The Zaporozhets car is a passenger car, which was produced by the Kommunar Zaporizhzhya plant, better known as ZAZ. The world-famous name combined the release of two generations of vehicles, which were similar to each other in some technical characteristics. At the same time, they gathered at a certain time. A little later, the production of initial models was stopped.
The history of the Zaporozhets car begins in 1960. The first generation is dated 1960-1969. During this period, ZAZ-365 and ZAZ-365A models were produced. The second generation is represented by the ZAZ-368 and 368M lines. It was produced from 1966 to 1994.
The main difference between Zaporozhets cars is the presence of a special design. All of them were two-door sedans, the engine was 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 has been produced for nine years since 1960. This Zaporozhets car 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 main structure was redone, and the engine was assembled from scratch.
The car has 4 seats, including a driver's seat. Front and rear windows are able to interchange each other. Doors have an excellent mechanism that allows you to open the wings back. The power unit, which received this Zaporozhets car, was a novelty for the global automotive industry, as it was rarely used. It is a 4-cylinder engine with special air cooling. It should be noted that it is located behind, and not in front. The driving wheels are rear. The described model ZAZ-365 was produced for export and disabled people.
The next ZAZ-965A model was distinguished by its engine: its volume was 887 m³, and the 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 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 plant’s fabulous plans were hindered by the economic situation of the enterprise (there wasn’t enough finances), and the working team had little experience. Moreover, all the elements that were added to the model became borrowed from other copies, in particular from foreign ones.
Serial production of ZAZ-966 lasted from 1966 to 1972. At the same time, at first only the so-called transition model, called 966V, was rolled off the assembly line. Its minus was that the engine was designed for 1.2 liters, and its power was 30 liters. from.
The Zaporozhets car 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 a modernized version of the machine. The changes were minimal, but in a few years (by 1978) the car acquired a completely new look. The ZAZ-968A car was a representative of these copies. It has been improved safety system, brakes, dashboard. The latter was also used in such a vehicle as the ZAZ-968M car.
Zaporozhets 968M
The model with the index "M" went on release in 1979. It was she who closed the leading era of "Zaporozhets". This car was equipped with engines with a power of 28, 41, 45 and 50 horsepower. The most common was the second option.
From the main model, “M” distinguished itself by its exterior and interior. The design was completely different. The number of chrome parts has decreased, plastic, on the contrary, has become 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 the one that the domestic manufacturer has been waiting for so long - it did not overheat. However, with the elimination of such a minus, another was added. The duct box began to clog, and its tightness was broken too quickly.
It was this Zaporozhets car that became the most popular. It was he who could be found at one time most often on the roads. This model was also produced in a version for the disabled.
Zaporozhets for export
Together with models for the domestic market, the Zaporizhzhya factory produced copies for export. Depending on which market this or that car went to, the name changed. There was a "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 items in an improved level of sound insulation. Also, rear-view mirrors, radio, covers.
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 Zaporozhets car often deteriorated. However, this was not due to factory defects, which the car owners so vehemently proved. All problems arose due to improper care of the vehicle. Jokes also appeared due to the engine under the rear hood and small size.
However, it should be noted that at that time Zaporozhets was a car that did not differ from the imported models of its category in technical specifications. And therefore, constant mockery of him, in fact, was inappropriate. It should be noted that the same Fiat, Renault, and Volkswagen cars became the property and symbol of the corresponding era for their people.
The most common joke was that the Zaporozhets car was “hunchbacked.” We are talking about the model ZAZ-965, which had a specific body. She was also nicknamed the “armored car”. Other models with indices 966 and 968 were popularly nicknamed "eared" and "Cheburashka," respectively. Their names appeared due to the cooling system. Soap dish is a model 968M. People noted its resemblance to this subject due to the lack of air intakes. After the collapse of the Soviet Union , a lot of anecdotes appeared that told of 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 fairly loud roar during operation. The unit is able to work about 40-50 km, however, consumers who are not watching what fuel “absorbs” their car are more to blame. However, this is the main plus of the engine. If import options are able to die in such conditions after a short period of time, then Zaporozhets will serve faithfully for a very long time. The installed “air vents” were designed for a volume of 1.2 liters.
Transmission
At first, the new transmission works well, but over time the traction breaks out and the 4-speed gearbox starts to fail. A common problem is the difficult switching between speeds, which already leads to an emergency on the road. Upon purchase, each buyer should have discussed this nuance with the seller.
Reviews
The first Zaporozhets car received few positive reviews, although it interested the public in its appearance. The main advantages that can be distinguished are:
- simplicity in operation;
- 100% guarantee that the car will not be stolen;
- low cost;
- low fuel consumption;
- quick engine replacement;
- good cross;
- spaciousness.
However, along with these advantages, a huge number of minuses can be distinguished. Drivers often complained about motor overheating and terrible noise isolation. And also the fact that with a set of high speed the front end rises, which worsens the riding conditions. With good traffic it should be noted poor stability. In principle, this car is suitable for those who like a rarity or want to ride on it just a few times. For constant driving, especially over long distances, the car is not suitable and causes a lot of inconvenience. Many note the lack of window openings at the back - they do not open.
Summary
Despite the many shortcomings of this car, which caused the creation of a huge number of jokes and jokes, Zaporozhets fully justifies its value. Not only are the parts for it cheap and change quickly enough, so no one pays attention to the car - neither the hijackers, nor representatives of the traffic police. A ZAZ vehicle is capable of both transporting cargo and simply taking a person somewhere. In this case, it is worth highlighting the patency of the car, especially on ice.