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|image=Museum of Moscow - Proviantskie Sklady - Moskvich 400.jpg
|image=Museum of Moscow - Proviantskie Sklady - Moskvich 400.jpg
|manufacturer=[[Moskvitch]]
|manufacturer=[[Moskvitch]]
|production=1947-1956
|production=1947–1956
|successor=[[Moskvitch 402]]
|successor=[[Moskvitch 402]]
|class=
|class=
|body_style={{ubl|4-door sedan|convertible|station wagon}}
|body_style={{ubl|4-door sedan|convertible|station wagon}}
|layout=[[FR layout]]
|layout=[[FR layout]]
|engine=1.1L ''MZMA-400'' I4
|engine=1.1 L ''MZMA-400'' I4
|transmission=3-speed manual
|transmission=3-speed manual
|related=[[Opel Kadett]] K38
|related=[[Opel Kadett]] K38
}}
}}
⚫
[[File:Postage car Moskvitch 400-422 (Moscow Postamt 300 jubilee).jpg|thumb|Postage car Moskvitch 400-422, 1950. The stamp of Russia, 2011]]
⚫
[[File:Moskvitch-400-convertible-interior.jpg|thumb|right|Moskvitch-400-420A interior]]


The '''Moskvitch 400-420''' was a [[automobile|car]] introduced in 1947 by the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] manufacturer [[Moskvitch]].
The '''Moskvitch 400-420''' is a [[automobile|car]] that was introduced in 1947 by the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] manufacturer [[Moskvitch]].


==Background==
⚫
Between 1940 and 1941, the Russians had independently made 500 units of the [[KIM 10-50]], a Soviet compact car inspired by the similar-sized four-door [[Ford Prefect]] and despite its low price equipped with such features as a mechanical clock and indicators of the level of oil and the temperature of water in the radiator,<ref>http://azlk-avto.ucoz.ru/index/kim_10_50/0-8</ref> but national priorities changed with the [[Operation Barbarossa|German invasion of Russia]] in Summer 1941, and the production of the new car was not resumed after the war. It was [[Joseph Stalin]] who personally chose in June 1945 a four-door Kadett to become a first mass-produced popular Soviet car, so plans and tooling of a four-door version had to be reconstructed with help of German engineers, who worked upon them in a Soviet occupation zone.<ref name=avto/>
⚫
[[File:KIM-10-50 sedan1940.jpg|thumb|left|KIM-10-50]]
⚫
In 1940 and 1941 500 units of the [[KIM-10-50]], the first Soviet [[compact car]], were produced. It was inspired by the similar-sized four-door [[Ford Prefect]] and, despite its low price, equipped with such features as a mechanical clock and indicators of the level of oil and the temperature of water in the radiator.<ref name=avto-1>[http://azlk-avto.ucoz.ru/index/kim_10_50/0-8 KIM-10-50, azlk-avto.ucoz.ru]</ref> However, national priorities changed with the [[Operation Barbarossa|German invasion]] in summer 1941, and production of the car was halted and not resumed after the war.


⚫
At war's end, the [[Soviet Union]] deemed the plans and tooling for the 1939 [[Opel Kadett#Kadett I (1938-1940)|Opel Kadett K38]]<ref name="Thompson p.74"/> to be part of the war reparations package,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.manager-magazin.de/finanzen/artikel/0,2828,1809,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160819192225/http://www.manager-magazin.de/finanzen/artikel/a-1809.html | archive-date = 2016-08-19 | work = Manager Magazin | date = 1999-01-15 | first = Wilfried | last = Willutzki | title = 100 Jahre Autobauer | trans-title = 100 years building cars | language = de }}</ref> since the tooling in the [[Rüsselsheim]] factory was largely intact;<ref name="Thompson p.74"/> residents dismantled the Kadett production tooling and loaded fifty-six freight cars<ref name="Thompson p.76">Thompson, p.76.</ref> bound for Moscow and the newly built "Stalin Factory" (ZIS).<ref name=Spiegel041959>{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-42624397.html|title= Wir haben schon Kontrakt | trans-title = We already have a contract | language = de |access-date=2020-11-28 |magazine = [[Der Spiegel]] |editor-first = Claus | editor-last =Jacobi | editor-link = Claus Jacobi | issue = 4 | page =26|date=21 January 1959}}</ref> However, according to recent Russian sources, the Kadett plans and tooling were in fact not captured from the factory, because they did not survive there (and what survived was appropriate for producing a two-door model).<ref name=avto/>
⚫
Development began in 1944, following a prewar plan to produce a domestically built car able to be used and maintained by citizens living outside major cities.<ref>Thompson, Andy. ''Cars of the Soviet Union'' (Haynes Publishing, Somerset, UK, 2008), p.74.</ref> The [[AZLK|KIM]] factory was selected to build the car, with the prewar [[KIM 10-52]] (not built due to the [[Second World War]]) as a basis, with production approved in May 1945 and prototypes intended to be ready in December; by the end of May, however, these plans had faltered.<ref>Thompson, p.74.</ref>


