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It's no secret that in the USSR a car was more of a luxury than a means of transportation, since not everyone could buy it, even if they had the money. Of course, in the 70s the ultimate dream for the ordinary Soviet Man there was a Volga, it will be superfluous to say that becoming its owner was incredibly difficult, if not almost impossible. Usually, in addition to taxis and Volga cars allocated public services, the Volga could be received for significant services to the great state; for a large city with a million people there were only a few such lucky ones. Many people preferred the faster car that appeared in those years - the VAZ 2101, despite being less prestigious than the Volga, the Zhiguli had some advantages over it. But both Zhiguli and Moskvich cost a lot of money, and the country needed a more affordable and mass-produced car, during the development of which comfort and speed could be put on the back burner, but
make the car more accessible. In 1961, the development of the “new Zaporozhets” began, new because at that time the famous “Humpbacked” was already being produced. It took 6 years to develop a new model, and in 1967 the ZAZ 966 went into production. In 1969, production of the modernized Zaporozhets, model 968, began. First of all, the updated ZAZik was distinguished by a more powerful engine, but more details about the differences between ZAZs are given below in the review.
In 1973, another modernization of the 968 took place, during which the car received the prefix “A”. In 1979, the last ZAZ brand car with a rear-engine layout appeared; the ZAZ 968M was produced until 1994. In the 70s, a Cossack of the 9th series cost 3,500 rubles.

Appearance and Body:

The thickness of the sheet steel from which the body of the ninth series ZAZ was created is impressive - 1.5mm. The ZAZ 966 is easily recognizable by the famous air intakes located on the sides, which are popularly nicknamed “ears,” as well as the original chrome-plated front panel, which is installed on in place of the traditional radiator grille in conventional cars. The modernized model - 968 has a changed front panel - pay attention to the photo, above is a photo of ZAZ 966. Much more external differences between ZAZ 968 and ZAZ 969M. The letter "M" means modernized. Externally, the ZAZ 968M differs from its predecessors in new bumpers with plastic, removable sidewalls, the absence of “ears” and the presence of “gills” instead, the ZAZ 968 now has its own front panel, the turn signals located between the headlights have become rectangular - in the 968 and
966 they were round. During the modernization of Zaporozhets, the rear lights were also changed; for the ZAZ 968 they are round, and for the ZAZ 968M they are rectangular - take a look at the photo. All ZAZikis were fitted with 155-inch wide tires and 13-inch rim diameter.

Salon and Equipment:

When sitting in the driver's seat of the ZAZ ninth series, you will notice the low seat and almost vertical position steering wheel The location of the suction valve is very unusual - between the seats.
Since the engine is located at the rear, the front of the car is very light and therefore the steering wheel is light. In the middle of the panel of the ZAZ 968M there is a clock from the VAZ six. Unlike the ZAZ 966, the front panel of the ZAZ 968 is made of plastic, while in the ZAZ 966 the front panel is a metal stamping, the only exception being the plastic visor of the tidy and trunk lid.
Another ergonomic nuance in the ZAZ ninth series is the front wheel arches that protrude into the interior too much. The trunk of the Cossack is not as spacious as it might seem at first glance, because the luggage compartment contains a steering column, battery, stove and tool box. In addition, in the ZAZ 966 the spare wheel is also located in the trunk, while in the ZAZ 968M the spare wheel is stored in the engine compartment - pay attention to the photo.

Technical component and characteristics of ZAZ 968

ZAZ cars have drum brakes both front and rear. The biggest feature of the ZAZ ninth series is its air-cooled four-cylinder engine, and this is one of the few four-cylinder engines with a V-shaped cylinder arrangement. The front suspension on the ZAZ is torsion bar, in this way the ZAZik is reminiscent of such SUVs as and.

ZAZ 966 was equipped with MeMZ-966A engines with a power of 30 hp and MeMZ-966V with a power of 40 hp. Newer ZAZ 968M were equipped with a 1.2-liter engine - these are: MeMZ - 968E with 41 hp, MeMZ - 968GE with 45 hp - this engine has an increased compression ratio compared to MeMZ - 968E. The most powerful of the engines proposed for the ZAZ 968M is MeMZ - 968BE, power 50 hp.

Let's look at the technical characteristics of the ZAZ 968M MeMZ - 968E.

