Engine of progress
The first 45 hp overhead valve engine in the factory’s history.
A new body appeared in 1956 on the Moskvich-402. It replaced the Moskvich-401, the design and design of which were copied from the Opel Kadett in 1938.
Launched in 1958, the Moskvich-407 differed from the 402 outwardly in details. But what appeared under the body was a revolution – both for the factory and for motorists. The Moskvich-407 is the first MZMA car with a completely modern overhead valve engine for that time. In terms of dimensions, it was tied to the equipment available at the factory. But the displacement increased to 1.4 liters, and the power was increased to 45 horsepower.
Compared to foreign analogues, the indicators are not record-breaking, but quite decent. In addition, the Muscovite engine is designed for our A-72 gasoline. Therefore, the compression ratio is only 7.0.
Another very important difference in the 407 is the four-speed transmission. This unit then, with minimal changes, went to the 408th.
Journey around the world
It was not easy to buy a car in the Union. After all, up to 40% of Muscovites-407 went abroad.
And first of all, very beautiful two-tone cars appeared for export. It’s hard to think of anything less technologically advanced. Hence the moldings that appeared on the 407th covering the color transitions. But all over the world, two-tone cars were in vogue.
Interior trim and equipment, if not the best, then certainly one of the best in its class. Back then, combined seat covers were very fashionable in the car. Above the windshield hangs a radio and even a clock.
Who needs it?
Muscovites bought well not only in the socialist countries, but also in Scandinavia, Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands.
Moskvich-407 for advertising purposes for the first time specially filmed in Moscow with the participation of professional fashion models of the House of Models.
And in 1959, General Secretary Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev, who had visited the factory, in the spirit of the general ideological direction of those years “to catch up and catch up with America”, proposed to also sell Muscovites abroad.
There was even a company that seemed to have ordered 300 Muscovites already.
But soon all was quiet.
Worthy story
An important feature of the Muscovite evolution is its gradual modernization. A new body appeared, but some of the previous components and assemblies were placed on it. Then they updated the “filling” that was already in this body. This made it possible for motorists to keep the cars in good condition for a very, very long time.
Moskvich-407s have been ridden for decades. Of course, the cars were overgrown with more modern details. But they lived! Today, such an amateur modernization is called a “collective farm”. But then it was a necessity. After all, it was just a family car! And in the history of our auto industry, and in the history of the country, he came in with the right.
- “Behind the wheel” can also be read in Yandex.Zen.
Two-tone body, progressive engine and gearbox, chic interior… – Moskvich-407 had something to draw attention to.
