13 Mar
Uncategorized

An Iconic Soviet Classic: The ZAZ Zaporozhets

Since its launch in the 1960s, the ZAZ Zaporozhets has become an iconic symbol of Soviet history. Its classic design, affordability, and reliability made it a popular choice among all classes of people in the former USSR. Let’s take a look at this beloved car and why it is still so beloved today.

 

History Behind the ZAZ Zaporozhets

The first prototype for the ZAZ was created in 1958 by engineer Vyacheslav Dedkov. It was based on a Fiat 600D and was intended to be an affordable car for the masses. It was officially launched in 1960 with production running until 1994 when it was replaced by the more modern ZAZ Chance. During this time, over 2 million cars were produced at their plant in Ukraine.

The car quickly became popular as it was significantly cheaper than other Soviet cars of that era such as the Moskvich-408 or Volga GAZ-21. The engine capacity of 1 liter enabled drivers to cover up to 15 miles per gallon making it a great choice for urban driving, while its small size allowed drivers to easily maneuver through crowded streets. Despite its low price tag, however, the car had many features such as a sunroof, opening rear window and even an adjustable steering wheel which made driving much easier. Even though production stopped in 1994, there are still many of these iconic cars on the road today!

 

Why is the ZAZ Still Popular?

The simple answer is nostalgia; despite being outdated by modern standards, many people still have fond memories associated with this car from their childhood or from stories told by family members who owned one. In addition, due to its simplicity and low cost maintenance costs have kept many owners loyal to this classic car despite newer models being available on the market today. This loyalty has also been driven by their strong sense of pride for owning something that was once considered groundbreaking technology for its time. It’s not just nostalgia either; parts are still readily available online making repairs easy if needed, plus they remain affordable enough that any budget can make room for one! Finally, since only over two million were produced between 1960-1994 they remain quite rare making them highly sought after amongst collectors around the world!

As you can see, there’s no denying why so many people love and appreciate the iconic ZAZ Zaporozhets today! From its revolutionary design during its heyday to its ability to remain relevant even after all these years; you cannot go wrong with this beloved classic car! Whether you’re looking for a collector’s item or just want something reliable and inexpensive; you definitely want to consider adding a ZAZ into your garage!

02 Nov
Soviet Cars

Vintage Soviet Cars Collectors Must Have

Iconic Soviet cars collectors must have

What do the Sultan of Brunei, Jay Leno, Jamiroquai, Ralph Lauren, and Nick Mason of Pink Floyd have in common?

All these men are avid car collectors and are among the top collectors in the world. Their collection of Bugatti, Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Jaguar, Mercedes, Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Maserati, Corvette, Mustangs and the list goes on are worth a fortune.

The Sultan of Brunei alone has amassed a staggering 7,000 cars in his collection. Jay Leno counts a 1962 Volga GAZ-21, a Soviet antique car, in his collection of 286 vehicles.

Only a privileged few however can have an impressive car collection as these guys do. Don’t despair. Even without a fortune, people who are passionate about cars have collected cars that speak to their keen sense and eye for detail. And for some car collectors, collecting classic Soviet cars can be a pretty exciting hobby. 

Soviet cars are mostly unfamiliar to Americans. They have unique designs. And if you’re getting into collecting them, unlike the cars collected by top collectors, Soviet cars do not cost a fortune. Vintage Soviet cars are novelty items and are definitely eye-catching and interesting conversation pieces. Plus, there are a variety of Soviet cars for sale to choose from.

Vintage, antique, classic: what’s the difference?

But before we get into those cars, here’s a quick note: did you know that vintage, antique, and classic actually mean different things? There is a general thinking that vintage, antique, and classic cars are all old cars.  But a useful general guideline to determine whether a Soviet car is vintage, antique, or classic relates to the period of years when they were manufactured. 

For example, a car is vintage if it was produced between 1919 – 1930. There is also such as thing as a post-vintage car. These were cars manufactured before 1945. This overlaps with an antique car or those that were manufactured prior to 1975. A classic car too might overlap with an antique car as it is understood to be a car that was manufactured before 1990.

