Zaporozhets were a series two-door rear-wheel drive models manufactured by ZAZ, Ukraine’s largest automobile manufacturer, starting in 1960.
What’s it all about?
The Zaporozhets were a series two-door rear-wheel drive models produced by ZAZ. This was the largest automobile manufacturer in Ukraine since 1960. Its name is Zaporizhia, a city in the east of the country. It was the most affordable car in Soviet Union at the time.
When and where was it made?
The Zaporozhets began production in 1960. We’ll concentrate on the 968 model that was produced in 1971. It was then sold until 1994 as the revised 968M model. It was built in ZAZ factory in Ukraine, and sold to customers for 2,200 rubles.
Technical details:
Although the Zaporozhets 968 was not officially based on NSU Prinz 4, it featured a completely new body. The so-called “ears”, located on the rear fenders, act as air intakes. The Zaporozhets 968 had two doors, a 1.2-liter aircooled V4 engine producing 41 horsepower (30 kW) and reaching the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. In 1973, a 968A version was released with a modified dashboard and a slightly more modern steering wheel.
What’s special about it?
It’s a small notchback coupe with V-shaped engines and rear-wheel drive. The classic shapes are complemented by cool chrome accents and bumpers. You’ll love the result when you add a curb weight of approximately 1,650 lbs (750kg).
The Zapo, as it was called in the Eastern Bloc had a basic audio system, even though it was the Soviet Union’s “people’s car”. An entry-level radio from the 1970s…
It’s about the romance of owning a car, which has one goal: to get you from A to B. It’s not about hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7-6, 5, or 4 seconds. But to…ever reach that mark!
