Tuning Moskvich 401: how can you change the car?

Today no one would call a Moskvich a car, either fashionable or prestigious. We don’t argue – once upon a time almost every family living in the USSR dreamed of just such a car, but that was a very, very long time ago.

However, quite recently there were people who realized that tuning the Moskvich 401 is not madness, but an opportunity to turn a simple, familiar car into something completely extraordinary, although not to say that it’s new. The result of such modernization exceeds all expectations - the Moskvich becomes similar to the once prestigious BMW! Next - in more detail about what lovers of domestic cars have come up with.

Moskvich 401 - tuning on DRIVE2

Subscribe to receive entries from logbooks and other news about this car in the Feed.

If you decide to unsubscribe, subscriptions to individual machines will remain.

#401 has undergone some technical changes, not finished but already riding around St. Petersburg, exhibitions

After the retro car event: “Augusta Trajan”, in the city of Stara Zagora, the car received a special barcode (QR). After this event, I did not remove this sticker from my small window. Since…

I connected everything to the turbine, it works fine, without any complaints. I need advice, colleagues. I connected the oil to the turbine, and no matter how much oil enters the turbine, it all pours out through the impeller into the air...

When purchasing a Muscovite, there were no taillights, but in the box, along with some junk, there were pieces of glass with rims from Gas 69 taillights, in my opinion, and I decided to make the lights from pistons with connecting rods, actually...

For a long time I thought about how to fit an iPad into the car. I wanted to make it on a sled so that it could move up or down from the panel. Or I thought about making it on a TV bracket. As a result, the other day a colleague from the drive...

Good afternoon! Yesterday my beloved granddaughter Lisa turned 4 years old! I ordered a racing car for my dad, like my grandfather’s, only red :)) Well, my wife and I, in addition to our gift, decided to take our granddaughter for a ride around the children’s park...

For a long time I thought about putting an old Russian radio in the car to bring more comfort during the trip. 2 years ago I bought several small radios, which I gave to others…

Colleagues, good afternoon. I threw in the turbine, now there’s a long series of strapping, adjustments, and other tedious stuff. The turbine is spinning - things are getting muddy) I’m uploading a video of intermediate work. Good luck and positivity to everyone!)

Everyone, everyone, good afternoon! I decided to entertain you a little during the dull quarantine, presidential holidays or... I have neither one nor the other - I go to work, my salary is two months or more late, in my free time...

Good day! Well, one more external touch has been made... finished with the manufacture and installation of the steps! I have already written about manufacturing, or rather about experiments with manufacturing. I've been traveling for about a month now...

This is the time now - everything is there and nothing is there. I invest so much money in my Russian modern car in a year so that it just lives - it’s incomprehensible to my mind. VAZ spare parts - China, fucking China bearings, jelly...

Colleagues, I’ve created a drawing for quickly installing a turbine on a standard Moskvich 408 engine, carburetor, what do you think? Main nuances: 1) An electric fuel pump supplies fuel to the carburetor through the top...

Greetings to everyone! I just remembered that I never showed you how the epic with the luggage compartment ended! Today I decided to catch up. I described the process of modifying the trunk earlier, but here is the result...

Good evening! They asked me to shed some light on the process of making steps... I don’t even know what to write? The only equipment included hammers of different calibers, a small rectangular anvil, 4 small...

Happy completion of another revolution of the Earth around the Sun! And I have my own revolutions... around the Chimera :)) So I decided to make and install steps. In the original, on Moskvich, the thresholds are small, on...

Have a nice day! It’s snowing and frosty outside, but work on fine-tuning the Chimera continues. The standard “pan” of the air filter did not fit, it rests on the hood. VAZ too... Lower the filter housing...

Hello everyone! I’m slowly making progress, but there’s still a to-do list of 30-40 items ahead! I crossed out three points today :)) And from what I have... I came up with, manufactured and connected three rear lights: one with the factory one...

Greetings to everyone who is interested in my Chimera! The gas tank is hanging in place, all the tubes are connected and it is ready to swallow a canister of 92nd cocktail. The next point of my improvements is the SVOG gasket... exhaust system...

after the break, the work is underway again. I’m cleaning it up, redoing it in two doors and yes, it will be a turbo. It turned out to be a whole mess. It turned the whole project 180 degrees. I’ll explain everything a little later. And I’ll share it...

First Previous Next Last

History of the first car models

The appearance of the car in question is largely determined by which model was used as the base. When creating the Moskvich 401, the Opel Kadett K38 was used as a base. The model was manufactured in Germany from the mid-30s. An interesting point is that many parts for the Soviet car were manufactured using equipment that was removed from Rüsselsheim after the end of the Second World War.

