The car "Zaporozhets": characteristics, models, history and reviews

The car "Zaporozhets" is a light car that was manufactured by the Zaporozhye plant "Kommunar", better known as ZAZ. Known for the whole world, the name united the production of two generations of vehicles, which were similar to each other with some technical characteristics. At the same time, they met together for a certain period of time. A little later, the production of the initial models was stopped.

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

The main difference of Zaporozhets vehicles is the availability of a special design. All of them were two-door sedans, the engine was represented by a carburetor type, and the suspension mounted on the wheel axles was independent in all cases.

ZAZ-965 / 965A

The main modification called ZAZ-965 was produced 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 design was redesigned, and the engine - assembled from scratch.

The car has 4 seats, including the driver's seat. The front and rear windows can interchange each other. Doors have an excellent mechanism that allows you to open the doors back. The power unit, which received this car "Zaporozhets", for the world car industry was a novelty, as it was used quite rarely. It is a 4-cylinder engine with special air cooling. It should be noted that it is located behind, not in front. The leading wheels were the rear wheels. The model ZAZ-365 described was produced for export and disabled people.

The following model ZAZ-965A differed in its engine: its volume was 887 m³, and power - 27 l. 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 completely debugged, the development of the next modification began. It happened in 1961. The prototype, from which the new model was created, appeared in the autumn of the same period. However, the factory's fabulous plans were hampered by the economic situation of the enterprise (there was not enough finance), and the strong influence was exerted by the fact that the working team had little experience. At the same time, all the elements that were added to the model, were borrowed from other specimens, in particular from foreign ones.

Serial production of ZAZ-966 continued from 1966 to 1972. At the same time, the first time only the so-called transition model came off the assembly line, which was called 966B. Its downside was that the engine was rated at 1.2 liters, and its power was 30 liters. from.

The car "Zaporozhets" 968 did not differ in anything 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 produced an upgraded version of the machine. The changes were minimal, but in a few years (by 1978) the car had acquired a completely new look. The car ZAZ-968A was the representative of these specimens. It was improved safety system, brakes, dashboard. The latter was also used in a vehicle such as the ZAZ-968M.

Zaporozhets 968M

The model with the index "M" went to release in 1979. It was she who closed the leading era of Zaporozhets. This car was put on engines with a capacity of 28, 41, 45 and 50 horsepower. The most common was the second option.

From the main model "M" differed in exterior and interior. The design was completely different. The number of chrome parts decreased, plastic, on the contrary, became more. Due to the fact that the cooling system of the power unit was changed, the "ears" were no longer mounted on the body. This model has become one that the domestic manufacturer has been waiting for for so long - it has not overheated. However, with the elimination of such a minus, another one was added. The duct box became clogged, and its tightness was violated too quickly.

It was this car "Zaporozhets" that became the most popular. It was possible to meet it at one time most often on the roads. This model was also produced in the version for disabled people.

Zaporozhets for export

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

Sales were carried out through Finnish and Belgian companies. In the year sold no more than 5 thousand copies.

Jokes about "Zaporozhets"

The engine of the Zaporozhets car often fell into disrepair. However, this was not due to factory marriage, which was so clearly argued by the owners of the car. All problems arose due to improper care of the vehicle. Also jokes appeared because of the motor under the rear hood and small dimensions.

However, it should be noted that at that time Zaporozhets was a car that did not differ from imported models of its category in technical specifications. And so the constant abuse of him, in fact, was out of place. At the same time, it should be noted that the same cars brand "Fiat", "Renault", "Volkswagen" have become for their people the property and symbol of the corresponding era.

The most common joke was that the car "Zaporozhets" - "hunchbacked." We are talking about the model ZAZ-965, which had a specific body. She was also nicknamed "armored car". Other models with indices 966 and 968 received the nickname "eared" and "Cheburashka", respectively. Their names appeared because of the cooling system. Soap dish is a 968M model. People noted its similarity with this subject because of the lack of air intakes. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, a lot of anecdotes appeared that described the accidents involving Zaporozhets and Mercedes.

Engine

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

Transmission

For the first time, the new transmission works well, but over time the traction is wiped out and the 4-speed gearbox starts to malfunction. A frequent problem is the difficult switching between speeds, which already leads to the creation of an emergency on the road. At purchase each buyer should discuss this nuance with the seller.

Reviews

The first car "Zaporozhets" received few positive reviews, although it interested the audience with its appearance. The main advantages that can be singled out are:

• Simplicity in operation;
• 100% guarantee that the car will not be stolen;
• low cost;
• Low fuel consumption;
• Fast engine replacement;
• Good cross-country ability;
• Capacity.

However, along with these advantages, there is a huge number of disadvantages. Drivers often complained of engine overheating and terrible noise insulation. And also that when dialing a high speed the front end starts to rise, which worsens the driving conditions. With good patency it is necessary to note the poor stability. In principle, this car is suitable for those who like a rarity or wants to ride it on several occasions. For a constant ride, especially for long distances, the car does not fit and causes a lot of inconvenience. Many note the lack of window openings from the back - they do not open.

Results

Despite the many shortcomings of this car, which caused the creation of a huge number of jokes and anecdotes, Zaporozhets fully justifies its value. Not only that the spare parts for it are cheap and change fast enough, so nobody cares about the car - neither the hijackers, nor the DPS representatives. The vehicle of ZAZ is capable of both transferring cargo and simply taking someone somewhere. In this case, it is worth highlighting the passability of the car, especially on ice.