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.
