The restoration of the snowplow TUM-975, affectionately nicknamed “Worker,” marks a notable preservation milestone. These compact machines were manufactured for public facilities from 1963 through 1980 at the Krasny Put Moscow Mechanical Plant. They were designed to keep city streets clear, especially in busy urban districts and near transit hubs where reliable snow removal mattered most.
Ultra-compact in size yet robust in function, TUM-975s played a vital role in Moscow and neighboring cities for street cleaning. Their small footprint made them particularly valuable in tight spaces and station areas where larger equipment could not operate efficiently. In total, roughly 750 units were built, and today fewer than ten units remain preserved in museums or private collections, underscoring their rarity and historical significance.
Specifically, this individual car served the public facilities of the Vologda Oblast and was retired during the late 1990s. The restoration of TUM-975 was achieved through the coordinated efforts of museum restorers and the repair team from the workshop at the Sokolniki Carriage Repair and Construction Plant, commonly known as SVARZ. This collaboration ensured authenticity while restoring performance and appearance to a displayable standard.
The machine is equipped with a Moskvich-407 engine, which later became the Moskvich-408. The engine is mounted transversely behind the cab’s rear wall, and its liquid cooling system aided in heating the cab area for operator comfort during cold seasons. This configuration reflects the practical design choices of the era, balancing power, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
Seasonal versatility is a key feature of the TUM-975. Depending on the period, the vehicle could accommodate either sweeping equipment or snow-removal attachments, demonstrating its flexibility in addressing varying municipal needs throughout the winter months and the shoulder seasons.
Looking ahead, the restored TUM-975 is slated to join a permanent museum collection. In late 2024, the vehicle is planned to be displayed in the museum’s historic garage setting, located at 27 Novoryazanskaya Street, within a precinct dedicated to preserving transportation heritage and showcasing industrial design from the mid-20th century.
Acknowledgments are due to the dedicated teams who contributed to this restoration project, ensuring that a piece of local and regional mobility history remains accessible for future generations to study and enjoy. The effort highlights how municipal fleets of the past can illuminate current urban planning and maintenance practices when viewed through a historical lens.
Vote for the Classic Car Feature
Readers are invited to participate in a quick poll about recent car novelties and the wider automotive landscape. Completing the brief survey supports the ongoing exploration of historic and contemporary vehicles alike. Participants are reminded that incentives include a chance to be selected for a small prize, with details provided in the official poll guidelines.
DRIVING GRAND PRIX SURVEY
The 2023 Driving Grand Prix questionnaire invites readers to share their opinions on recent trends and upcoming releases in the automotive world. The survey is designed to gather diverse insights from enthusiasts and casual observers alike, helping to shape future coverage and exhibits.