For quite a long period, they tried to modernize this model, but all the changes did not appear on the cars that entered mass production. Version 401 differs from version 400 only in a more powerful power unit. In addition, direction indicators were installed on the wings.

All these points determine that a variety of sketches can be used when tuning. Most often, a roadster is made from Moskvich 401, and the car is also restored.

conclusions

The car in question is an excellent basis for tuning. Despite the fact that the car has not been produced for a long period, it has a very attractive body that can become the basis for creating a roadster. Of course, the technical equipment of the car has long been outdated and almost all units and mechanisms have to be replaced with new ones. However, with the right approach, you can make a very attractive car that will not be inferior to modern ones.

Tuning Moskvich 401 - everything is new, this is a well-forgotten old

So, a car “pumped up” by skillful hands turns from a comfortable family car into a stylish two-seater retro mobile. Looking at it, you quickly realize that it is in many ways similar to the most fashionable models of the distant thirties. Classic. The low-set cabin and long hood are very similar to those Bugatti and Bentley models that were developed and released in the pre-war era. Some motorists who believe in such a mystical phenomenon as reincarnation claim that the essence of the BMW 327, which was produced about 50 years ago, moved into this reborn Moskvich. It must be said that there is some truth in this.

For example, during the tuning process, almost all the mechanical components were borrowed from the BMW 325i, which was born in 1992. But the metal from which the car body is made was left almost untouched. Making new panels turned out to be too problematic. Whatever you say, the metal used in the manufacture of Moskvichat is strong. So in the end, enthusiasts simply “redesigned” what was there. Let's start with the fact that the small-sized doors were replaced with more massive ones, made from two Moskvich doors welded together. The sills and fenders of the modernized car are made of plastic. Perhaps these are the only parts of the body structure that are not made of metal. The wheels were installed with a diameter of 17 inches. They are planted for maximum stability almost in the corners. The tires used for their “shoes” have a size of 235/40 R17 - front and 245/40 R17 - rear.

The dashboard is the same one that once stood on the “third” BMWs. But unlike the previous owner, in Moskvich it is located in the center of the front panel - like in real classic cars. The three-spoke steering wheel is also borrowed from Behi. The seats in the car are from the no less popular Porsche. The side windows are of a non-rolling type. The engine is installed from a BMW. Its power is 192 HP. Such is the symbiosis.

The ventilation system control unit is hidden behind the dashboard, so regulating the air supply will be very difficult if you have to do it while driving. The car is equipped with recesses for elbows, as well as safety bars that will protect passengers from side impacts in the event of an accident. The interior of the new Moskvich is as narrow as possible, so the car is equipped with an automatic transmission. The 6-cylinder engine is also borrowed from the “three”, as is the rear suspension. The battery and radiator have replaced the trunk that was once located in their place. The clearance of the car is 19 centimeters. The front suspension is taken from the Opel Manta.

MAIN MODIFICATIONS

Restored wooden van 400-422.

• Moskvich-400-420
  (1946-1954) - four-door sedan;
• Moskvich-400-420A
  (1949-1954) - a four-door convertible limousine (an open-top body, but retaining the sidewalls and door frames with glass);
• Moskvich-400-420B
  - model with manual control for disabled people;
• Moskvich-400-422
  (1948-1956) - a van with a wooden body frame;
• Moskvich-400-420K
  - chassis for installing various bodies;
• Moskvich-400-420M
  - for medical care at home, differed from 400-420 only in identification marks;

• Moskvich-401-420
  (1954-1956) - modernized sedan;
• Moskvich-401-420B
  - a modernized wheelchair modification of the sedan;
• Moskvich-401-422
  (1954-1956) - wood-metal van[6];

Total production: 216,006 sedans, 17,742 convertibles, 11,129 vans, 422 and 2,562 pickups and 420B vans, respectively.

Interior of a convertible 400-420A. The remaining roof sides and door frames are visible.

It is curious that at one time, based on the first Moskvich, convertible limos were produced - according to the German model, where such bodies were popular in the pre-war years and were in the model ranges of many manufacturers, including Opel, and after the war they were often produced in the form conversions of production cars by small body shops. True, the original Opel Kadett convertible had two doors, while the Soviet one was redesigned on the basis of a four-door sedan.

However, even despite an unprecedented reduction in the retail cost of an open body compared to a closed one undertaken to stimulate demand, which was unprecedented for the post-war years (in fact, a convertible based on a closed car, especially with a monocoque body, is much more expensive to produce, and therefore the cost of such cars always higher than similar ones with a closed body), Soviet motorists were in no hurry to purchase convertibles due to their obvious impracticality in the climate of most of the country - the demand for them was relatively high only in the southern republics of the Union.