If you are a car collector and might be interested in acquiring Soviet cars, these automobiles are worth a second look and are a great addition to your collection, whether they are vintage, classic, or antique.

Lada 2101 and Niva

The Lada is the ultimate symbol of the Soviet automotive industry. The first six Ladas were assembled and released to the public in 1970. Two were black and the rest were cherry red. Under the hood were 1.2-liter 64 HP engines.

Demand by the Soviets for the Lada was so huge that by 1973, a million cars were manufactured. But even then, it was hard enough to supply the growing demand for the popular car in the Soviet Union.

Lada cars were also exported to Yugoslavia and the United Kingdom. In the British market, the Lada had to be modified as a right-hand drive vehicle which nowadays is extremely rare. If you find one, that’s definitely something worth keeping!

Another iconic and enduring Lada model is the Lada Niva, the Soviet version of a sports utility vehicle (SUV). Manufactured beginning in 1977, the Lada Niva is a classic Soviet car that became one of the most popular vehicles among Soviets and many Europeans as well.

Including a Lada in your collection is a good choice. You might be wondering though if you will be able to find a Lada for sale since it’s not being produced anymore. Good news: it’s fairly easy to find a Lada car for sale or a Lada Niva for sale in the USA.

ZAZ Zaporozhets

The Zaporozhets, also called Zapos for short, became the Soviet people’s car. Produced from 1960 to 1994, the Zaporozhets became an iconic Soviet car, much like the Beetle for West Germany.

The first-generation Zapos were the models ZAZ 965 and 965A. The compact cars featured rounded bodywork with air intake on the sides for an air-cooled rear engine. It was a simple enough car that most Soviets who owned a Zapo learned how to service the vehicle themselves.

The second-generation Zaporozhets were the ZAZ 966 and 968. Both models had been trimmed down from the rounded body of the first generation 965. The Zapos now had distinct angular bodies. Compared to the 966, the 968 featured a more powerful engine.

The Zaporozhet is an antique Soviet car that has that distinct Soviet character to it. If you want to add it to your car collection, a quick online search will take you to sites that have Zaporozhets for sale in the USA.

Moskvich

Before the Zaporozhet became the Soviet people’s car, the most sought-after car was the Moskvich. Produced beginning in 1946 until the 1960s, the Moskvich was still quite expensive but was the first to be within reach of ordinary Soviets. 

The earlier versions, Moskvich 400 and 401, were rounded and rather bulky automobiles. Still, they were well-equipped cars that were comfortable. The Moskvich 401 even got an engine upgrade with a higher-capacity motor. This car model was very popular and was also exported to other countries.

The Moskvich 407, the next-generation model, became a hit car for its manufacturer. It still featured a rounded body but it had a more modern stylish design with an even more powerful motor, capable of reaching a top speed of 115km/hr. The car was so popular not just in the Soviet but also in countries in Western Europe.

Another upgrade produced the Moskvich 408. It had a sleeker, more modern design that was very pleasing to the eye. Unlike its predecessors, the Moskvich 408 was more angular but it retained the comfort, power, and reliability of its predecessors. It continued the Moskvich tradition of popularity both in the Soviet Union and other European countries.

Volga

The Volga is a luxury car made for the Soviet elite. It was large, spacious, comfortable, and, of course, luxurious. Ordinary Soviets could not afford this car. It was mainly reserved for politicians and rich Soviets. Despite its limited market, orders for the Volga were reserved in advance and showed how popular it was to its elite market.

The Volga series began in 1956 with GAZ-21. It was used mainly by state officials and the cultural elites. Here’s a little trivia: the black Volga became synonymous with the KGB, more popularly known as Russia’s secret police. The GAZ 24-24 was one of the fastest cars with a top speed of 170kph and became very popular with State agents.

The Volga is one of the most enduring Soviet cars as production of the Volga Siber continued until 2010.

Add that iconic Soviet car to your collection today!

Whether you are searching for a vintage, antique, or classic Soviet car for your car collection, there’s only one place to look: here at Soviet Cars for Sale. Be it a Lada for sale in the USA or a Zaporozhet for sale that you want, we have it! And if you need parts, we have those too! 

