Interesting facts about the legendary "Moskvich"

• Interesting facts about the legendary "Moskvich"

In 1930, the Moscow plant of small cars was founded in Moscow. And 80 years later, in 2010, the legendary plant ceased to exist, and by a strange coincidence, almost no no artifacts, no documentation about the company, the history of which could be extremely interesting to millions of our countrymen ...

On the birthday of the once unique automobile production to present you interesting facts and pictures of the famous "Muscovites".

"The plant of small cars."

History of founding and existence MZMA (since 1990 - OAO "Moskvich") - of course, rich and unusual, especially in comparison with the history-AvtoVAZ and notorious. Let's start with 1930, the end of which the decision of the All-Union Association of Automobile and Tractor Plant was named the "National assembly plant behalf of the Communist International of Youth" - Kim.

In those days, the company gathered FORD cars (pictured above), and as the technology had a ready-made, Soviet designers in the early years of the cars at the plant were not involved.

Independent development of the plant began with the Great Patriotic War, by setting his work on military needs. After the victory in 1945 in Germany were exported many engineering units Opel, started production of Opel Kadett 1938 sample year, and the factory was named MZMA.

After the development of release Opel Kadett on its basis was developed Moskvich-401.

The first decision on the production of light vehicle called "Moskvich-401" was adopted in 1953, together with the active development of the direction of "Volga" and the popular "Victory". Muscovite - is one of the brightest events MZMA, which to some extent was an omen of the Khrushchev thaw. 401-I model Moskvich was a complete prototype "Opel - Cadet" model looked quite old, because the base has taken Opel pre-war output. Production was of a serial character, but became widely used independent design decisions plant employees.

"Buy for personal use Muscovite with cabriolet!" - called advertising of those years.

In 1955, the pipeline was put into operation "Moskvich-402", which was much more modern and comfortable its 401-th predecessor. Displacement of the engine 1, of 2 liters capacity with raised with 26-to 35-n. from. 402-I model Moskvich was first seriously tested, and then was considered a good car with decent technical performance. Incidentally, the test car were including in difficult conditions - swamps, hills, roads ...

The plant bloomed and gaining momentum. A few years later MZMA began to produce sports cars and is completely self-developed, which participated in the first Soviet virtually racing at this level.

It is difficult to believe, but the photo you see a sports car produced by MZMA called "Salute!" Such machines were created in 1950, and a full 60 years, thanks to someone's "literate" policy, we produce the "Lada Kalina" ...

Then the employees of the plant used widely respected, and even went on a business trip abroad, getting there the necessary experience and knowledge.

Cultural builders life of the Soviet car industry also paid attention to, here for example, by means of a musical ensemble.

In the photo imprinted so-called "commercial chassis" to which you can install and booth, and the cargo body.

At the stage the engine family with a volume of 406 1, 1-1, 5 liters. As a result, in 1958, after a relatively short break, the story continues to develop Moskvich release into production "Moskvich-407". The new engine, four-speed transmission was the best creation over the years of production, and a new rear axle was raised in 1960. In the early 60s MZMA continued modernization of existing models. For example, an improved release of the versatile "Moskvich-423", as well as the release of the van "Moskvich-430", the last one was just incredibly popular.

Moskvitch 408

Moskvitch 408 "tourist" (1964)

The range MZMA was really impressive, "Moskvich-415", for example, combines the properties of other models of the lightweight vehicle being present Utility! Eight-car with the details of the Volga created the first prototype of the mini-SUV. After the release of the car is still being finalized, but unfortunately, at the dawn of the 60's. the project had to curtail production because of lack of funds, but in 1968, the plant was again renamed - MZMA became Automobile Plant named after Lenin Komsomol - AZLK. A real hit in the market was the strong "Moskvich-412" with unprecedented for that time, with a capacity of as much as 75 liters. from.

Honorary prize in the form of 412-th Moskvich awarded the winners of the Olympic Games and other competitions. Everything else, it was the only Muscovite, who participated in the prestigious international rally and even reached the finish line! Well, of course this car is equally proud and happy (but few) owners, and overall domestic automotive industry, which tried to resist the era of "stagnation" that swept the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

As you know, in the next decade with the producer of the famous "Muscovites" did not take place the best changes that resulted in the company to a sad ending.