same time. "Half an hour of shame and you are at work" - this is exactly about him. The most affordable car of the Soviet Union: Zaporozhets.

The history of this little car began at the end of the fifties, when it became clear that the country desperately needed a car of an especially small class, a kind of "people's car" in the manner of the Citroen "Chi-Vi" or the Beetle. The initial development of the car was entrusted to the Moscow Minicar Plant (MZMA). The work began at the end of 1956, the Italian FIAT 600 was taken as a basis, and the development was entrusted to the Moscow Minicar Plant.
Already in 1957, a prototype of the future "Zaporozhets" was created - then still Moskvich - 444, and only 5 experimental machines were made. By 1958, it became clear that the fully loaded Moscow plant had no capacity to produce a new minicar. And on November 28, 1958, the USSR Council of Ministers made a "historic" decision to organize the production of a new car at the Kommunar Zaporozhye agricultural machinery plant without stopping the production of the main product. Melitopol Motor Plant (MeMZ) was appointed as the engine supplier
The production had to be opened practically from a "clean face", the plant did not have its own "automotive" engineers, therefore part of the team was called up from GAZ and all the same MZMA, and part of them underwent training at these factories.

Serial FIAT-600.

Moskvich-444. Prototype 1958. Highlighted by distinctive design elements and two-tone paintwork

ZAZ-965. Experimental model of 1960. You can see the characteristic drop-shaped repeaters of turns on the wings

ZAZ-965. Serial version. Photo taken Pavel Kuneev Judging by the mirror and molding on the sidewall, the export modification ZAZ-965AE Yalta

Here is what one of the creators of the car, then only demobilized from the army airfield technician Ivan Koshkin, recalls (Autoreview No. 4, 2011):

« Experimental Muscovites turned out to be running models. We could somehow move independently, but we couldn't drive on the road with a load. Judge for yourself: the front suspension with a transverse spring provided a dynamic travel of only 30-40 mm, although our roads needed at least 70. And this Irbit motorcycle motor? After all, it was immediately clear that he was not suitable! We did not even seriously test this sample.»

Failures associated with the engine have always pursued the Cossacks. At first, for a long time, they could not find the required power unit, they even equipped experimental samples with BMW motors, then, in the shortest possible time, they "adjusted" the engine created by US and hastily sent to Zaporozhye ... The air cooling of the engine automatically meant the presence of an autonomous stove, in the end both the other did not work as expected and lacked sufficient resources.

In 1961 the first batch of Humpbacks was released. However, it did not get into auto shops, but went to subcontractors. It was impossible to disrupt the plan for the production of passenger cars in the USSR! Therefore, they got out as best they could, modernizing a frankly "raw" car "on the go" ...

Several basic modifications were produced on the basis of the Gorbaty:
 965AE - export modification, it was distinguished by improved interior trim and noise insulation, as well as an ashtray and a radio receiver as standard equipment. In Western markets, it was sold under the names Yalta or Jalta. By the way, the Scaldia-Volga company, about which we are in one of the previous posts, was still the dealer of Yalta. According to various sources, about 5,000 copies were exported.

 965B / 965AB / 965AR - a disabled modification designed for people with injured legs and healthy hands.
 965P - pickup for in-plant use. In general, the feasibility of creating a pickup based on a rear-engined car is highly questionable. Created with a bypass technology, it did not have a side or rear door.
 965С - a car for collecting letters with a right-hand drive and plugs instead of rear windows.

In 1963, the car was seriously modernized for the first time and began to install a 27-horsepower (against 22 in the previous model) MeMZ-965 engine, as well as carry out a facelift of the front end.

In 1963, the country's first Soviet "beach" comedy "Three plus two" was released. The lyrical and carefree tape with tanned characters, shiny cars and restaurants on the seashore at first did not like the powers that be from the cinema. Like, how so: in the frame, Soviet people do nothing for an hour and a half! They embark on car chases, read Western "duduktivs" and make love affairs. Such skepticism, however, did not prevent the film from attracting 35 million people at screenings in the country's cinemas ... However, for us, the picture is valuable primarily for the 966th Zaporozhets in the supporting role, as well as Andrei Mironov's catchphrase: "Tin can of the Zaporozhets system"

By the way, the dialogue that follows the phrase seems meaningless:

- Tin can of the Zaporozhets system!
- A new brand?
- Old stuff!

