In Moscow, a very rare ZIL-114 limousine, built at the Likhachev factory in 1977, stands out as a remarkable piece of automotive history. It was produced specifically for Marshal of the Soviet Union and Defense Minister Dmitry Ustinov, and the current owner asserts he holds all documents verifying this provenance. Restored to a high standard, the vehicle is described as being in pristine condition, and the seller is asking for 15 million rubles. This car’s rarity and historical significance have attracted attention beyond Russia, including collectors in Canada and the United States who value distinctive, historically important automobiles from the Cold War era.
According to its claims, the ZIL-114 is among a very small batch — often cited as 113 units — that were reserved for top Soviet leadership. After the restoration work, the car has been kept in a climate-controlled garage and only used sparingly, typically during dry seasons. The suspension and the exclusive yellow interior are described as flawless by the listing, underscoring the care taken to preserve its condition. The limousine measures about 6.3 meters and is powered by a seven-liter engine delivering around 303 horsepower, paired with an automatic transmission. These specifications place it among the remarkable luxury vehicles produced for state leadership during the late 1970s.
Unique tires and parts availability
Recent discussions around this model note the importance of sourcing tires in popular sizes, a practical requirement for keeping a classic such as the ZIL-114 roadworthy. In North American markets, owners of rare Soviet-era limousines often face challenges finding period-correct tires and mechanical components. Enthusiasts frequently explore alternative paths, including specialized importers, vintage tire suppliers, and restoration shops that focus on high-end, long-wheelbase sedans from this era. For collectors in Canada and the United States, the mismatch between original equipment and modern standards can influence maintenance plans, insurance considerations, and long-term stewardship of the vehicle.
Public interest in post-Soviet classics has grown as more vehicles cross borders for private collections, museums, or film productions. Communities of owners and restorers exchange knowledge about restoring interiors, tuning suspensions for comfortable highway travel, and maintaining the authentic appearance that defines the ZIL-114. While the appeal of such a limousine lies in its historical narrative and engineering, buyers in North America typically weigh import costs, safety compliance, and the logistics of storage in climate-controlled environments. The listing highlights the car’s warm garage storage and periodic use as signs of careful preservation, a common theme among serious collectors who treat these cars as rolling time capsules.
The ZIL-114 packs notable features for a vehicle of its era. The long wheelbase creates a grand, stately profile, while the combination of a large displacement engine and automatic transmission aimed to deliver smooth, effortless cruising for heads of state. With the correct maintenance regime, cars like this can still perform reliably on modern roads, though owners should expect a maintenance cycle that respects both vintage specifications and contemporary safety standards. Prospective buyers in North America are advised to consult veteran car specialists, ensure compliance with local import rules, and consider the broader context of a historically important automobile as part of the ownership experience.
For those who value automotive heritage and the story behind a rare ZIL-114, this offering opens a window into a distinctive chapter of Soviet design and state mobility. The vehicle represents a bridge between a storied past and present-day collecting, where enthusiasts in Canada and the United States pursue preservation, education, and the tangible connection to a unique era of automotive luxury.
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