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.