Many convertibles were subsequently converted into conventional closed bodies by welding the roof. Surprisingly, in recent years there has been a strictly opposite trend - enterprising dealers are sawing off the roofs of surviving regular Moskvich cars in order to pass them off as surviving convertible limos. In fact, there are currently only a few complete factory Moskvich convertibles around the world.

Also of interest is the van 401-422, which had a composite metal-wood body. Unlike Western countries, where until the mid-fifties there was a fashion for wooden bodies of this type that were very impractical to operate, but visually attractive, in the USSR the use of wood in the construction of a passenger car was considered exclusively as a temporary measure due to the shortage of rolled steel in the first post-war decade. As a result, the car body had a purely utilitarian design and finishing, and the Moskvich-402-422 itself was mainly used as a delivery van by various trade organizations. Its durability was relatively low, but repairing the wooden part of the body “on site” in those conditions turned out to be much easier than metal, due to which such vans were sometimes used for decades, until the chassis was completely worn out. However, taking into account the initially small production, as well as the appearance in the second half of the fifties of more practical all-metal Moskvich-423 vans, by the end of the fifties it was extremely rare to see Moskvich vehicles with wooden bodies. Only a few examples have survived to our time, requiring complete restoration.

EXPERIENCED OPTIONS

Experimental upgrade option

• Moskvich-400-421
  (1948-1950) - station wagon, several prototypes were made.
• Moskvich-E403-424
  (1949) - experimental sedan, built in a small experimental batch. It featured a modified design, an alligator-type hood, and a Moskvich-403 engine (not to be confused with the serial Moskvich-403 of the late 1950s - early 1960s).
• Pickup
  - soon after the release of the 400th family directly at MZMA, it is possible that several versions of pickups were manufactured on the Moskvich-400-420K chassis (there were at least three varieties, including one designed to work with a trailer). However, it did not go into series. According to some information, this model was supposed to receive the index “420B”, but due to the abandonment of plans for its mass production, the index “B” was subsequently assigned to a modification with manual control.

Repair of technical part

It is unlikely that the “native” Moskvich-401 engine will be repaired due to the lack of spare parts. For example, the Moskvich-401 valve can no longer be found, so you will have to look for suitable ones and remake the cylinder head. In general, repairing the Moskvich-401 engine may simply be impractical.

Moskvich 401 engine repair

But it is quite possible to replace it. The easiest way is to use the M-408 power plant from later versions of Moskvich - 408 and 412, which is not difficult to find. In addition, it is more powerful - 50 hp. With. The radiator on the Moskvich-401 can be taken from the 412 version.

At the same time, in order to improve the engine power system, it is better to install a VAZ carburetor (from a VAZ-2108) instead of the “native” carburetor. You can also borrow a muffler for the exhaust gas exhaust system from this car.

new radiator on Moskvich 401

In addition to the power unit from these cars, you can also use the clutch and gearbox. The situation will be more complicated with the driveshaft. If it is not possible to restore the “original” shaft, then it can also be taken from later versions, but you will have to alter it somewhat - shorten it, and then balance it.

As for the chassis, problems will have to be solved here too. First of all, this will concern the suspension. Although here you can use elements from later versions.

Analog disks "Moskvich-401" cannot be found on sale. Therefore, you will have to remake the hubs to match modern ones, for example, from the BMW 520.

A little history

The first Moskvich with the index 400 appeared in 1946 and lasted until 1954, after which it was replaced by modification 401. It differed from the “firstborn” in a more powerful power unit (26 hp), and the car also acquired additional external lighting devices - front collars. This is where the differences between 400 and 401 end.

tuned Moskvich 401

The main modification was the 401st model, which had a sedan body. But this car was also produced in the bodies of a phaeton (401-420A) and a van (401-422). There was also a version for the disabled, which had completely manual control - 401B.

The 401 model was replaced by the Moskvich-402, which is also often tuned by car enthusiasts. The new modification used a more powerful power unit (35 hp), which, paired with a 3-speed manual transmission, allowed the car to accelerate to 90 km/h.

How is tuning of the car in question carried out?

Do not forget that cars that are on sale have been in use for several decades. This point determines that it is impossible to find a Moskvich 401 in good technical condition. This model can be found in landfills or in various garages, which determines the low cost of the offer.