What new brand diplomat Vadim asked veterinarian Roman about remains a mystery, since by 1963, the ZAZ-966 model had not yet been produced. We can only assume that two friends visited VDNKh, where new concepts of the "maturing" 966 were exhibited every year ...

Meanwhile, objectively speaking, the ZAZ-965 was initially an outdated model: the body and rear suspension were borrowed from the popular FIAT-600, the front suspension was borrowed from the Volkswagen Zhuk, the engine resembled the Tatra “air”, only greatly reduced. By the way, FIAT - 600 also once "starred in a movie", and not with anyone else, but with Maestro Frederico Fellini himself. It was the white Fiat that became the first car of one of the minor heroes in the 1957 Cabiria Nights.

By the way, such a controversial element of the design as the doors hung on the middle pillars was caused by the need to improve the usability of the car for the disabled, whose "target audience" was partly. In general, the car was originally designed to be as maintainable as possible, simple in design and passable. For example, the engine could be removed from the engine compartment by two people, and the front and rear windows were interchangeable.

In Kiev, near the building of the road technical school on the Lybidska metro station, there is a monument to the 965th.

Historical background: Zaporozhye Kommunar plant has a long history. It was founded in 1863 (interestingly, two years after the abolition of serfdom) by the Dutchman Abraham (Abraham) Koop and specialized in the production of agricultural machinery. In 1923 the former Koopa factory was nationalized and renamed Kommunar. Having retained the main line of business, the plant was redesigned to produce more modern products - combines and tractors. In 1961 the plant was renamed into Zaporozhye Automobile Plant and the production of automobile products was launched there.

In 1966, the plant starts producing a new model of the Zaporozhets - ZAZ-966. There are still controversies surrounding the design of this car. Many point to an obvious resemblance to the West German NSU Prinz 4. However, the underlying idea of \u200b\u200bthe Prince's design - namely the wrap-around horizontal waist line - is in turn styling elements of the 1960 American Chevrolet Corvair. By the way, the "Constipation" so familiar to us could have looked much bolder, as evidenced by the search prototypes of those years. However, pretentious front fenders, a sloping roof and an abundance of chrome would very quickly make the car obsolete, and a private change or renewal of the main model was impossible for a number of reasons. Perhaps that is why a more “calm” outwardly version was put into production. Structurally, it did not differ much from its predecessor and was equipped with only a slightly "upgraded" engine from the previous model (ZAZ-966 with a MeMZ-966V engine - 887 cc, 27 hp).

One of the first prototypes of the 966th. 1961 year. The strong influence of the American school of design is felt.

Another of the search prototypes. The front end is not so pretentious

And this version strongly resembles the VAZ "penny" design of the front end.

Original Source: 1960 Chevrolet Corvair

Serial ZAZ-966

ZAZ -968 has been produced since 1972. Notable for including the introduction of reversing lights. Before us, however, there is again an export modification.

Full-scale production of the ZAZ-966 with its own power unit (1198 cc, 41 hp) began later, in 1967. However, there was not enough 1.2-liter engines for all cars, and some of the cars, even the next, "968", models were supplied with a 30-horsepower engine, leading its pedigree directly from the ZAZ-965 engine and even at that time did not provide the necessary speakers.

Below is a video recording of the news of those years, dedicated to the new ZAZ-966 going on sale

However, it seems to me more interesting to talk not about the "966" itself, but about the modifications that were supposed to be produced on its basis and which have remained concepts forever.

In 1962, taking into account the experience accumulated on the ZAZ-970 model, Kommunar presented a whole family of light vehicles of the 970th family (all 4x2), among which was the all-metal van ZAZ-970B. The appearance of the entire family was developed at the factory bureau for the architectural design of the car (the concept of a "design center" did not yet exist at that time) under the leadership of Yuri Viktorovich Danilov, and Lev Petrovich Murashov was the leading designer of the monocoque body (while still working at ZMA, he participated in the creation of Moskvich -444 "). The cars were equipped with up to 27 hp. engine from ZAZ-965A (located behind) and a standard gearbox. In addition, the cars inherited from the ZAZ-966 independent suspension of all wheels: front torsion bar on trailing arms and rear spring suspension.