==Development==
⚫
At war's end, the [[Soviet Union]] deemed the plans and tooling for the 1939 [[Opel Kadett#Kadett I (1938-1940)|Opel Kadett K38]]<ref>Thompson, p.74.</ref> as part of the war reparations package,<ref>http://www.manager-magazin.de/finanzen/artikel/0,2828,1809,00.html Manager Magazin 2013</ref> since the tooling in the [[Rüsselsheim]] factory was largely intact;<ref>Thompson, p.74.</ref> residents dismantling the Kadett production tooling and loaded fifty-six freight cars,<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref> bound for Moscow and the newly built "Stalin Factory" (ZIS).<ref name=Spiegel041959>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-42624397.html|title=SOWJET-AUTOS|accessdate=2013-05-19 |publisher=SPIEGEL-ONLINE|author= [[Claus Jacobi]] (managing editor), [[Rudolf Augstein]] (proprietor & former managing editor)| volume =4/1959 | page =26|date=21 January 1959}}</ref> However, according to recent Russian sources, the Kadett plans and tooling were in fact not captured from the factory, because they did not survive there (and what survived was appropriate for producing a two-door model).<ref name=avto>''Moskvich-400-420A'', "Avtolegendy SSSR" Nr.5, DeAgostini 2009, ISSN 2071-095X (in Russian)</ref>
⚫
Development began in 1944, following a prewar plan to produce a domestically built car able to be used and maintained by citizens living outside major cities.<ref name="Thompson p.74">Thompson, Andy. ''Cars of the Soviet Union'' (Haynes Publishing, Somerset, UK, 2008), p.74.</ref> The [[AZLK|KIM]] factory was selected to build the car, with the prewar [[KIM-10-52]] (not built due to the [[Second World War]]) as a basis, with production approved in May 1945 and prototypes intended to be ready in December. By the end of May, however, these plans had faltered.<ref name="Thompson p.74"/>