Specifications:

Powerplant: 1.2 petrol V4

Volume:1197cc

Power:41hp

Torque:74N.M

Total number of valves / number of valves per cylinder: 8v, two valves per cylinder

Performance indicators:

Acceleration 0-100km:32s

Top speed:118km

Gasoline consumption in mixed mode: 7l

Fuel tank capacity:40L

Overall dimensions:3765mm*1490mm*1425

Wheelbase:2160mm

Curb / gross weight: 800kg / 1200kg

Ground clearance (clearance): 185mm

The gear ratio of the main pair is 4.13.

Price

The price of a used ZAZ 968 can vary quite a lot. Many people consider the ZAZik to be something of a “fun” car, but there are still owners who look after their little car. The price of a well-maintained ZAZ 968 is around $1,000.

Despite all the shortcomings, the ZAZ is, without exaggeration, a legendary car. In addition to anecdotes about the new Russians and their six hundredths, there are stories backed up by facts about the amazing cross-country ability of the ZAZik, the rear engine layout, coupled with rear-wheel drive, significant approach and departure angles, as well as a ground clearance that exceeds the ground clearance of many SUVs, allow you to drive where other cars cannot pass and even some SUVs.

The price of this car in the early 70s was only 3,500 rubles. He was rightfully considered the most democratic and the most folk remedy movement throughout the USSR. And at the same time, the ZAZ-968A was a dream for every Soviet family. Despite its age, the car is a constant hero of jokes. Let's get acquainted with the history of this popular car, learn about its technical equipment and characteristics. A review of ZAZ is further in our article.

The legend that everyone has heard of

The USSR was entering the 1960s, and at the Zaporozhye plant “Kommunar” they launched a funny appearance small car - ZAZ-965. The appearance of the domestic design resembled the then iconic one. A little later, the car was subjected to a huge number of changes, including the installation of a new body. Engineers will increase its size - it will be a two-door sedan. The engine will also undergo significant modifications. However, this car too will go down in the annals of history after some time.

In 1980, the ZAZ-968a was introduced to the automotive community of the USSR, which was assembled practically unchanged on the conveyors of the Zaporozhye plant until 1994.

Interestingly, this comicality is already evident in the name of the model. Thus, the index 968 evokes an association with the Porsche 968. The letter hints that the design is a relative of the powerful Bavarian machines created by the Motosport tuning department. The very first to use such an index was in Zaporozhye. It is still unclear why Western automakers did not sue the USSR for copyright infringement.

But be that as it may, the ZAZ-968a “Zaporozhets” was the most affordable car for any Soviet citizen. Naturally, I couldn’t count on any comfort while using this machine. But for utilitarian tasks the car was more than suitable - it drives, and that’s good. Such simple tasks the machine performed no worse, and maybe even better, than other domestic models.

In terms of cross-country ability, the Zaporozhye car could only be compared with monster SUVs. Due to the rear-engine layout, the ZAZ-968a overcame swamps and snowdrifts in winter no worse than UAZs.

Nowadays these cars are still found here and there on the roads. But they no longer fulfill their purpose, and they are used only as a hobby (for example, they are often bought for a project). Those who don’t like cars enough to tune a Zaporozhets are happy to sell their ZAZs. Now anyone can buy such a machine. They sell it for the price of good sneakers or an inexpensive smartphone - up to $200.

Thus, even poor students can get unprecedented opportunities - for example, having a “Zaporozhets”, you can easily get rich. Car bloggers installed an engine from a BMW 520 e34 on a ZAZ-968a, made a series of videos about it and made good money. Well, it’s doubly pleasant when such a “Zaporozhets” tears some modern powerful foreign car to shreds on the road.

A little history

Looking at the intensity with which the automotive industry is developing in the world, the USSR decided that it was necessary to completely redesign the ZAZ-965, or “Humpbacked”. Having discontinued this model, a team of design engineers began active work to create a more modern car. And in 1971 it rolled off assembly lines and appeared a couple of years later - in 1974.

Adhering to the strategy of general accessibility, the designers decided not to pay too much attention to the level of comfort. Therefore, the new machine had only a basic set electrical appliances, rear engine, as well as a primitive interior.

The last modernization of the car happened in 79 - this is the ZAZ-968M. There is a new front end, new tail lights, and a different dashboard.

