ZAZ Zaporozhets Second generation
ZAZ-966 (1966-1972) ZAZ-968 (1971-1980) ZAZ-968M (1979-1994)
| 1966-1994 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | ZAZ (Zaporizhian Automobile Factory) |
| Also called | Zaporozhets |
| Production | 1966–1994 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door saloon |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.2L MeMZ-968 V4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,160 mm (85.0 in) |
| Length | 3,730 mm (146.9 in) |
| Width | 1,540 mm (60.6 in) |
| Height | 1,370 mm (53.9 in) |
| Curb weight |
|
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | ZAZ-965A (Zaporozhets) |
| Successor | ZAZ-1102 Tavria |
ZAZ-966
The second generation of the Zaporozhets was a series of subcompact cars introduced with the 966 in 1966, which was discontinued in 1972, although the prototype was ready as early as 1961.It had a completely restyled bodywork, no longer resembling the Fiat 600, featuring a different body style and arguably resembling the Chevrolet Corvair or the German NSU Prinz. While featuring a larger two-door saloon body, it still featured an air-cooled V4 engine and featured more prominent air intakes – the so-called "ears", although a decorative chrome grill was also present. The car's rear suspension was also replaced. The 966 started out as the simpler ZAZ-966V (ЗАЗ-966В in Ukrainian) with a 27 hp engine from the 965A, but for the primary 966 that was discarded in favor of an upgraded 41 hp (31 kW) MeMZ-968 1.2 l engine, which was also featured on all later models of the Zaporozhets. Much like the 965A, the 966V was also produced in several special variants for the disabled (VR, VB, VB2 - until January 1973).
ZAZ-968
The ZAZ-968 and its modifications were produced from 1971 to 1980. It featured the same 41 hp engine as the 966, but the exterior design was slightly modernized. The most obvious alteration was replacing the fake chrome grille in the car's front with a horizontal chrome decoration. Among other changes was the less austere dashboard and better front brakes. The 968 was discontinued in 1978, having been produced simultaneously with the newer 968A since 1973, which was produced until 1980. It introduced new safety measures, including a safer driving wheel and a plastic dashboard instead of the earlier metal one.The 968A also had its variants for the disabled, with the weaker 27 hp 0.9-litre engine (ZAZ-968R, B, B2, AB, AB2).
ZAZ-968M
The 968 series was replaced by the modernized 968M, which had the "ears" removed and replaced much of the chrome exterior with black plastic. Its interior design was also heavily upgraded, featuring a closed-space glovebox and a slightly more modern dashboard. It is the most contemporary Zaporozhets model and also spent the most time on production run, spanning a career from 1979 to 1994. Some of its special variants include the ZAZ-968MB2, for drivers who have only one foot, the ZAZ-968MB for drivers who have no feet, and the ZAZ-968MA which had the smaller 0.7-litre engine.
Export versions
Among the export variants produced by ZAZ were ZAZ-965E, ZAZ-965AE, ZAZ-966E, ZAZ-968E, and ZAZ-968AE, which had improved consumer qualities. Depending on target markets, commercial names Jalta or Eliette were used for these models.--
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