It was [[Joseph Stalin]] who personally chose in June 1945 a four-door [[Opel Kadett]] to become the first mass-produced popular Soviet car, so plans and tooling of a four-door version had to be reconstructed with help of German engineers, who worked upon them in a Soviet occupation zone.<ref name=avto-1/> The Soviet Union was not the only country to adopt the design at that time: the Kadett had impressed [[Louis Renault (industrialist)|Louis Renault]] and heavily inspired his [[Renault Juvaquatre]] produced in 1937–1960.<ref name="Odin, L.C. 2015">Odin, L.C. ''World in Motion 1939 - The whole of the year's automobile production''. Belvedere Publishing, 2015. ASIN: B00ZLN91ZG.</ref><ref name=Automobilia1938>{{cite journal| title =Automobilia| journal = Toutes les voitures françaises 1938 (salon Paris Oct 1937)| volume = 6| pages = Page 72–74|year = 1998|publisher=Histoire & collections|location=Paris }}</ref>
⚫
In any event, after KIM was renamed [[AZLK|MZMA]] (Moscovskiy Zavod Malolitrazhnyh Avtomobiley, Moscow Factory for Making Small Cars) in August 1945,<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref> the new car was ready for production before the end of 1946 (somewhat behind the planned June deadline): the first 400-420 was built 9 December,<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref> "400" meant a type of engine,{{cn|date=July 2014}} and "420" the (saloon) body style. With [[monocoque|unitized]] construction, [[Independent suspension|independent]] front suspension, three-speed manual transmission. and hydraulic brakes, it was powered by a {{convert|23|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} {{convert|1,074|cc|cid|abbr=on}} [[Inline-four engine|inline four]] (with a [[compression ratio]] of 5.6:1).<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref> Acceleration {{convert|0|-|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} took 55 seconds, and achieved {{convert|9|L/100 km|mpgimp mpgus|abbr=on}} (the best of any Soviet car at that time).<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref> With a [[wheelbase]] of {{convert|2,340|mm|in|abbr=on}}) and ground clearance of {{convert|200|mm|in|abbr=on}}), it measured {{convert|3,855|mm|in|abbr=on}} long overall {{convert|1,400|mm|in|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|1,550|mm|in|abbr=on}} tall.<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref> Approved for mass production by the Soviet government on 28 April 1947, 1,501 were built the first year, with 4,808 for 1948 and 19,906 in 1949, the same year a mesh [[oil filter]] was introduced.<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref> In 1951, [[Manual transmission#Synchromesh|synchromesh]] was introduced on the top two gears, and the gear lever relocated to the [[steering column]].<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref>


==Moskvitch 400==
⚫
In 1948, a prototype [[Woodie (car body style)|woodie wagon]], the 400-422, with an {{convert|800|kg|lb|abbr=on}} payload, was built, but never entered production.<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref> Neither did the similar 400-421 [[Station wagon|estate]] or [[Hot rod#Common terms|pickoupe]].<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref> The 400-420A [[Convertible|cabriolet]] debuted in 1949.<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref>
⚫
[[File:Moskvitch-400-convertible-interior.jpg|thumb|right|Moskvitch-400-420A interior]]
⚫
[[File:Postage car Moskvitch 400-422 (Moscow Postamt 300 jubilee).jpg|thumb|Postage stamp illustrating the Moskvitch 400-422, 1950]]
[[File:Boinya - Simonovo railway line 2016-10 1477229876.JPG|thumb|Rear view]]
⚫
After KIM was renamed [[AZLK|MZMA]] (Moscovskiy Zavod Malolitrazhnyh Avtomobiley, Moscow Factory for Making Small Cars) in August 1945,<ref name="Thompson p.76"/> the new car was ready for production before the end of 1946 (somewhat behind the planned June deadline): the first 400-420 was built 9 December,<ref name="Thompson p.76"/> "400" meant a type of engine,{{citation needed|date=July 2014}} and "420" the (saloon) body style. With [[monocoque|unitized]] construction, [[Independent suspension|independent]] front suspension, three-speed manual transmission. and hydraulic brakes, it was powered by a {{cvt|23|hp-metric|kW|0}} {{convert|1,074|cc|cid|abbr=on}} [[Straight-four engine|inline four]] (with a [[compression ratio]] of 5.6:1).<ref name="Thompson p.76"/> Acceleration {{convert|0|-|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} took 55 seconds, and achieved {{convert|9|L/100 km|mpgimp mpgus|abbr=on}} (the best of any Soviet car at that time).<ref name="Thompson p.76"/> With a [[wheelbase]] of {{convert|2,340|mm|in|abbr=on}}) and ground clearance of {{convert|200|mm|in|abbr=on}}), it measured {{convert|3,855|mm|in|abbr=on}} long overall {{convert|1,400|mm|in|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|1,550|mm|in|abbr=on}} tall.<ref name="Thompson p.76"/> Approved for mass production by the Soviet government on 28 April 1947, 1,501 were built the first year, with 4,808 for 1948 and 19,906 in 1949, the same year a mesh [[oil filter]] was introduced.<ref name="Thompson p.76"/> In 1951, [[Manual transmission#Synchromesh|synchromesh]] was introduced on the top two gears, and the gear lever relocated to the [[steering column]].<ref name="Thompson p.76"/>