ZAZ-970. 1961 year

ZAZ-970B. 1962 year

ZAZ-970B vans had a partition between the passenger compartment and the cargo compartment. The useful volume of the cargo compartment was 2.5 cubic meters. Carrying capacity of the car was 350 kg with driver and passenger. The rear-engine layout of the 970th family determined the originality of access to cargo in the van body - cargo doors were located on both sides of the body. In addition, in some sources there is a mention of another auxiliary door at the back, above the motor. It is also worth noting that due to the V-shaped design of the engine, it "humped" into the body, which is why the cargo area was not even across the entire floor area

Pickup truck ZAZ-970G "Celina". 1962-1964 years

All-wheel drive ZAZ-971. 1962 year

Soon after the creation of the prototype ZAZ-970 truck, in 1962 at the Kommunar plant, an all-wheel drive vehicle ZAZ-971 with a tented top was built, also made on the ZAZ-965A and ZAZ-966 units. The car had a rear-mounted power unit. Only one car with such a body was built. Subsequently, the plant carried out work on the creation of all-wheel drive modifications of cars of the 970th family based on the design solutions developed at the ZAZ-971.

In 1969, the country's screens saw the release of the cartoon "Gena Crocodile" about a crocodile working, oddly enough, as an African crocodile in a zoo. Children are very happy about the new, unusually staged puppet cartoon, and adults rename "Constipation" to "Cheburashka" for the characteristic shape of "ears-air intakes"

In 1972, ZAZ-968 appears
In 1973 it was upgraded to the ZAZ-968A version.
In 1974, his original "luxury" modification ZAZ-968A was released. Active (brakes) and passive (seat belts and energy-absorbing steering column) safety improved. The cabin has less chrome and more plastic. A new plastic front panel covered archaic bare metal. Instead of the old seats, they installed new, more comfortable ones from the "Kopeyka" VAZ-2101. Both models were produced in parallel until mid-1979.
In 1979, it was replaced by the ZAZ-968M, which, with minor changes, was produced until the end of the production of this model.

Modifications of the ZAZ-968M generally repeated the models of previous years of production, and on the basis of defective bodies, pickups for internal plant services were still produced. However, there was information that until 1994, such cars were also produced on orders.

Experimental ZAZ-968M. The "refined" wheels are noteworthy. Such did not go into the series

In terms of design changes, the designers followed the classic restyling scheme for those years: gradually the car lost its original chrome decorative elements, and plastic or rubber ones took their place. During the modernization, Zaporozhets lost both the famous ears and the characteristic chrome strip on the front end, called "Wings of the Soviets", and the rounded repeaters and lights were replaced by square and rectangular, respectively. The car has not acquired a powerful and modern engine for its entire long conveyor life. And even on the 968 M version, weak 30-strong motors were sometimes installed, although 41 and even 50-horsepower motors were already produced.

Since the beginning of the seventies, the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant has been making attempts to create a new front-wheel drive car Perspektiva (the name Tavria will be fixed much later), but all these attempts will be unsuccessful until 1988. However, the creation of Tavria is a different era and the topic of one of our next reviews.

In total, during the production of the Zaporozhets, about three million copies were produced, which is certainly not much for a country with almost three hundred million population (as of 1991). The same FIAT-600, produced from 1955 to 1969 - i.e. 14 years old, sold 2,600,000 copies, while by 1970 the population of Italy was about fifty-three million people. The Zaporozhets did not become truly popular. Neither the efforts of Nikita Khrushchev, nor the unconditional enthusiasm of the staff of the enterprise were able to perform a miracle where this miracle was not expected. Tester Ivan Koshkin speaks most eloquently about the failures of his native enterprise: “… In our country the whole country worked for geniuses, but only in one area - defense.” And yet, in front of a huge part of Soviet motorists, Zaporozhets fulfilled its task - it became the first car, introduced it to a different culture of movement and way of life. They say that in 1972, a student at Leningrad State University, Volodya Putin, won his first car in the lottery - it was precisely the ZAZ-966. "Throwing in" is this or the truth, of course, we hardly know - however, in many ways "Ushastik" really was the first, and if he was a little lucky, he would certainly become the most popular car ...

P.S. On January 28, 2011 the last Ukrainian car "Slavuta" rolled off the assembly line of ZAZ. From that moment on, the plant switched exclusively to the assembly of foreign cars.

There are several versions about the year of foundation of Zaporozhye automobile plant... The factory workers themselves are accustomed to consider the date of creation of the plant in 1863, when the Dutchman Abraham Coop created a plant for the production of agricultural machinery. Another option is 1908, when the Melitopol Motor Plant (MeMZ) was founded, which in 1960 began to supply its engines to ZAZ. Another date is 1923, when the former plant of Abraham Koop was renamed into Kommunar. However, the direction of the enterprise's activity remained until 1960 - the production of agricultural machinery.