Appearance

Compared to the previous modification, the ZAZ-968a looked newer and more modern. The sizes became proportional. The car body is load-bearing, all-metal. Its finishing has become more acceptable. On the rear wings, the designers placed air intakes of interesting shape. You can also highlight the rear arches - they are made low.

"Zaporozhets" is still a small-class sedan, designed for four passengers. But there is no talk of any comfort. An interesting fact is that the engineers used in the design universal locks- you could open them with anything.

But the car was painted very high quality. Painted one color. Now many consider this one of the main advantages of the model. The paint did not peel or peel even after decades of harsh use. You can also highlight the high resistance of the body to corrosion. Nobody treated these cars, and they have survived to this day without holes. On many ZAZ-968a the bottom is intact and has never been repaired.

The doors were stamped and consisted of two parts. They were equipped with a manual mechanism for lowering/raising the windows and a rotating window window with a latch from the inside.

Interior

Inside, the ZAZ-968a car (there is a photo of the interior in our article) surprises with its modesty, to say the least. There are a minimum of appliances, a small mirror, an independent stove, and a fairly compressed space. The interior trim is made with plain materials without any hint of minimal comfort. But at the same time, you can highlight some good chairs.

Options that could be found in the cabin include headliner, sun visors, and a glove compartment. The stove, although it was autonomous, judging by the reviews of the owners, it did not work well. Driving in Zaporozhets in the Russian winter was simply unrealistic.

The volume of the trunk resembles a good glove box. It won't even fit a large subwoofer. But you can easily get out of this situation - just remove the front passenger seat or install a roof rack.

ZAZ-968a: technical characteristics

The model was produced from 1974 to 1980. The body length was 3730 mm, width - 1570 mm, height - 1400 mm. The ground clearance is 190 mm. Curb weight - 840 kg. Next, we will separately talk about the engine and gearbox.

Engine

The power unit in this car is located at the rear; During repairs and maintenance, it is fully accessible. This is a four-stroke carburetor engine MeZM 968 with a volume of 1.2 liters. Its power is 40 hp. With. During operation, this unit made terrible sounds, but with a working exhaust system, the voice of the engine was quite tolerable. The service life of the power units did not differ in duration - on average it was about 40-50 thousand km. However, this was due to the fact that the owners used any oils and even waste oils. At the same time, the engine did not lose its characteristics and produced all the power. Also, no serious breakdowns were observed with this “power supply”.

MeZM-968 was different top position valves and air system cooling. It must be said that the car always had big problems with cooling. The cylinders were cast iron, V-shaped - they could be easily removed, and they had a ribbed surface. But the cylinder heads were aluminum. The crankshaft was made of cast iron and was well balanced with the flywheel and centrifuge. The timing belt was gear type with overhead valves. The mechanism had a balancer, rods, camshaft, and rocker arms.

The engine accelerated the car to 100 km/h in an eternal 38 seconds. Average fuel consumption has never been higher than 7.8 l/100 km. And here it should be taken into account that the car was used exclusively on bad roads.

Transmission

Engineers used a four-speed manual transmission with this power unit. It differed in that it had three strokes and was combined with a differential. Its design has not changed since the 965th model. At first the box worked quite well. But during operation, the rods became loose, and switching lost its clarity. On cars that have survived to this day, the gearbox howls and the gears fall out on their own. Some models do not have reverse gear. The clutch wears out quickly, although the system was hydraulically driven.

Suspension

The suspension was of the torsion bar type. The system consisted of two pipes connected using brackets. The system also used hydraulic shock absorbers with springs. The rear suspension was equipped with a steel double wishbone. The floor of the car was attached to it. All those cars that are on sale today already have pretty broken steering rods and bearings in the hubs. Driving such cars can be downright dangerous.

Brake system

The brakes on these cars were equipped with drum brakes (on the front and rear axles). Their special feature was the floating type of pads. The gap between the pads was adjusted using a special regulator.

Naturally, this design does not meet modern requirements. But for a car with such characteristics this is enough. The main brake cylinder of the ZAZ-968a sometimes leaked, and it constantly had to be repaired. Over time, the adhesion of the pads to the drum deteriorates. Brakes require constant maintenance (as do all suspension parts).

Conclusion

So, we found out the history of origin and technical characteristics of the ZAZ-968a. Very few such specimens have survived to this day. But, despite its rarity, the car is always on sale. The price tag rarely exceeds $200. Of course, after the purchase you will have to spend a lot on repairs. But the ZAZ-968 is one of the most budget cars that can be taken for a project.