Let us know what you need – contact us anytime, and we’d be more than happy to help you!

02 Nov
Soviet Cars

Soviet Classic Cars Every Car Enthusiast Must Know About

The United States is a country where 90% of its citizens own at least one light vehicle. Of the 270 million registered vehicles in the US in 2019, 108 million are cars.

Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans say that they love their car a lot – over 69% take pride in their cars. Of course, while Americans usually go for American-made vehicles, they have also embraced those made by the Japanese, Koreans, and Germans. Their most preferred brands are Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan, Jeep, Ram, Hyundai, Subaru, Kia, GMC, and Mercedes Benz.

Of course, there are those who just love their cars, and there are those who are truly car-crazy or enthusiastic about cars. They might like cars because of their looks, while others like taking different kinds of cars for a spin. Others just like collecting cars. There are also car enthusiasts out there who are into restoration or modification to bring life back into these mechanic marvels. But we think that all car enthusiasts will agree that Soviet cars are definitely some of the most unique cars out there.

Soviet classic cars have a distinct look that easily differentiates them from cars most Americans have been used to. Even the names of Soviet classic car models are conversation pieces. Also, Soviet cars for sale are very limited. They are not easy to find or come by, even for the Soviets.

Soviet classic cars are thus good items to collect for those with a passion for unusual and rare cars. For car enthusiasts, the following classic Soviet cars are worth a second look – and even more.

Lada Niva

A Lada Niva is the Soviet version of a sports utility vehicle (SUV). It is a stripped-down version of more popular Western SUVs but with just as impressive off-road capabilities. Lada is one of the most famous Soviet car brands produced by the AvtoVAZ. They have been producing the Lada Niva since 1977 and started to export to Europe the following year. The car eventually captured 40% of Europe’s four-wheel-drive market.

The Lada Niva is a classic Soviet car with a unibody architecture with independent front and coil suspension. It was popularly used as an ambulance or a military vehicle. It was often used by police authorities and utility companies. The Lada Niva became the predecessor for modern crossover SUVs.

The newer version, called the Lada Niva Legend, is still in production today, attesting to its function, utility, and enduring appeal. Aside from its longevity, the impressive thing about the new Lada Niva Legend models is that it basically retains the way that it looks.

Modern Lada Niva Legends are only available in 13 countries outside of the US as well as in the European Union. But if you want the classic version, don’t worry. A Lada Niva for sale in the USA can be found through car auctions or Soviet car enthusiast companies. And aside from the Lada Niva, there are other models of Lada cars for sale. You just have to know where to look.

Zaporozhets

Another classic Soviet car is the Zaporozhets. It is a car model produced by ZAZ (Zaporozhsky Avtomobilny Zavod), the oldest Ukrainian automobile manufacturer. It has the usual features and equipment of a car, plus a basic audio system. It is purely a functional car that aims to take you from one place to the other. People don’t buy this to go racing if you know what we mean.

ZAZ began manufacturing the Zaporozhets in the 1960s until 1994. It is a series of two-door rear-wheel-drive models and was the most affordable car available in the Soviet Union.

The different models of Zaporozhets, or Zapos as referred to in the Eastern bloc, featured an air-cooled engine located at the rear. Most Soviets had a Zapo as their first car. You can say it was quite popular during its time. It is lightweight, durable, and has a distinct look. The Zaporozhet is the equivalent of a Soviet family car.

Classic Zaporozhets are quite popular among car enthusiasts in the US. You’d be surprised that there are quite a few online listings of Zaporozhets for sale in the USA.

Moskvich

Moskvich, one of the most popular Soviet cars, was produced by AZLK, a Soviet and Russian automobile manufacturer from 1929 all the way up to 2001. Sadly, the company permanently ceased operations in 2010.

There were several generations of Moskvich car models first produced in 1945, but production didn’t hit its peak until the 1970s and 1980s.