And so, probably, until now the Kommunar plant would have been producing hay mowers and harrows, if one day Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev hadn’t come up with the idea to overtake the States in terms of the number of cars per capita. True, unlike America, our car (like an apartment) should be small. Well, Khrushchev didn't like big things!

And the choice fell on the "Fiat" novelty FIAT-600. Initially, the car was planned to be assembled at the MOSKVICH plant and that is why the MZMA Design Bureau took over the development of the car, which together with the NAMI Automobile Institute developed the so-called Moskvich-444, later renamed Moskvich-560. But by the decision of the board of the State Planning Committee in connection with the congestion of the MOSKVICH plant, it was decided to start production at the Kommunar plant in Zaporozhye.

And on November 22, 1960, the enterprise released the first batch of "ZAZ-965" popularly called "Humpbacked" for its original body shape.

Almost immediately after the release of the "humpback" design bureau ZAZ began to develop new car "ZAZ-966", which has a completely new body.

However, its production was delayed by the allied leadership, perhaps for economic reasons: it was considered wasteful to put a new model on the assembly line just a year after the release of the previous one. Therefore, "ZAZ-966" was published only six years later.

It was a typical 'rectangular' sedan of the 1960s, featuring side air intakes. The people immediately called them "ears", and the car itself "eared". So the era of ZAZ "hunchback" was replaced by a long era of his even more anecdotal "eared" heir.

Its engine was also located at the rear. At first, it was a 30-strong MeMZ-966A, which was installed on latest modifications his "hunchbacked" predecessor. Then the 40-strong MeMZ-966V appeared, which made it possible to accelerate the car to a speed of 120 km / h on a straight track. True, in practice, not everyone achieved it, and fines for speeding by the Zaporozhets were really so rare that they were regarded as an anecdote.

The model underwent a more serious alteration in 1979-1980. "ZAZ-968M" became the last domestic car with an engine located in the rear compartment - but also the longest-lived, as it was produced until 1994. Having lost its "ears", replaced by simple grilles, the car received the nickname "soap dish" - for its already outdated and too simple design. But for her, more powerful engines: MeMZ-968GE (45 hp) and MeMZ-968BE (50 hp).

Perhaps further modernization of the model would have allowed to create something interesting, but in the 1990s the opinion prevailed that the Zaporozhians were a disgrace to the Ukrainian car industry. And the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant concentrated on the production of "TAVRIA".

In November 1963, the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating a front-wheel drive minicar at ZAZ was brought by 29-year-old engineer Vladimir Steshenko. The new chief designer "infected" her first design bureau, and then the leadership of the entire association. Steshenko himself became imbued with the idea of \u200b\u200bfront-wheel drive after meeting the famous Mini. The Ukrainian designer was especially impressed by the fact that this modest "box" Mini is exclusively due to front wheel drive, as well as the engine deployed across and pushed forward, completely defeated all competitors in the 1962 rally. And including the Porsche 911, Fiat Abarth 600 and Volkswagen 1200L.

By 1976, two more prototypes were created - a sedan with front-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive hatchback. These two options formed the basis for "Perspektiva" (this is how the TAVRIA car was called then in the design bureau). In 1980, the creation of the car was completed and it took 7 long years to bring the design idea to life. And only in 1988 the full production of this car was started. On the basis of the developed "TAVRIA" a car in the body of a sedan was created, which received the name "SLAVUTA".

Experimental developments of ZAZ that were not put into mass production deserve a separate word.

In 1961, under the leadership of Yu.N. Sorochkin, in parallel with the development of the 966th machine, an experimental ZAZ-970 truck with a carrying capacity of 350 kg was designed.

In fact, the car was a kind of search layout work. The car was nicknamed "Sharpener" by the factory workers and, unlike the subsequent cars of the 970th family, had a small hood.

In 1962, along with the ZAZ-970B van, a six-seater minibus (according to the current classification - minivan) ZAZ-970V was created. The seats of the second and third rows were designed folding, so the car was, in fact, a cargo-passenger - with the two rear seats folded, it could carry 175 kg of cargo, and with two rows of seats folded, 350 kg of cargo.

Like the ZAZ-970B van, the engine protruded into the passenger compartment with a noticeable "hump", which is why the two third-row seats were separate and placed at a noticeable distance from each other - between them there was a service hatch for access to the engine. Unlike a van, a ventilation hatch in the roof was provided in the minibus, and there was only one door for entering and exiting passengers - on the starboard side.