- this is the legendary “runabout” of Zaporozhye automobile plant, which was produced from 1971 to 1994. It has three main modifications (968, 968A, 968M), a traditional rear engine and has gone down in the history of the Soviet automotive industry as a “particularly low class” people's car.

Brief history of the ZAZ-968 car

This car gathered around itself many contradictory statements, irony and even ridicule, but still, during the existence of the USSR, it was very popular. And although this popularity is due to the record low price, thousands of families were finally able to acquire vehicle, and were, moreover, very happy.

Probably everyone remembers that the first “Cossacks” 965 models were openly created on the basis of a car Fiat-600, the resemblance to which as a result was simply striking. There is an opinion (moreover, very reasonable) that the ZAZ-968 had its own prototype, namely - NSU Prinz. But in the Soviet Union they literally shrugged this off, declaring that they had “their own pride.”

Possible prototype of the “eared” NSU Prinz

This car is also interesting because it was the last of the “Cossacks” family, and its last modification, 968M, was produced from 1980 to 1994, practically without any changes or improvements. Even now, the ZAZ-968 still brings a smile and lifts your spirits, and its price can easily be the same as two pairs of branded sneakers, but its history is very interesting and definitely deserves attention.

And so, let's go back to the 70s of the twentieth century... Seeing how intensively the automotive industry was developing, there was an urgent need for a complete modernization of the well-known “humpback”. Having discontinued the ZAZ-965, engineers began actively developing a more modern “people’s car” and already in 1971 the first ZAZ-968 rolled off the production line, which not only completely changed its appearance and changed the nickname “humpbacked” to “eared”, but and became noticeably more productive.

Adhering to the policy of general accessibility, the engineers still decided not to devote special attention comfort, and therefore the new ZAZik had only a basic set of electrical appliances, a traditional rear engine and a very primitive interior. After 4 years, the car underwent a slight modernization, thanks to which it changed its name to 968A. The Zaporozhets underwent a more radical and, indeed, the latest modernization in 1979 and was renamed ZAZ-968M. It received a new front end, new rear dimensions and a different instrument panel. At that time, the cost of the car was only 3,500 rubles, so all families who long years They dreamed of having their own transport and carefully saved their money, because, for example, only a few could buy a Volga or a Zhiguli.

Exterior and interior of ZAZ-968

Compared to its predecessor, the ZAZ-968 has become more modern and proportional in size. The load-bearing all-metal body had an acceptable finish, and the rear wings had very clever air intakes. This two-door sedan was designed for 4 passengers, but given the “especially small class”, comfort was not even worth counting on. Another interesting fact is that door locks simply surprise with their “versatility”, because sometimes they could be opened even with thin scissors, twisted wire or any apartment keys. The car was painted very high quality and in one color, therefore, ironically, many consider this fact to be the main advantage of the “Zaporozhets”, since the paint “did not peel off” even after decades. The pressed doors consisted of two panels, were equipped with a manual window lift and a corner pivot glass with an internal latch. The ZAZika salon simply surprises with its asceticism - the minimum amount control devices, rear view mirror, independent heater, very compressed space and simple plain upholstery, without a hint of comfort. But was this the main thing, if a car skillfully overcomes any roads, does not require special care and is “not harmful” about the quality of the fuel?

Front panel of ZAZ-968A

The next generation of the big-eared ZAZ-968A already had new seats, a brake system with a separate drive and even a protective anti-theft installation. 6 years later, the car underwent a final modernization, as a result of which it boasted rectangular rear lights, a minimal amount of chrome and a more advanced rounded front panel with a metal strip, thanks to which the trunk volume increased slightly (although it still remained so small that even a travel bag could not be carried could contain it). The front lights were slightly changed, turn signals appeared, the spare tire was moved from the trunk under the hood, the front seats became adjustable, and the rear seat was fully reclining, which made the car suitable even for overnight stays. Also, this modification is no longer “eared”, because instead of air intakes, the engineers installed neat grilles. I received a ZAZ-968M and new bumpers, but it’s not clear whether this played a positive role. The removable plastic sides were deformed at the slightest impact, and the moldings were very sensitive to corrosion.