All work can be divided into several main stages:

• Body restoration. In the production of the car in question, no materials were used that have increased protection against moisture. In other words, the metal becomes corroded, thereby reducing its strength and wear resistance, as well as its decorative qualities.
• Engine restoration or replacement. It should be borne in mind that the original engine has relatively low power. Therefore, recently the original engine and transmission, as well as the clutch, have often been replaced.
• Measurements are taken of various auxiliary systems, for example, brakes or exhaust. The factory brake system is characterized by relatively low efficiency. Therefore, disk structures are being installed, which are more efficient.
• Attention is paid to interior decoration and installation of additional equipment that is responsible for comfort. There can be quite a lot of difficulties in restoring the interior, since there are practically no original parts on sale. If you wish, you can do the interior trim yourself, which does not require special equipment.
  Read also:  Control levers, instrument panel VAZ 2107

In order to make a real roadster out of the Moskvich 401, you will have to do a fairly large amount of different work, some of which we will pay attention to.

Bodywork: what are its features?

In order to make the car more attractive, the body should be modified. It is recommended to start with the following:

1. The iron is straightened. Do not forget that over such a long period of operation of the car, the body can simply have a huge number of various types of defects. An example is various dents.

2. After straightening the iron, defects and holes that are formed due to rotting of the metal are welded. This work should be given quite a lot of attention, since the quality of its execution determines how difficult it will be to carry out the paintwork.
3. The next step is to putty the surface and prime it. This kind of work can only be done if you have some experience.
4. After priming the surface, you can begin painting. This requires a special box, as well as a spray gun.

It should be taken into account that when restoring an engine, it is necessary to create a mount for a new engine if it is changed.

When considering bodywork, you should pay attention to the following points:

• The headlights should be replaced with optics from the VAZ-2101. It is recommended to find a design that includes halogen light sources. This is due to their increased efficiency.
• As previously noted, the original car has direction indicators on the wings. If they are absent, you can install the structure from the GAZ-69. Such direction indicators will look very attractive.
• Side rear view mirrors will fit from VAZ-2106. In addition, wipers from the seven can be taken.

Most often, Moskvich is made into a roadster or a car similar to the offerings of German automakers.

Moskvich 400420

Researchers believe that the glorious history of the Moskvich car begins with this model, released in early December 1946. The production of the cars was organized on the German Russelhime line, which was given to the USSR as a trophy. The first number of the digital index of this family of cars indicated the engine model, and the second indicated the body modification.

In the basic modification 420, the Moskvich was a four-door sedan, externally an almost complete copy of the OPEL KADETT. Naturally, to launch the series, the American Opel was significantly “redesigned”. All automobile documentation was converted to the metric system, and the design of the car underwent major changes. “Moskvich” received its name in honor of the 800th anniversary of the founding of the capital of the USSR.

Body and interior

Having finished with the technical part - the power plant, transmission and chassis, you can begin to restore the appearance and interior.

First of all, body work is carried out - defects on the body are restored by restoring the geometry of the surfaces and primer. Afterwards puttying and painting are carried out. Here you can show your imagination and paint the car in some original colors, as well as decorate the exterior with moldings, patterns, etc.

body Moskvich 401

If the “original” optics have become unusable, they can be replaced with headlights from the VAZ-2101. But at the same time, it is better to purchase tuning products that use halogen lighting elements. As for the collar guards, they can be taken from an old UAZ-69 SUV. There will be no problems with side mirrors, since their choice is significant and it will not be difficult to find a suitable option. The same goes for wipers.

The salon can also be transformed in different ways. First you should select finishing materials. For example, the materials used in the VAZ are quite suitable. Although, if desired, you can easily decorate the interior with expensive trim and upholstery.

Moskvich salon 401

The seats can be left as original, but they will have to be restored or installed from other cars.

It is advisable to leave the dashboard vintage, just change the instruments that will fit from the Moskvich-408. And cover the front panel itself with decorative finishing materials or leather. All that remains is to choose a place for the audio system.

In general, if you wish, you can make a completely modern car from an old Moskvich-401, which will be “wrapped in a rare wrapper.” But it’s worth noting that you shouldn’t get too carried away with decorating your car with modern products, otherwise you can ruin the appearance and make it look ridiculous.

The trunk, since its volume is small, can be adapted into a niche for a subwoofer and speakers.

Such a car will always stand out from the crowd and attract more admiring glances.

Moskvich 412

A new, more powerful and prestigious model, which became the successor to the Moskvich 408, first rolled off the assembly line in the fall of 1967. The car was equipped with a torquey engine, created on the basis of the German BMW M 10 engine, with overhead valves, a synchronized gearbox, dual-circuit brakes with a vacuum booster and a quick-change air filter.

The power unit of the car was compact - this was achieved thanks to the inclined location of the block (10 in the direction of travel). The block itself, the cylinder head with cover, the intake manifold and the oil sump were made of aluminum. Having a working volume of 1490 cm3, the UZAM 412 engine could develop a power of 75 hp. With.