⚫
In 1948, a [[Woodie (car body style)|woodie van]], the 400-422, with an {{convert|800|kg|lb|abbr=on}} payload, went into production<ref name="Thompson p.76"/> but the similar prototype 400-421 [[Station wagon|estate]] and a pick-up<ref name="Thompson p.76"/> never did. The 400-420A [[Convertible|cabriolet]] debuted in 1949.<ref name="Thompson p.76"/>
⚫
[[File:KIM-10-50 sedan1940.jpg|thumb|KIM 10-50, rejected in favour of the Opel Kadett]]


⚫
The 400 went on sale in Belgium in October 1950, making it a very early Soviet automotive export product, priced at [[Pound sterling|£]]349: below the [[Ford Prefect]] and [[Ford Anglia|Anglia]], and well below the [[Morris Minor]].<ref name="Thompson p.78">Thompson, p.78.</ref> ''Motor'' praised its engine's quietness, the calibre of its finish, and the quality of the ride.<ref name="Thompson p.78"/>
Most of the Opel tooling removed to Russia was for the two-door Kadett model, and the Russians converted this into a 4-door configuration that visually was near identical to the original Kadett 4-door. Although Opel was U.S. property, GM did not recover control of the factory until 1948 and were therefore unable to contest the transfer.


⚫
The 100,000th Moskvich was built in October 1952.<ref name="Thompson p.76"/>
⚫
The 400 went on sale in Belgium in October 1950, making it a very early Soviet automotive export product, priced at [[Pound sterling|₤]]349: below the [[Ford Prefect]] and [[Ford Anglia|Anglia]], and well below the [[Morris Minor]].<ref>Thompson, p.78.</ref> ''Motor'' praised its engine's quietness, the caliber of its finish, and the quality of the ride.<ref>Thompson, p.78.</ref>


⚫
Several prototypes were also built. In 1949, proposal for an improved {{cvt|26|hp-metric|kW|0}} 401E-424E and a {{cvt|33|hp-metric|kW|0}} 403E-424E saw only six examples built.<ref>Thompson, pp.78 & 80 caption.</ref> Following this, in 1951, the factory produced the 403-424A [[coupé]] with a {{cvt|35|hp-metric|kW|0}} four. The "stunning" [[Moskvich 404 Sport|404 Sport]] of 1954 used a new, {{cvt|58|hp-metric|kW|0}} [[overhead valve]] [[hemi engine|hemi]] engine.<ref name="Thompson p.78"/>
⚫
The 100,000th Moskvich was built in October 1952.<ref>Thompson, p.76.</ref>

⚫
Several prototypes were also built. In 1949, proposal for an improved {{convert|26|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} 401E-424E and a {{convert|33|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} 403E-424E saw only six examples built.<ref>Thompson, pp.78 & 80 caption.</ref> Following this, in 1951, the factory produced the 403-424A [[coupé]] with a {{convert|35|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} four. The "stunning" [[Moskvich 404 Sport|404 Sport]] of 1954 used a new {{convert|58|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} [[overhead valve]] [[hemi engine|hemi]] engine.<ref>Thompson, p.78.</ref>