The Moskvich 407, produced in 1958 – 1963, became a hit for the manufacturer. It had a powerful motor with a top speed of 115 kilometers per hour, had a very comfortable interior, and a very stylish design. The price for the car was also considerably low, making it affordable to many Soviet people. People in Western Europe and other socialist countries could also purchase the Moskvich 407 as it was exported to these countries.

Its successor, the Moskvich 408, also became a hit for AZLK. It had the same power and reliability but came with a more compact and modern design. It was able to compete with other European car models at that time and became popular among Soviets and many Europeans.

Volga GAZ

The Volga is an executive car produced by GAZ. It became a status symbol for Soviet politicians, professionals, personalities and was a favorite of Vladimir Putin and Yuri Gagarin.

The Volga is a spacious, comfortable, and luxurious business sedan which was quite expensive and was beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. People paid in advance just to be able to acquire one. It is comparable to other luxury vehicles such as Mercedes, BMW, and Audi.

The Volga is an iconic Soviet classic luxury vehicle sought after by classic car enthusiasts. Its expensive price tag then makes it even rarer than the other Soviet classic cars in the market.

Zhiguli

Also produced by Lada, Zhiguli is another iconic classic Soviet car manufactured with ordinary Soviets in mind. The Zhiguli came out in 1975 through a collaboration with Fiat. It is more popularly known as kopeyka by the Soviets, after the smallest Soviet coin kopek.

Zhiguli is a mid-sized family sedan sought after by Soviets during its manufacturing years. While you may not have heard of a Zhiguli, it is quite popular and has sold millions around the world. To mark 50 years since the manufacture of Zhiguli’s first model, VAZ-2101, over 100 Zhiguli sedans raced in the 2020 GUM Auto Rally in Moscow.

Classic Soviet cars – a must for car collections

Maybe after reading this, you want to add one of these classic Soviet cars to your collection. Well, don’t bother Googling “classic Soviet cars for sale”, “Lada for sale” or “Zaporozhets for sale.” If you’re looking for a Lada for sale in the USA or any other Soviet car, look no further than us at Soviet Cars for Sale. Whatever car you’re looking for, be it Lada, Moskvich, Volga, or Zaporozhets, we can get it to you.

If you’re dreaming of owning a classic Soviet car, don’t delay – contact us! We’re open 24/7.

02 Nov
Soviet Cars

Soviet cars VS American cars

For us, one of modern history’s greatest inventions is the automobile. In fact, next to the printing press and electric light, and a variety of other important inventions, automobiles rank high in the greatest inventions in the past 1,000 years. After all, cars have allowed us increased mobility and freedom. They have changed the way we get from one point to another and have influenced the design of various cities in the world.

While the modern automobile that runs on gasoline was invented by Karl Benz, it is the American industrialist and business magnate Henry Ford who took the idea and ran with it by mass-producing cars. As an automobile manufacturer, Henry Ford created the Model T in 1908 and introduced to the world the assembly line process of car manufacturing, thus making Ford one of the most iconic and enduring American automobile brands ever.

In fact, the United States is the second-largest vehicle manufacturer in the world next only to China. And in terms of ownership, Americans own the largest number of motor vehicles globally with 267,894,860 vehicles registered. Nine out of ten Americans own at least one light vehicle. Ford is at the top of the heap in terms of vehicle manufacturing in America, and also one of the largest in the world. Other top American vehicle manufacturers are Chevrolet, Jeep, GMC, Buick, Dodge, and RAM.

American cars and brands, therefore, are familiar sights not just in America but around the world. And Americans are familiar with their cars too, not just those manufactured by American car manufacturers, but with foreign car manufacturers as well.

What, a Soviet car?

When it comes to Soviet cars, however, it’s a different story. Mention a Zhiguli, a Zaporozhet, or the Volga to any American and you’d probably get a blank stare in return unless they happen to be historians. Americans have very little knowledge about Soviet cars, despite the Soviets having produced a number of iconic cars over the last century. 

For one thing, the Soviet automotive industry is not as large as America’s. At its peak, the Soviet Union automotive industry manufactured 1.8 million automobiles. In the US, over 7 million vehicles have been manufactured annually since the 1960s, except during the global financial crisis in 2009, where only 5 million units were manufactured. Also, there are 850 cars per 1,000 Americans compared to 244 cars per 1,000 car owners in Russia.