The following car modifications were produced: 412E (export version), 412Yu (for hot climates), 412M (medical), 412P (with right-hand drive), 412T (taxi service), 412I (with increased passive safety). At the beginning of 1970, the Moskvich 412 car was replaced on the assembly line by its modernized modification - 412IE.

3 Restoration of the body and interior of the Moskvich-401

As soon as the mechanics of the rarity are brought into proper condition, you can get serious about the body. First you need to do all the tin work: straighten the iron, putty, prime and paint the body. We recommend replacing the headlights with optics from a VAZ-2101. However, you need to find those models in which halogen lamps are installed. The lack of direction indicators is generally easy to fix. For example, turn signals from GAZ-69 look good. The side mirrors for the updated Muscovite are taken from the VAZ-2106, the wipers from the seven.

Sedan body painting

When tuning the interior, you can show great imagination. It would be nice to replace the large and thin steering wheel with a sports-style steering wheel. The instrument panel iron is covered with velor or leather. The devices themselves can easily be borrowed from the 408 model. We also find a place for a modern radio with a set of speakers. There is a heater under the passenger's feet.

We finish the ceiling with material taken from some Zhiguli car. The doors, seats and rear parcel shelf are covered with velor. If there is a desire and time, we insulate all structural elements. Since the Moskvich-401 has practically no trunk, in this small compartment you can install a battery and rear speakers of the sound system.

Thus, it is always possible to restore Moskvich-401; all you need is patience, imagination and skillful hands.

Similar articles

Article rating:

Loading…

Tuning the technical content of a car

The most problems, as a rule, arise with engine tuning. Today it is almost impossible to find original parts and consumables for motor construction.

When considering the features of engine tuning, we note the following points:

• Restoring an old structure is quite difficult. Moreover, even with high-quality work, you can increase power only by a few horsepower.
• Very often they install a new M-408 engine, the power of which is 50 hp. This motor was installed on later versions of Moskvich.

Other upgrades can be summarized as follows:

• The gearbox and clutch, as a rule, are taken from Moskvich-408.
• If you need to install a new radiator due to damage to the old one, then consider the Moskvich-412 car.
• The carburetor can be removed from a modern eight, as can the muffler. At the same time, we note that the carburetor should be completed, since even the version from VAZ has relatively low efficiency. Refinement of the carburetor is represented by the removal of all irregularities, as well as a decrease in surface roughness.

Sidebar: Important: The most difficult part is replacing the driveshaft. This is due to the fact that there is no suitable design on sale. As a rule, the driveshaft is removed from a newer Moskvich and brought to proper technical condition.

Difficulties also arise with the selection of new wheels. Today the original ones cannot be found on sale, but with new ones there are quite a lot of difficulties. The best offer is considered to be the 165/65 R15 option and wheels from BMW.

Sports line of the Moskvich car lineup

404 "Sport"

The model was developed specifically for participation in auto racing and was produced since 1954. The “donor” of the main units (except for the engine) was the Moskvich 400, and it was considered a sports car due to its afterburner engine. The working volume of the power plant was 1074 cm3, and the power was 39 hp. With. (with additional carburetors it increased to 55 hp).

G1–405

The car was created in 1955, in connection with the advent of a new power plant - the M405 engine with overhead valves. The engine featured an aluminum cylinder block, a roller camshaft drive chain and short valve rods. All these innovations allowed the unit to produce power up to 40 hp. With. with a working volume of only 1090 cm3. The car was designed specifically for participation in circuit racing.

The fully dependent suspension from the 401 and the rear engine position increased the wheelbase of the car to 2400 mm. The installation of four motorcycle carburetors instead of one standard increased engine power to 70 hp. With. The model had a separate brake drive and a removable steering wheel, and its curb weight reached 670 kg. During factory tests, the car showed a maximum speed of about 205 km/h.

G2–407

The model was released in 1956 based on its predecessor. The only significant change was a more streamlined body shape, which made it possible to increase the maximum speed of the car to 220 km/h. The car set three speed records among Soviet racing models of its class and became the basis for the development of a new generation of cars.

G3

Work on the creation of the machine began in 1961. The designers strengthened the body using a tubular frame, leaving the engine and suspension from the 407. The car was equipped with a new gearbox. In 1962, the model underwent modernization, which included the installation of a more advanced carburetor, exhaust system and domed pistons. This modification made it possible to increase engine power to 75 hp. With. In the period from 1961 to 1964, the car won one gold and three silver medals at the USSR championship in circuit racing.