==Moskvitch 401==
==Moskvitch 401==
{{Infobox automobile
{{Infobox automobile
|name=Moskvitch 401
|name=Moskvitch 401
|image=1936GAZ-M1.jpg
|image=Moskvich-401-424E 1949.jpg
|caption=1949 Moskvich 401-424E
|caption=1949 Moskvich 401-424E
⚫
|production=1954–1956
|manufacturer=[[Moskvitch]]
⚫
|production=1954-1956
|assembly=[[Moscow]]
|assembly=[[Moscow]]
|predecessor=Moskvitch 400-420
|predecessor=Moskvitch 400-420
Line 49: Line 51:
|class=
|class=
|body_style=
|body_style=
⚫
|engine= 1.1 L ''MZMA-400'' I4
|layout=[[FR layout]]
⚫
|engine= 1.1L ''MZMA-400'' I4
|transmission=3-speed manual
|transmission=3-speed manual
}}
}}
The Moskvitch 401 (full designation: Moskvitch 401-420) was introduced in 1954, an improved variant of the 400-420.<ref name=lev>Lev M. Shugurov, ''Avtomobili Rossii i SSSR. Ch.1'', Moskva, 1993, {{icon ru}}, p. 192-195</ref> It weighs {{convert|885|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=lev/> and was powered by an {{convert|1074|cc|cid|abbr=on}} [[Cam-in-block|sidevalve]] inline four engine, uprated from {{convert|23|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} to {{convert|26|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}},<ref name=avto>''Moskvitch-400-420A'', Avtolegendy SSSR Nr.5, DeAgostini 2009, ISSN 2071-095X, {{ru icon}}</ref><ref name=avto>''Moskvitch-400-420A'', Avtolegendy SSSR Nr.5, DeAgostini 2009, ISSN 2071-095X, {{ru icon}}</ref> thanks to a higher compression ratio, of 6.2:1, and improved [[Intake manifold|intake]] and [[exhaust manifold]]s.<ref>Thompson, p.81.</ref> Other changes included a new [[starter motor]], [[dynamo]], [[wheel bearing]]s, and handbrake.<ref>Thompson, p.81.</ref>
The Moskvitch 401 (full designation: Moskvitch 401-420) was introduced in 1954, an improved variant of the 400-420.<ref name=lev>Lev M. Shugurov, ''Avtomobili Rossii i SSSR. Ch.1'', Moskva, 1993, {{in lang|ru}}, p. 192-195</ref> It weighs {{convert|885|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name=lev/> and was powered by an {{convert|1074|cc|cid|abbr=on}} [[Cam-in-block|sidevalve]] inline four engine, uprated from {{convert|23|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} to {{convert|26|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}},<ref name=avto>''Moskvitch-400-420A'', Avtolegendy SSSR Nr.5, DeAgostini 2009, ISSN 2071-095X, {{in lang|ru}}</ref> thanks to a higher compression ratio, of 6.2:1, and improved [[Intake manifold|intake]] and [[exhaust manifold]]s.<ref name="Thompson p.81">Thompson, p.81.</ref> Other changes included a new [[starter motor]], [[dynamo]], wheel bearings, and handbrake.<ref name="Thompson p.81"/>


Both models were externally identical.<ref name=lev/><ref>Thompson, p.81.</ref> It had a top speed of {{Convert|90|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}.
Both models were externally identical.<ref name=lev/><ref name="Thompson p.81"/> It had a top speed of {{Convert|90|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}.


The ''400-422'' [[sedan delivery]] variant was renumbered ''401-422''.<ref name=avto/> (Its production continued until December 1956.)<ref>Thompson, p.81.</ref> There was also a [[pickup truck|pickup]] version, the ''401-420B''.<ref>Thompson, p.81.</ref>
The ''400-422'' [[sedan delivery]] variant was renumbered ''401-422''.<ref name=avto/> (Its production continued until December 1956.)<ref name="Thompson p.81"/> There was also a [[pickup truck|pickup]] version, the ''401-420B''.<ref name="Thompson p.81"/>


Some of the production was exported, among other countries to East Germany and Norway. Production ended in 1956, when the design was heavily outdated. Private users in Norway at the time needed a license to buy a new imported car. This did not apply to Russian cars that as a "friendly gesture" were supplied in exchange for fish.
Some of the production was exported, among other countries to East Germany and Norway. Production ended in 1956, when the design was heavily outdated. Private users in Norway at the time needed a [[Foreign exchange controls|foreign exchange permit]] to buy a new imported car. This did not apply to Russian cars that as a "friendly gesture" were supplied in exchange for fish.


