The ZAZ-970 series consisted of five different all-terrain models. SUVs used units of the “humpback” ZAZ-965.
Rare active photos of unique cars of the ZAZ-970 family have been published. They were developed 60 years ago at the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant. This site is written by Car.
The development of the model began in 1961 under the leadership of Lev Murashov, the author of the first prototype of the Zaporozhets. The leadership of the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant actively supported the idea of a small all-terrain model.
The first to see the world was a small truck ZAZ-970, nicknamed “Whetstone”. The car could take 350 kg of cargo and had a rear engine, like the Zaporozhets.
In fact, the 27-horsepower engine itself and the torsion bar suspension were also borrowed from the “humpback” ZAZ-965. The maximum speed was 70 km / h, and the average fuel consumption was only 7.5 liters per 100 km.
Then a ZAZ-970G minibus, a 970V seven-seater minibus and a 970G pickup truck were produced in Zaporozhye. In 1962, prototypes with all-wheel drive ZAZ-971 were developed in two lengths.
We tested the cars on the island of Khortytsya and in the Crimea, and for comparison we bought an imported analogue of Renault Estafette. Ukrainian development turned out to be better and showed excellent off-road qualities. The cars were also tested by Zaporozhye-Dzhankoy.
Later, ZAZ minibuses even served catering establishments and food bases in Kyiv and Moscow. It is planned to produce 30 thousand ZAZ-970 and 20 thousand all-wheel drive ZAZ-971 annually. Interestingly, the car can be slightly cheaper than the “hump”.
However, there was nowhere to produce a new product – the capacities of the car factory were busy due to the production of “Zaporozhets”. But the main reason for the rejection of the ZAZ-970 was another Ukrainian car LuAZ-969. He also used the Zaporozhets units, and the authorities preferred him, as it was better suited to the needs of the army.
Previously Focus talked about the first Ukrainian-made cars. They were released 90 years ago.
We also wrote about the unique racing KrAZ with a capacity of 1000 hp. With.
Source: Focus
Ray Bly is an accomplished journalist in the field of Automobile. He currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the Automotive industry and a talent for uncovering the latest developments, Ray’s writing provides readers with insightful and informative coverage of the latest news and trends in the field.