G4

This racing car was developed in 1963. From its predecessor, it only inherited the engine, but the rest of the car’s design was absolutely innovative for the Soviet automobile industry of that time. The engine of the car with two new Weber-type carburetors was located at the rear, its power was increased to 80 hp. With. A durable tubular frame supported a lightweight aluminum body. "Moskvich G-4" had an independent link-type suspension and rack and pinion steering.

G5

A new model of the Moskvich racing car was created in 1969. It was equipped with a forced power unit with two camshafts, which could produce power up to 112 hp. With. The G-5 was equipped with a five-speed gearbox with synchronizer, disc brakes on all wheels and a fiberglass body. The car had a mass of 580 kg and could reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. The development of racing cars was gradually discontinued due to insufficient funding for the program.

In addition to photos of the Moskvich model range, we present to your attention a video telling about the glorious history of the automobile manufacturer.

Video:

• What is the most expensive car in the world
• Flying cars
• The best small car
• Difference between hatchback and sedan

BACKGROUND

The production of passenger cars in the USSR began in the 1930s with medium and large displacement models produced by the Gorky plant and the Moscow plant named after Stalin. These were relatively large cars, with fairly powerful engines of large displacement.

They were widely used in the national economy of the country, in taxis (including ZISs), they were distributed or purchased by various state and public organizations, but they were never widely sold at retail. A certain number of passenger cars, however, were nevertheless received by citizens in the form of valuable gifts for various kinds of merits or, for example, as winnings in a state lottery - in any case, even the luxurious executive ZIS-101 was listed as one of the prizes, and also purchased with special permits - in particular, “Emka” cost 9 thousand rubles.

One way or another, by the end of the 1930s, against the backdrop of mass motorization that had developed by that time in Western countries, the country's leadership began to understand that public transport alone would not be able to fully meet the needs of society. In addition, the car was seen as a good means of motivation and encouragement. This is how interest arose in creating a relatively accessible and inexpensive to produce “subcompact” car, which would be intended primarily for sale to the public for personal use, which coincided with the accumulation by that time in the Soviet industry of the potential necessary for the mass production of such cars (earlier projects “small cars”, such as NAMI-1 and NATI-2, could not be realized precisely due to the lack in those years of the necessary production capacity and experience in large-scale production of vehicles).

Even in the pre-war years, at the Moscow plant named after the Communist Youth International (KIM), the “runabout” KIM-10 was developed using the design of a number of foreign analogues. The main prototype was the inexpensive, but quite modern and technologically advanced British model Ford Prefect for mass production. The design, which was quite modern for a small car in 1940, was created by Gorky designer V. Brodsky. In 1940, small-scale production of the KIM-10-50 (two-door sedan) and KIM-10-51 (two-door convertible, or in other terminology - phaeton) began. Later, the KIM-10-52 was developed - a variant with a four-door sedan body, more practical in Soviet conditions, which was not mass-produced. Only about 450 copies of all KIM-10 variants were produced. The batch that went on sale in May was sold out by the beginning of the war. During the war years, the plant was reoriented to produce defense products.

Moskvich 2142

The decision to release this model was made in 1990. On the basis of a standard sedan, a stretch sedan with a body that had four doors was created, which was called “Prince Vladimir”. The car was distinguished by an increased wheelbase, a new hood, modern headlights manufactured by HELLA and a radiator lining. The outlines of the front part of the car were transferred to the entire Moskvich model range. The main sedan with a modified front end was given the name of the epic hero “Svyatogor”.

Most of these models were equipped with French Renault F3R or F4R 2000 cm3 engines. A modification of the car with all-wheel drive was developed, which received a 16-valve two-liter F7R engine and the digital designation 2144. “Moskvich 2142” was equipped with power steering, air conditioning and a CD radio. The model was equipped with alloy wheels and central locking. Subsequently, a more expensive representative of the line, the Ivan Kalita car, was assembled on its basis.

Moskvich 444

The first car of this model rolled off the assembly line in 1957. The car owes its appearance and design of the units to the “Italian” FIAT - 600. Early models of the car were equipped with a two-cylinder MD 65 engine with a volume of 650 cm3. Subsequently, it was planned to equip the Moskvich 444 with a more powerful V-engine with a volume of 745 cm3, but it went into production on a different model.

Several prototypes with roll-down windows and reflectors on the rear lights were assembled in early 1959. At the same time, the designers of MZMA, together with the designers of the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant, began to prepare the production of the car into series. Later, the drawings and all design documentation for the car were transferred to Ukrainian engineers, and the model was released under the well-known name “Zaporozhets ZAZ 965”.

Content

Considering the features of tuning domestic cars, it should be noted the difficulties that arise when changing the Moskvich 401. More than 60 years have passed since the last car of this model came off the assembly line. During this time, the design of modern cars has been significantly improved. Let's take a closer look at all the features of the Moskvich 401.

