The history of the Soviet automotive industry. Motorcycle "SZD"

In the history of the domestic automobile industry, niche is occupied by interesting cars - motor-cars. Similar in principle to the actions of both cars and motorcycles, they are inherently neither the one nor the other. The last representative of this class of cars was the "SZD" sidecar. She managed to stay in production until 1997. What kind of assembly is it, and why was it needed?

The need to create transport for the disabled

In the second half of the 20th century, the world automobile industry developed by leaps and bounds. The streets of European cities were gradually filled with cars. In the Soviet Union, not everyone had the opportunity to purchase a personal car. At the same time, the state still tried to take care of its citizens. In addition, in a country that survived a terrible war, a large number of people with disabilities appeared. In this regard, the idea arose to create an inexpensive vehicle to meet the needs of this category of citizens. The car had to get the body of a small car and the engine from a motorcycle. Wheelchair "CSD" became the crowning of the evolution of such vehicles. Their distribution among citizens was carried out by social security agencies. They were issued for 5 years. After two and a half years, the machine relied on free repair. After the expiration of the operational period, the "SZD" sidecar was returned in return for a new one.

Historical predecessors

In 1952, the light appeared "S-1L". The body of the motorized wheelchair was shaped like an iron, because there was a rear axle with two wheels, and there was only one wheel in front. This can sometimes create difficulties when driving on a dirt road in inclement weather. The machine had to independently build a third track in the center. In addition, this distribution of control points has provided the wheelchair a weak stability. This represented a serious danger to the driver, since with the engine of 7.5 liters. from. The device could reach speeds of up to 55 km / h. Nevertheless, the stroller gave its owner a certain comfort. A folding canvas roof successfully protected it from rain.

Model "S-3A"

In 1956, after the cardinal modernization of the previous model, the "S-3A" motor-car was introduced to mass production. It was equipped with a motorcycle engine IZH-49, which already had 10 liters. from. Despite such a solid increase in power, the patency of the car did not improve. The stroller turned out to be too heavy (425 kg) and gluttonous (5 liters per 100 km). Not happy with the manufacturer and high cost model.

Motorcycle "SZD" - the last representative in the class

Disadvantages of the previous version of the designers tried to fix the "S3D", released in 1970. The model was equipped with new hydraulic brakes torsion rear suspension and a new heating system of the cabin. The improved engine of a motocross car "СЗД" in 12 l. from. Added her power. The machine received a metal roof instead of a tarpaulin. The length of the body was 2.6 m, and its weight - almost half a ton. In general, it can not be said that the SKD motor-cycle justified all the expectations of consumers. However, in history, undoubtedly, there will be a trace of the very idea of how you can get a hybrid of a car and a motorcycle.