The car "Moskvich-403": technical characteristics, tuning, photo

Now, if you ask a person what kind of cars were produced in the USSR, he will certainly mention the VAZ Classic, the legendary Volga and the post-war M-20 Victory. But today we want to talk about a more distant car. This is "Moskvich-403". Photo, design and characteristics of this machine - later in this article.

History

This "Moskvich" appeared in the middle of the last century. So to say, the competitor of "Victory". In general, the car "Moskvich-403" was a transitional model. He belonged to the class of small cars. He is often confused with the car "Moskvich-402" (403, 407, too, are similar to each other). A total of about a hundred thousand copies left the assembly line. Now they are very few. This is a real rarity. This model was manufactured at AZLK from 1962 to 1965.

Design

Externally, the car "Moskvich-403" (photo of the car can be seen below) was practically the same as its 402 predecessor. Classic style for those years. But in the mid-60's this design was considered obsolete.

A characteristic feature of any car of that time is a lot of chrome. It's on the bumper, mirrors, on the wheels and the grille. Even the name "Moskvich" is made in chrome edging. And this is not plastic, but a real Soviet metal. By the way, it is easy to restore it - folk craftsmen use for this purpose a foil moistened in water. Various modifications of the Moskvich cars - 403, 407 - were produced. Some even went for export with the "E" marking. Such examples were characterized by a three-part rear optics, a rectangular wide grille, and a modified side molding. There were models with characteristic "fangs" on the bumper. But for export there were cars with accurate overlays. This model was a competitor to the legendary "twenty-first", namely GAZ-21. In fact, from the side and from the front it is almost a brethren.

What else to say about design? Yes, there is practically nothing - it's a rare car that you can meet only in the museum. Unambiguously, if you restore the Moskvich-403, it will attract attention in the stream. But this is a very long and expensive business. After all, not everyone has so much money and desire to return the 60-year-old car to the factory state.

But those who do not spare forces to return the "Muscovite" a second life, it is worth saying a separate "thank you". After all, every year these machines are becoming less and less - they completely rot in the hands of forgetful owners.

Salon

Inside, everything is very simple. No plastic parts - even the torpedo is made of metal. Upholstery - only on the door. The steering wheel is double-spoke, and on the instrument panel there is only a speedometer. Nearby there is a fuel level sensor and antifreeze. By the way, the latter is designated as "Water". After all, when this car was produced, there was no such liquid as "tosol". In the center there are massive round buttons. It seems that they were made to survive humanity. In another way, Soviet quality is not characterized.

To the right of the front passenger there is a small glove box. Everything is done in the style of minimalism. Of course, the interior design is very different, even in comparison with the "Volga-24". The steering wheel on all modifications of the car "Moskvich-403" was made in light colors. Front - a characteristic for retro-cars sofa. No lateral supports and armrests. By the way, the back is fully folded. The result is a flat bed.

Despite the big years, the smell of the Soviet car still remained inside. It can not be compared to anything. Is it possible to make a car "Moskvich-403" tuning? Modifications can only concern the restoration of the former beauty of the salon. Restorers alter the upholstery and repaint the metal parts.

Ironically, but after so many years this machine does not cause disgust. This is my story. Especially effective, it looks on the original chrome caps.

Next, we will consider what the "Moskvich-403" car has technical characteristics.

What's under the hood?

The machines of those times (with the exception of the leading "Americans") were not particularly powerful engines. So, on the "Moskvich-403" was installed 45-hp gasoline unit. Its working volume was 1.3 liters. On model 407 engine with marking "D" was installed. On such cars the hydraulic clutch drive was used. This meant a lot to the machines of the time. There was also a transient motor 407D1. Its power was 50 horsepower. It was believed that its design was more modern and reliable. But they have not reached the present time. As for the technical improvements, on the 403rd model, new crankshafts with an enlarged base neck, liners, another flywheel and a crankcase were used. This allowed to increase the maximum speed to 115 kilometers per hour. The transmission here is mechanical, with the steering column switch. The same scheme used by the Germans at one time on the car "Opel-Olympia".

About technical improvements

When creating the stalk switch , specialists from the MZMA plant were involved. They used a gearshift shaft, which is concentric to the steering. Earlier they were installed coaxially.

This design has significantly reduced the vibration of the stalk shift lever.

The radiator of cooling and the steering mechanism was finished. The latter was with a pendulum arm, which was mounted on the right spar. The suspension here is hinged, and the main brake cylinder has been moved from the cabin under the hood. By the way, "Moskvich-403" was the first Soviet car on which automatically adjusted brake cylinders were installed. There was also a windscreen washer. It was controlled mechanically by pressing the foot pedal. This is all technical improvements in the domestic car "Moskvich" 403-th model.

Modifications

Soviet "Moskvich" was issued in several variations. It was a sedan, as well as a station wagon with the M-423 marking. There were also all-wheel drive modifications with the prefix "M". But these are not found now even in the hands of collectors. The models that were exported had the designation "Yu." Often this car was used in a Soviet taxi ("Moskvich-T").

About prices

Find now such instances is difficult. Very few ads. Those that are sold are not in the best condition. Restored options can cost about ten thousand dollars. As for the other models, they can be purchased for 200-300 US dollars. Definitely have to invest in this car a certain amount of money. The value depends on the particular state. But it's hard to say that the spare parts for "Moskvich" are expensive. The problem is that they are almost impossible to find. Analogues to it are not produced, but what is on the secondary market, in most cases in poor condition. Some restorers fit into 800-900 dollars in view of cooking and painting the body. Unequivocally, all this requires strength and time.

But, according to the reviews of those who restored it, we can say that the machine does not cause negative emotions. It is aimed at a moderate quiet ride. Arches allow you to fit 15-inch wheels, which makes it possible to park on any curb.

The surrounding will definitely pay attention to such a car. By the way, its silhouette is a bit like the 21st "Volga".

Maintenance and operation

As for the service, the main problem is consumables. Original filters for this model simply do not produce. Folk craftsmen put elements from the "Oka". Silencers digest from the "Classics". The rest - the body, parts of the cabin, you can find on any flea market. The condition will be far from new, but with an effort, you can return the car to an original appearance both externally and internally. The engine for 1300 "cubes" is very economical. Not to say that in the 50's engineers thought about the problem of ecology, but he spends it at the expense of a small volume of 8 liters per hundred kilometers. And you can pour any petrol here - the engine will endure all. Those who are fond of old cars, the 403rd "Moskvich" definitely like it.

Perhaps, it does not fit like a car for everyday trips, but no one forbids passers-by on the weekend to please the eye of passers-by. Due to the uniqueness of this car is quite suitable for a wedding.

Conclusion

So, we found out what the "Moskvich-403" car is. Strange as it may seem, but throughout the production phase, engineers have been constantly working on this machine, eliminating all the jambs. As a result, it was replaced by the well-known model AZLK-2140. Her motorists were praised for their reliable suspension and unmoved engine. Unfortunately, now these cars almost do not meet in the vastness of our homeland. Some fall into the hands of restorers, while others continue to rot in the garages of some village outback.