Technical characteristics Moskvich-401-420 M-401-420

"Moskvich 401" - 1955. Restoration

"Moskvich 401" is the first post-war Soviet people's car . After the end of the Great Patriotic War in 1945, the country began to restore the national economy. Much attention was paid to the development of the automotive industry. In August 1945, a decree of the State Defense Committee “On the restoration and development of the automobile industry” was signed, which was provided for by the first post-war five-year plan (1946-1950). The Moscow Small Car Plant (MZMA) was tasked with creating a “people’s” car in the shortest possible time. And already in January 1947, the plant began production of the Moskvich 400 . In fact, the basis of this car was the German pre-war Opel Kadet R-38 , produced in Germany since 1937. To pay for reparations, equipment from the Opel in Rüsselsheim, which produced the R-38 model, was exported from Germany. This model went into production almost unchanged, and the first prototype was ready in December 1946. The car was quickly modernized taking into account Russian conditions, and in 1954 it received the index “401”. and indeed became the first Soviet passenger car that was sold for individual use, a truly “people's” car.

Opel Kadet R-38, prototype of the Moskvich 400 car. Moskvich 400-401 cars were produced from 1946 to 1956, 247,439 cars were produced, they were very popular among the population. And these days, the demand for these cars among collectors and restorers is very high; for many, it has become a passport to the world of vintage cars. The Moskvich 401 , the first Soviet post-war passenger car, had a load-bearing body structure, independent front wheel suspension, and hydraulic brake drive. Four-cylinder lower valve engine with a displacement of 1074 cm3, develops a power of 23 hp. at 3600 rpm. The low compression ratio of 5.8 allows the use of low-octane gasoline A-66. With a curb weight of 855 kg. The maximum speed of the Moskvich-400 is 90 km/h. According to the designation system adopted by the plant - “400”, this is the engine model, the body model was designated additionally and the index “420” corresponded to the originally produced sedan. The Moscow Small Car Plant constantly increased production, working on modernization and creation of new cars. However, already in 1956 the plant switched to a completely new model.

"Moskvich 401" is the first Soviet people's car.

Moskvich 401 is the embodiment of my dream.

Even as a child, looking at this car that was in our yard, I dreamed that when I grew up, I would save money and buy myself the same one. And now, I have long grown up and even outgrown it, and I can afford to buy any car, but my childhood dream remained a dream. And now the time has come when I was able to make my dream come true. One day, in the late autumn of 2008, while driving through the countryside on official business, in one of the Zadonsk farms, I saw him. He stood forlornly with his nose buried in a haystack and an old abandoned car. Only local chickens, who had chosen it for their shelter, proudly sat on its shabby roof and wings. Something skipped a beat inside me; the sight of this picture made me stop. Near the house, on a rubble, an elderly man was sitting, thoughtfully sipping a rolled-up cigarette. Seeing me, he perked up and stood up to meet me, grumbling and coughing loudly. I had been looking for a car like this for a long time, and when I saw it I realized that this was it. We quickly agreed on a price, I left a deposit and moved on, and a week later it was already in my workshop. The item of my dreams is a “Moskvich - 401”, produced in 1955 with a fairly tolerable original configuration, but in a depressing technical condition.

"Moskvich 401" 1955 subject of restoration. Work began in March 2009. The car was completely disassembled, all components and parts were numbered and put on shelves. All parts have been thoroughly checked for suitability and the need for restoration work. A list of missing parts and assemblies has been compiled, and all changes made in the design from the original have been identified. All necessary technical literature has been selected. Based on the research carried out, a plan and schedule for restoration work was drawn up.

Moskvich 401 on the stocks, preparing for restoration. The body was disassembled and sandblasted, all rusted areas were removed and cleaned, and both control and repair measurements were taken. Based on the measurements, blanks of body elements were made from new metal. The restoration of the body began from the bottom, as it was the most affected by corrosion. New threshold boxes made of 1 mm thick sheet steel were bent. U-shaped subframe elements made of 2 mm thick sheet steel were bent. All this was mounted on the car body instead of the rotted elements of the supporting system, welded by electric arc welding in an inert gas environment.

A car was assembled from such material. There is not a single body part that does not require close attention. The wings and radiator grille were assembled from pieces, carefully fitting them to each other. Upon completion of assembly and welding, the body was subjected to control measurements, after which we began preparing the body for painting. This was one of the most labor-intensive stages of restoration work, which required a lot of time, patience and effort. After completing the preparation of the body, we carried out its control assembly with the adjustment of all joining elements: wings, doors, radiator grille, hood. For painting we chose modern, domestic Vika acrylic enamel, and we decided to use a modern color - blue metallic.

