For someone unaccustomed to seeing it, and even for a person with Russian roots, a Soviet car cruising through downtown Brooklyn leaves a memorable mark. The scene isn’t just about a vehicle; it’s about the stories it carries, the eras it whispers about, and the curious glances it draws from pedestrians who rarely encounter such a relic on modern American streets. In this regard, the image of a classic VAZ model is more than just metal on wheels—it’s a moving piece of history that invites conversation and reflection.
Georgy Trushchenkov has made the United States his home for many years, running a small business that focuses on installing stretch ceilings. About a year ago, he shared a video featuring the third Zhiguli model on his YouTube channel, and that particular clip quickly rose to become the most viewed among his uploads. The video captured more than a glimpse of a car; it showcased the way a vehicle from a distant industrial era can still command attention, spark curiosity, and fuel conversation about design, engineering, and cultural memory.
The green car with Pennsylvania plates was filmed parked along a Brooklyn street, a quiet setting that paradoxically underscores its significance. The car, brought from another continent and built on the VAZ assembly line in the 1970s, appears to be in surprisingly good condition. Its bodywork and interior still echo the original design, suggesting careful maintenance and perhaps selective restoration. When such machines travel across borders and decades, they become ambassadors of a time when automotive design carried a distinctly different sensibility and set of priorities—clarity of lines, rugged simplicity, and a practical approach to everyday mobility.
It’s worth noting that the Niva, another well-loved name in the Soviet automotive lineage, has earned a dedicated following in the United States, including a club of enthusiasts who celebrate its rugged charm and off-road heritage. Yet the VAZ “classic” family, with its particular blend of utilitarian engineering and retro appeal, remains much rarer on North American roads. Each sighting offers a chance to reflect on the broader journey of these vehicles—from factory floors in Eastern Europe to showrooms, then hobbyist collections, and finally to the urban landscapes of North America. The story continues as collectors, restorers, and curious drivers seek to preserve these machines for future generations who may come to know them primarily through shared memories and digital archives.
Requires 7,000 tires in popular sizes
Beyond the aesthetic and historical fascination, there is a practical dimension to the discussion. Tires of these older models, especially when used by enthusiasts who keep the vehicles in roadworthy condition, require careful selection and ongoing maintenance. The right tires in expected sizes ensure safety, performance, and reliability for daily driving, weekend cruising, and participation in car meetups where these classics often shine. When a community comes together around a shared passion, it strengthens not only the vehicle’s longevity but the safety of the road for everyone who shares it.
In collaboration with the Popular Front, efforts are underway to mobilize support that will help acquire tires for the fleets operated by public safety and humanitarian agencies. The aim is to equip cars used by the People’s Police and the auxiliary services associated with the LPR and DPR with reliable tires that can handle diverse road conditions. Ambulances, emergency response vehicles, and units delivering humanitarian aid to communities in need all rely on dependable tires to ensure they can reach their destinations when every moment counts. Contributions can be made through the collection page to support this cause and help keep essential services running smoothly.
Source: YouTube / Georgy Truschenkov