ZAZ Zaporoshets- 1965

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ZAZ Zaporoshets- 1965

"ZAZ" stands for "Zaporozhsky Avtomobilny Zavod" or "Zaporozhet's Automotive Factory. It was conceived in 1958 as a result of a decision of the Soviet government to build a "people’s car", similar to the Volkswagen Beetle in Germany or the Citroën 2CV in France. This operation was limited by the Stalinist ideology that did not allow people to buy any type car they chose. The car you see here is the "965". This car was called "humpbacked" by the Russians because of the stumpy look. You may notice the resemblance of the front to that of the FIAT 600. That is because the Russian Minister of Industry ordered the engineers to copy the Italian car.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Zaporezhskiy Avtomobilnyi Zavod

Country of Origin: U.S.S.R.

Drivetrain Configuration: Rear engine, rear wheel drive

Engine: 1197cc, 4 cylinder, air cooled

Transmission: 4 speed manual

Top Speed: 50 miles per hour

Years of Production: 1958-63

Number Produced: “Very many”