"Moskvich 401" 1955 after painting. The front subframe and all the elements of its attachment to the body, as well as the spring attachment points, were made completely new. The rear axle required replacement of all bearings, the main gearbox pair, satellite axles, and repair of axle shafts. Molds were made and cuffs were cast for the working brake cylinders, both front and rear. Linings, rear and front brake pads were manufactured and riveted. The brake drums have been machined. New springs were completely made from Moskvich springs of later models. We experienced some technical difficulties during the restoration of the front independent suspension units, a very interesting original design, as well as during restoration work on the rear linkage shock absorbers.

Moskvich 401 engine before restoration. The heart of the car - the engine, to our delight, was almost completely original and even “furrowed” a little, but it demanded more attention than anyone else. First of all, after closing all the holes, we sandblasted it. The piston group required replacement, but nothing like it could be found. After a long search, it was decided to make pistons from Tavria pistons, which was done. The cylinder block was bored and ground for the selected pistons. Three new valves were made (from M 408 engine valves), all eight were ground and ground into restored seats. The crankshaft was ground, new connecting rod and main bearings were made from M-408 bearings, the camshaft with timing gear was found in spare parts. Were carefully restored; pump, carburetor, distributor, air filter, starter and other engine components and parts. And now it's time for assembly. After thoroughly cleaning the parts and blowing through all the channels, we began assembly. After assembly and painting, the engine truly looked like new.

Moskvich 401 engine with gearbox after restoration. The gearbox required no less effort from us. The box gear unit required replacement, since two of the four gears were missing several teeth. No one has undertaken to make such a gear using modern equipment, and the old machines have long since been scrapped. For about three months we tried to find a contractor for such an order, and then, when we had already lost all hope, our search was suddenly crowned with success. In the basement of an old house on the outskirts of the city, on a miraculously surviving printing press from 1937, an equally ancient pensioner with golden hands was working. These were the very “golden hands” of our country who selflessly restored our industry in the post-war period, built cities and factories, raising the power of our Motherland. He made us not only this block gear, but also other complex parts we needed.

Moskvich 401 before sea trials. It's time to assemble, one of the most exciting moments in the whole process - as it is a step towards completion. The front suspension and rear axle were installed, the electrical wiring was made and carried out, the pedal and steering mechanisms, and the brake system were installed, everything fit without problems. The engine was installed together with the gearbox, the cardan and gearbox control rods were connected. Despite the fact that the engine was run in “cold”, I wanted to revive it as quickly as possible.

The Moskvich 401 engine is in the car and ready to go. And now this day has come, the key is inserted into the ignition, gasoline is pumped into the carburetor. Start! The engine started at half a turn and purred smoothly and confidently. From the surprise of such a launch, we stood in silence for several seconds, looking spellbound at the calmly running engine, not believing our eyes. Then there was a surge of stormy emotions... Despite the fact that there was still a lot of work ahead on glazing, installing chrome, interior upholstery and other work, the mood was final. The build quality of the motor was excellent. A little later, the carburetor became cluttered, the float was leaky, I had to replace it by making it from the float of the Zaporozhye carburetor.

"Moskvich 401" after restoration, original interior. To glaze the body, all new glass had to be made, since the old ones had multiple scratches, and several glasses were actually made from ordinary window glass. All the main rubber seals were also made. Some of the rubber glazing seals were purchased new. All chrome products were restored, their fastenings were restored and new chrome was applied.

"Moskvich 401", interior after restoration with instructions in the back seat. The fabric was selected and new upholstery was made for the interior, seats and ceiling. The door panels were made of fiberboard and covered with gray leatherette with a foam spacer inside, secured to the door with self-tapping screws. The upper and rear side ceiling panels were made of thick cardboard 2 mm thick, covered with gray leatherette, and secured with self-tapping screws. The ceiling is made of velor fabric and secured with 10 arc brackets. The seats on the car are original. The tubular frame of the front seats was repaired and strengthened, and the hinge mechanisms for adjusting the backrests and moving the lower runners were restored. After the renovation, the front seats were completely reupholstered with new upholstery fabric with woven filling. The rear seats did not require repairs and were simply reupholstered with new upholstery. Door locks and window regulators, as well as door handles, were completely restored, using old restored original parts and parts from Moskvich cars of subsequent models.

The Moskvich 401 car is back in service, the first trip was on a frosty sunny day in February 2010.

At the end of February 2010, the 1955 Moskvich 401 car received a rebirth and made its first trip on a sunny winter day.. Video...My dream of owning such a car came true. A ride on it awakens childhood memories, brings satisfaction and indescribable delight, coming from that distant time when “the trees were big”...