Zaporozhets ZAZ-966V: with your own ears
ZAZ-968A - in fact, a deep modernization of the first "eared" Zaporozhets ZAZ-966.
Outwardly, it is easy to distinguish it from its predecessor in a different design of the front end, other turn signals and side lights. But the main family features were preserved - “ears” - air intakes and stylish round lanterns. True, the air intakes in the 968th begin in the region of the rear axle, while in the 966th they were longer and began in line with the rear arch. A decorative whalebone grille disappeared from the front end, giving way to a decorative chrome element.
Whoever says anything, but from the point of view of design, Zaporozhets came out very attractive and harmonious. Many believe that his appearance was completely and completely “muffled” with the 1961 NSU Prinz. However, this is not so - the first running prototypes of our "eared" appeared simultaneously with the NSU - in the same 1961. But there is no doubt that the creators of both cars were inspired by the American Chevrolet Corvair.
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Salon Zaporozhets quite ascetic. In a combination of a minimum of instruments - a speedometer and a fuel gauge. The arrow of the latter, when moving, rushes about like the tail of a loving dog, and it is difficult to understand the true level of gasoline.
The salon is not only simple, but also cramped. It is not easy to get into the back sofa through the folding chair and the narrow door. Yes, and sitting there is not very convenient.
The driver is reminded of himself by a specific layout. The front arches protrude strongly into the cabin, which is why the pedal assembly is noticeably shifted to the right relative to the steering column. The choke lever is located between the front seats and the stove control is to the right of the steering column. But the gear lever is located right at hand.
The interior fit to be called ascetic. Landing is also not the most convenient - the pedal assembly is strongly shifted to the right relative to the steering column. The interior fit to be called ascetic. Landing is also not the most convenient - the pedal assembly is strongly shifted to the right relative to the steering column.
Salon Zaporozhets was cramped - behind the long trip except that children will survive. Salon Zaporozhets was cramped - behind the long trip except that children will survive.
Rear-engine layout led to the fact that the trunk is in front. Moreover, this is even stated in the native operating instructions. So Zaporozhets has a “trunk front and rear hood.” The luggage compartment is quite small. And without that, a small volume is eaten by a spare tire, a battery and a gasoline stove.
Another task for an unprepared person may be refueling at a gas station. After all, the neck of the fuel tank cannot be found outside - it hid under the hood. And the hood opening handle is located on the central rack.
Warm heart
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The 1.2-liter MeMZ-968 air-cooled engine develops 41 hp. at 4200 rpm It is very simple and maintainable, and so light so that two people are enough to dismantle it.
The power system used a K-126 carburetor and an inertial air filter, which did not require replaceable filter elements. Unfortunately, the Melitopol “airman” was not particularly reliable. These engines seldom nursed 100 thousand km - often half as much. The engine suffered from overheating, as did the gas pump, which in some situations could simply stop pumping fuel. But what you can’t refuse this motor for sure is its efficiency. Fuel consumption was around 6 l / 100 km at 80 km / h. It’s a paradox, but the next iteration of Zaporozhets - 968M, popularly nicknamed “soap box”, spent much more - about 10 liters per hundred with the same 80 km / h.
Talking about some kind of dynamics is not necessary. In theory, Zaporozhets reaches 100 km / h in 32 seconds. And the maximum speed is 118 km / h. But in practice, to 80 km / h any acceleration is already stopped. Yes, and faster to go to the 968th there is no desire.
ZAZ-968A Zaporozhets equipped with a fully independent suspension - torsion bar front and spring rear. The engine and transmission were located in the rear overhang. ZAZ-968A Zaporozhets equipped with a fully independent suspension - torsion bar front and spring rear. The engine and transmission were located in the rear overhang.
Soft move
The 968th retained the main characteristic features of the previous Zaporozhets - “ears” - air intakes and taillights. The 968th retained the main characteristic features of the previous Zaporozhets - “ears” - air intakes and taillights.
Zaporozhets 968A from 966 was distinguished by other direction indicators and side lights. Zaporozhets 968A from 966 was distinguished by other direction indicators and side lights.
Engine MeMZ-968. V-shaped, four-cylinder, air-cooled, 1.2-liter. Power - 41 HP at 4200 rpm Engine MeMZ-968. V-shaped, four-cylinder, air-cooled, 1.2-liter. Power - 41 HP at 4200 rpm
The suspension is completely independent - front torsion bar, rear spring. And ZAZ 968A has an ideally flat bottom and a large ground clearance of 200 mm. All this gave Zaporozhets a decent cross, which would have been envied by the rest of the USSR cars.
Zaporozhets wheels are diskless, and the hubs are brake drums. And the brakes are one of the weak points. The slowdown is sluggish, the drive is uninformative even by the standards of the 70s. Therefore, it is better to slow down on the 968th in advance. But he has a very good ride. You can not say about handling: with increasing speed, the car begins to wag, and after 80 km / h it is frankly scary to drive it.
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But at the same time Zaporozhets has a very light steering wheel, which you can twist without unnecessary effort even while standing still. In addition, the front wheels rotate at a very large angle. And this, together with the small dimensions, gives the “eared” excellent maneuverability.
The car is very noisy. And everything is noisy - the wind is walking in the doors and windows. The engine rattles recognizably. The transmission howls. And after 70 km / h a very characteristic and incredibly funny whistle of those very “ears” is added. Noise level is another reason why driving faster than 80 km / h makes no sense.