At the end of the 70s of the twentieth century, ZAZ was considered as one of the options for expanding the model range produced at that time - the "Taxi" project. An in-house competition was announced for the best car of this type.

One of the options-winners of the competition was a car on the units of a promising "Tavria" and its length did not exceed 3.5 meters. The driver's location is noteworthy - above the left front wheel, while the engine was supposed to be placed to the right of it.

During 1990-1992, an unusual modification of the base ZAZ-968M was produced - the ZAZ-968MP pickup.

It should be noted right away that pickups of a similar design were produced by ZAZ, like any car plant, always for its own internal plant needs (a typical example is ZAZ-965P). However, the ZAZ-968MP that got into the series is nothing more than an attempt by the plant to offer the market its own in-plant pickup in the early 90s of the twentieth century as a delivery vehicle.

In fact, the ZAZ-968MP was made according to the slipway-bypass technology - the rear of the cab was cut off from the rejected or even conditioned (depending on the demand for pickups in a particular period) ZAZ-968M body, and the rear wall with a window was welded behind the front seats. Backseat was not placed, the resulting niche was the cargo compartment.

But the experience was unsuccessful and after the reduction in production of this car, the ZAZ-968M was also discontinued.

Another global change in Zaporozhye took place in 1998, when a Ukrainian-Korean joint venture with foreign investment was registered in the form of CJSC AvtoZAZ-DEU. and SKD began daewoo cars Lanos, Daewoo Nubira and Daewoo Leganza are the first models of the Korean company created by their own specialists.

The history of the LANOS car (supplied to Russia under the CHANCE brand) is very interesting. This front-wheel drive car, designed by ItalDesign, was first shown back in 1997. In 2002, Daewoo showed a new model called Kalos (in Russia it changed its name, which was incongruous for the Russian ear, to AVEO), but Lanos continued to exist! In 1998, the production of this car was launched in Poland and Ukraine.

And now, for almost 10 years now, this car has been among the best-selling foreign cars in Russia, having proven itself as a workhorse for taxi fleets, courier services, traffic police, and enterprises that use it as a "traveling" car.

In 2003, the plant in Zaporozhye again changed its form of ownership and became a closed joint-stock company with foreign investment Zaporozhye Automobile Building Plant. Now 50% of the enterprise is owned by UkrAvto and another 50% - by the Swiss company Hirsch & Cie.

Since 2004, in addition to the ZAZ and Daewoo models, the full-scale production of VAZ-2107, 21093 and 21099 vehicles has been mastered directly at the Zaporozhye plant, which are still being produced.

An interesting project in the development of the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant was the Opel project.

On March 25, 2003 in Kiev, a cooperation agreement was signed between Ukravto, ZAZ CJSC and Adam Opel AG. According to the contract, the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant in the spring of 2003 began assembling Opel cars of the Vectra, Astra, and Korsa models from vehicle kits imported to Ukraine.

According to the admissions of the auto plants themselves, cooperation with the German auto concern taught the plant workers in German a clear approach to the quality of assembled cars. And, despite the fact that at the moment this cooperation has already been terminated for reasons of economic efficiency, the car manufacturers are still using the quality system, which they have mastered together with German partners.

In 2009, the Zaporizhzhya Automobile Plant started producing cars of the KIA concern at its facilities. Together with Korean partners, 2 models of the Korean concern are being produced at the facilities of ZAZ CJSC, these are KIA Cee "d and KIA Sportage.

But 2010 may become another major milestone in the history of the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant. In December 2010, a new model was delivered to the main conveyor of ZAZ, which will replace the most popular LANOS (in the Russian Federation since 2009 it has been presented as CHANCE).

On the basis of the Chinese Chery A-13, the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant began to produce cars under its own brand ZAZ-FORZA.

Automobile plants already had experience in assembling cars from China, in 2006 at the plant in Ilyichevsk, which is part of ZAZ CJSC, “pilot” lots of Chinese cars were assembled.

And in December 2010, a full-fledged assembly of a new car started on the ZAZ conveyor. It will be supplied not only to the domestic market of Ukraine, but also to The Russian Federation... Base, Comfort, Luxury versions will be presented in sedan and hatchback bodies. At the moment, the cars are undergoing certification tests at the test site in Dmitrov, near Moscow, and in mid-2011 they will already appear at dealerships.

The text of the article and photographs were provided by A.O. - the head of the marketing department of the car dealership "", authorized dealer COMPANY .