A rare find appeared in the market under Avito Auto: a pristine ZIL-117, a high-class veteran car dating back to 1973. This five-seat limousine features a partition and, in the circles of Soviet automotive history, stands alongside the vehicles once favored for state ceremonies. The model was conceived as a quicker and more responsive successor to the celebrated ZIL-114 escort limousine, designed to blend comfort with enhanced performance for official duties.
Listed for sale in Simferopol, the vehicle carries documentation indicating a single ownership history and an intact original registration card. The listing asserts factory originality for this particular car, noting that the part numbers align with the body number and that the car was produced in 1973. It is presented as a well-preserved example with original factory specifications that have withstood the test of time.
The limousine is powered by a robust seven-liter engine delivering around 300 horsepower, paired with an automatic transmission. This combination enables top speeds near 200 km/h, a performance envelope that was impressive for a limousine of its era. The drivetrain focuses on a smooth, confident ride suitable for long-range official travel, with the automatic gearbox enhancing ease of operation for the driver.
Inside, the cabin is upholstered in full leather across both the front and rear seats. Each seating row is equipped with its own climate-controlled heating and ventilation units, ensuring passenger comfort regardless of location in the vehicle. The interior finish reflects a level of luxury that recalls the prestige associated with high-end state vehicles, while still preserving the practicalities of a limousine used for formal occasions.
History adds to the car’s aura: it comes with period-appropriate accessories that were part of a state-transport toolkit, including a siren, warning lights, and a dedicated communications device. These elements highlight the ZIL-117’s role in ceremonial and official transport during its peacetime years, when coordination and visibility were essential for high-profile engagements. The mileage is modest for a car of this age, listed at 69,000 kilometers, a figure often cited by collectors to illustrate limited use and well-preserved mechanical condition.
The ZIL-117 holds a special place in Soviet automotive history as the first-class sedan developed for elite official needs. In parallel with its technical aspirations, the model began as a competitor to the ZIL-114’s distinguished line, carving out its own niche with improved speed and power. By 1971 the model had earned a formal assignment within the Special Purpose Garage, and between 1972 and 1982 it served as Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev’s personal vehicle before evolving further into a collectible piece of state-era mobility. Forgotten production numbers aside from a handful of pre-production units, the total count reached 66, a sum that underscores its rarity and historical significance for enthusiasts and researchers alike. The vehicle is documented as a factory-origin example, reinforcing its authenticity for collectors focused on period accuracy and provenance. Attribution: Avito Auto