Production of the saloon ended 20 April 1956, when it was replaced by [[Moskvitch 402]].<ref>Thompson, p.81.</ref> 247,439 had been built, counting both the 400 and 401.<ref>Thompson, p.81.</ref><ref name=avto/> after
Production of the saloon ended 20 April 1956, when it was replaced by [[Moskvitch 402]].<ref name="Thompson p.81"/> 247,439 had been built, counting both the 400 and 401.<ref name="Thompson p.81"/><ref name=avto/>


==References==
==References==
Line 67: Line 68:


==External links==
==External links==
⚫
{{Commons category|Moskvich-400/401}}
* [http://paxon.ru Moskvitch 400-420 - plaster model cars]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110110044817/http://www.paxon.ru/ Moskvitch 400-420 - plaster model cars]


{{Authority control}}
⚫
{{Commons category|Moskvich 400}}


[[Category:Cars of Russia]]
[[Category:Cars of Russia]]
[[Category:1940s automobiles]]
[[Category:Compact cars]]
[[Category:1950s automobiles]]
[[Category:1950s cars]]
[[Category:Moskvitch|400-420]]
[[Category:Moskvitch|400-420]]
[[Category:Soviet automobiles]]
[[Category:Soviet automobiles]]

Latest revision as of 15:44, 13 December 2024

Moskvitch 400-420
Overview
ManufacturerMoskvitch
Production1947–1956
Body and chassis
Body style
  • 4-door sedan
  • convertible
  • station wagon
LayoutFR layout
RelatedOpel Kadett K38
Powertrain
Engine1.1 L MZMA-400 I4
Transmission3-speed manual
Chronology
SuccessorMoskvitch 402

The Moskvitch 400-420 is a car that was introduced in 1947 by the Soviet manufacturer Moskvitch.

Background

[edit]
KIM-10-50

In 1940 and 1941 500 units of the KIM-10-50, the first Soviet compact car, were produced. It was inspired by the similar-sized four-door Ford Prefect and, despite its low price, equipped with such features as a mechanical clock and indicators of the level of oil and the temperature of water in the radiator.[1] However, national priorities changed with the German invasion in summer 1941, and production of the car was halted and not resumed after the war.

At war's end, the Soviet Union deemed the plans and tooling for the 1939 Opel Kadett K38[2] to be part of the war reparations package,[3] since the tooling in the Rüsselsheim factory was largely intact;[2] residents dismantled the Kadett production tooling and loaded fifty-six freight cars[4] bound for Moscow and the newly built "Stalin Factory" (ZIS).[5] However, according to recent Russian sources, the Kadett plans and tooling were in fact not captured from the factory, because they did not survive there (and what survived was appropriate for producing a two-door model).[6]

Development

[edit]

Development began in 1944, following a prewar plan to produce a domestically built car able to be used and maintained by citizens living outside major cities.[2] The KIM factory was selected to build the car, with the prewar KIM-10-52 (not built due to the Second World War) as a basis, with production approved in May 1945 and prototypes intended to be ready in December. By the end of May, however, these plans had faltered.[2]

It was Joseph Stalin who personally chose in June 1945 a four-door Opel Kadett to become the first mass-produced popular Soviet car, so plans and tooling of a four-door version had to be reconstructed with help of German engineers, who worked upon them in a Soviet occupation zone.[1] The Soviet Union was not the only country to adopt the design at that time: the Kadett had impressed Louis Renault and heavily inspired his Renault Juvaquatre produced in 1937–1960.[7][8]

Moskvitch 400

[edit]
Moskvitch-400-420A interior
Postage stamp illustrating the Moskvitch 400-422, 1950
Rear view

After KIM was renamed MZMA (Moscovskiy Zavod Malolitrazhnyh Avtomobiley, Moscow Factory for Making Small Cars) in August 1945,[4] the new car was ready for production before the end of 1946 (somewhat behind the planned June deadline): the first 400-420 was built 9 December,[4] "400" meant a type of engine,[citation needed] and "420" the (saloon) body style. With unitized construction, independent front suspension, three-speed manual transmission. and hydraulic brakes, it was powered by a 23 hp (17 kW) 1,074 cc (65.5 cu in) inline four (with a compression ratio of 5.6:1).[4] Acceleration 0–50 mph (0–80 km/h) took 55 seconds, and achieved 9 L/100 km (31 mpg‑imp; 26 mpg‑US) (the best of any Soviet car at that time).[4] With a wheelbase of 2,340 mm (92 in)) and ground clearance of 200 mm (7.9 in)), it measured 3,855 mm (151.8 in) long overall 1,400 mm (55 in) wide, 1,550 mm (61 in) tall.[4] Approved for mass production by the Soviet government on 28 April 1947, 1,501 were built the first year, with 4,808 for 1948 and 19,906 in 1949, the same year a mesh oil filter was introduced.[4] In 1951, synchromesh was introduced on the top two gears, and the gear lever relocated to the steering column.[4]