Design of ZAZ-968

According to the “good old” tradition, the Cossack’s power unit is located at the rear and provides full accessibility during its inspection or repair. The four-stroke carburetor engine has a displacement of 1197 ml and a power of 40 Horse power(although among the ZAZ-968M there were small-scale modifications, in which the engine power was also 45 and 50 hp). Doing short review MeZM 968, you can also mention the upper location of the valves and air type cooling. Made of cast iron, they are easily removable and have a ribbed surface. While the cylinder heads are aluminum and there are only two of them. The crankshaft is cast iron and has good balancing with the centrifuge and flywheel. The gear timing mechanism with overhead valves has a balancer, rods, camshaft and rocker arms. As for acceleration, the ZAZik could reach 100 km/h in just 38 seconds, and its average fuel consumption did not exceed 7.8 l/100 km (taking into account rural, dirt roads).

Returning to the engine cooling system, I would like to consider the axial fan, which pumped air through a special grille. The one-piece guide vane had blades and also included a device for the generator. By the way, small gaps on the side parts of the body also additionally cooled the engine. The fact that ZAZ owners completely neglected the quality of fuel remains surprising. 76 was poured into the car (which could contain naphthalene, water, etc.), and even already processed fuel, but this had virtually no effect on its driving characteristics (except for the “rumble” during operation).

The gas tank is located behind rear seats, and a hydraulically driven 1-disc clutch was connected to a driven disc. The manual 4-speed gearbox had three strokes and was located together with the differential. Due to lack of timely Maintenance, the checkpoint is already later a short time became more rigid, difficult to shift, and while driving the gears could even “fly off”.

The torsion bar front suspension consisted of two steel pipes, which were fastened with brackets, and hydraulic shock absorbers were supplemented with springs. The rear spring suspension had a double steel lever, to which the ZAZ floor itself was attached using 2 brackets.

Drum brake system had floating pads, a gap adjuster between them and the drum itself. The mechanical “handbrake” applied only to the rear wheels, and the latest modification of the ZAZ-968M already had a separate hydraulic drive. The steering mechanism included rods, a gearbox, pendulum arms and an energy-absorbing element.

By the way, the ZAZ-968M was produced inside the plant and with gas installation, but they were not intended for sale, but only served as freight carriers within the enterprise.

Comparative characteristics of “three generations” ZAZ-968

Main modifications of ZAZ-968

ZAZ-968MR is a sedan for disabled people who do not have one arm or one leg.

3A3-968MB - a sedan for disabled people with amputated legs.

ZAZ-968B2 (AB2) - a sedan with a power of 27 hp, designed for disabled people with a damaged or amputated right leg.

ZAZ-968AB4 - a sedan for disabled people with an injured or amputated left leg.

ZAZ-968MG - a sedan with a MeMZ-966G engine and a power of 27 hp. Designed for disabled people with one damaged leg.

ZAZ-968AP (MR) is an in-plant pickup truck with a gas installation.

ZAZ-968B and ZAZ-968R – sedan, 27 hp. With automatic system electromagnetic clutch.

Popularity of ZAZika in various spheres of life

Collectible model of orange ZAZ-968A from the publisher. "Autolegends of the USSR"

Be that as it may, the “Cossack” gained considerable fame. For example, the films “Taran”, “I Want to Go to Prison”, “Should We Send a Messenger?”, “Cargo 200”, etc. were filmed with the participation of this car.

There were also toy Cossacks. For example, at the Soviet Tantal plant, the ZAZ-968A model with a Y-shaped suspension in 1:43 scale was manufactured. But a few years later they improved the toy by making the trunk and hood openable.

In 2009, together with the magazine “Autolegends of the USSR” there was a ZAZ-968A orange color, and in 2011 the publishing house decided to please its readers with the latest modification of the ZAZ-968M in a beautiful coral color. By the way, not so long ago (in the summer of 2010) the Nash Avtoprom company released a very large batch of red and blue “eared” ones in the same 1:43 scale.

Collectible model ZAZ-968M in coral color from the ed. "Autolegends of the USSR"

In honor of the ZAZ-968, a triangular postage stamp was also issued in the USSR (1971), on which this car “flaunted” in green.

Soviet postage stamp depicting ZAZ-968 (1971)

They don’t forget about this legendary “soap box” in our time. In particular, ZAZ can be seen in the computer games S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Need for russia: Made in USSR, Half-Life 2, “Communism Muscle Cars”, etc.

ZAZ 968M in the computer room GTA game"San Andreas"