Still, they have managed to produce some cool, classic cars. These include the Lada/Zhiguli, the Zaporozhets, the Lada Niva, and the Volga to name a few.

The Zhiguli is a car appropriate for a family, while the Zaporozhets is the most affordable one to buy. The Lada Niva is the equivalent of today’s SUVs, and the Volga is the luxury car for the Soviet political and economic elite and personalities.

So how do these iconic Soviet cars compare with American cars? Let’s take a look.

Zhiguli (1970 – 2006) and Ford Escort (1968 – 2003)

The Zhiguli and Ford Escort are popular cars during their manufacturing years. The Zhigul is a mid-sized vehicle that is both affordable and popular. Millions of these were sold around the world. The Ford Escort on the other hand is popular among Americans and Europeans alike because of its sleek design and economy.

Both the Zhiguli and Ford Escort are family cars and are compact in design. While Americans are very familiar with an Escort, a Zhiguli driven around in New York is a rare sight that draws not just curiosity but also admiration – it’s a cool-looking car, after all. A Ford Escort will assuredly not garner the same attention.

Soviets know it as Zhiguli, but elsewhere, this automobile is more commonly known as Lada. If you are curious about this car, there are Lada cars for sale in the USA. Check out sites online that advertise Lada for sale or Lada cars for sale.

Zaporozhet (1960 – 1994) and Chevrolet Impala (1958 – present)

If it is a distinct look that attracts you to cars, then the Zaporozhet and the Chevrolet Impala might just be what tickles your fancy as they both have distinct and unique body designs.

The Zaporozhet was designed by the Soviets as a functional car that takes you wherever you need to go. Similarly, a Chevrolet Impala has become a go-to vehicle for rental car businesses, police, and taxi fleets in the US and provides no-frills functionality for people on the move.

If you want to get your hands on the Soviet car, they’re hard to find, but there are bound to be available Zaporozhets for sale if you search online. Just bring a lot of patience to your search!

Lada Niva (1977- present) and Jeep Wrangler (1986 – present)

SUVs possess a certain appeal. Drive one and you can sort of imagine that you’re driving the tank version of a car. For Soviets, the Lada Niva is the epitome of a four-wheel-drive vehicle that possesses all these qualities and more. For Americans, the SUV of choice is the Jeep Wrangler. Both vehicles have a mass appeal that has endured through the decades and have become classic cars in their own right.

At the same time, their presence in today’s world means that both vehicles have evolved with the changing times along with the preferences of vehicle owners for innovation and comfort while retaining its rugged appeal and the sense of safety and security that an SUV inspires.

Volga (1956 – 1970) and Cadillac (1960 – 1976)

Both the Volga and the Cadillac are symbols of luxury and prosperity. They were manufactured post-World War 2, exuding hope, confidence, and prosperity during that period.

While the Volga was the go-to vehicle for Soviet political and economic elite and personalities, the Cadillac was the go-to car of famous American celebrities such as Elvis Presley and revered political figure President Dwight Eisenhower.

Both the Volga and Cadillac are large, spacious luxury vehicles. Owning either a Volga or a Cadillac conferred prestige and was a status symbol for well-to-do Soviets and Americans. Jay Leno, an American celebrity and car collector, prides himself with having a Volga in his fleet of vehicles.

Expanding knowledge and familiarity with cars

As you can see, Soviet cars have plenty in common with American ones. And if you’re in the market for unique Soviet cars, they’re actually more available than you think. A quick online search for, say, “Lada Niva for sale in the USA” or “Zaporzhets for sale in the USA” will take you to sites that specifically cater to the market for people in search of iconic Soviet cars that are available in the USA. 

But why search for sites, when you can go directly to Soviet Cars for Sale? Find the classic Soviet car of your dreams with us, and drive a car that only a few people in the world have. Whether you want one in mint condition or one that you want to work on, we’ll make it happen – car parts included. 

Contact us today! We’ll be happy to help you get that unique Soviet car as soon as possible.