In 1948, a woodie van, the 400-422, with an 800 kg (1,800 lb) payload, went into production[4] but the similar prototype 400-421 estate and a pick-up[4] never did. The 400-420A cabriolet debuted in 1949.[4]

The 400 went on sale in Belgium in October 1950, making it a very early Soviet automotive export product, priced at £349: below the Ford Prefect and Anglia, and well below the Morris Minor.[9] Motor praised its engine's quietness, the calibre of its finish, and the quality of the ride.[9]

The 100,000th Moskvich was built in October 1952.[4]

Several prototypes were also built. In 1949, proposal for an improved 26 hp (19 kW) 401E-424E and a 33 hp (24 kW) 403E-424E saw only six examples built.[10] Following this, in 1951, the factory produced the 403-424A coupé with a 35 hp (26 kW) four. The "stunning" 404 Sport of 1954 used a new, 58 hp (43 kW) overhead valve hemi engine.[9]

Moskvitch 401

[edit]
Moskvitch 401
1949 Moskvich 401-424E
Overview
Production1954–1956
AssemblyMoscow
Powertrain
Engine1.1 L MZMA-400 I4
Transmission3-speed manual
Chronology
PredecessorMoskvitch 400-420
SuccessorMoskvitch 402

The Moskvitch 401 (full designation: Moskvitch 401-420) was introduced in 1954, an improved variant of the 400-420.[11] It weighs 885 kg (1,951 lb).[11] and was powered by an 1,074 cc (65.5 cu in) sidevalve inline four engine, uprated from 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS) to 26 hp (19 kW; 26 PS),[6] thanks to a higher compression ratio, of 6.2:1, and improved intake and exhaust manifolds.[12] Other changes included a new starter motor, dynamo, wheel bearings, and handbrake.[12]

Both models were externally identical.[11][12] It had a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph).

The 400-422 sedan delivery variant was renumbered 401-422.[6] (Its production continued until December 1956.)[12] There was also a pickup version, the 401-420B.[12]

Some of the production was exported, among other countries to East Germany and Norway. Production ended in 1956, when the design was heavily outdated. Private users in Norway at the time needed a foreign exchange permit to buy a new imported car. This did not apply to Russian cars that as a "friendly gesture" were supplied in exchange for fish.

Production of the saloon ended 20 April 1956, when it was replaced by Moskvitch 402.[12] 247,439 had been built, counting both the 400 and 401.[12][6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b KIM-10-50, azlk-avto.ucoz.ru
  2. ^ a b c d Thompson, Andy. Cars of the Soviet Union (Haynes Publishing, Somerset, UK, 2008), p.74.
  3. ^ Willutzki, Wilfried (1999-01-15). "100 Jahre Autobauer" [100 years building cars]. Manager Magazin (in German). Archived from the original on 2016-08-19.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Thompson, p.76.
  5. ^ Jacobi, Claus, ed. (21 January 1959). "Wir haben schon Kontrakt" [We already have a contract]. Der Spiegel (in German). No. 4. p. 26. Retrieved 2020-11-28.
  6. ^ a b c d Moskvitch-400-420A, Avtolegendy SSSR Nr.5, DeAgostini 2009, ISSN 2071-095X, (in Russian)
  7. ^ Odin, L.C. World in Motion 1939 - The whole of the year's automobile production. Belvedere Publishing, 2015. ASIN: B00ZLN91ZG.
  8. ^ "Automobilia". Toutes les voitures françaises 1938 (salon Paris Oct 1937). 6. Paris: Histoire & collections: Page 72–74. 1998.
  9. ^ a b c Thompson, p.78.
  10. ^ Thompson, pp.78 & 80 caption.
  11. ^ a b c Lev M. Shugurov, Avtomobili Rossii i SSSR. Ch.1, Moskva, 1993, (in Russian), p. 192-195
  12. ^ a b c d e f g Thompson, p.81.
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