Moskvich-407 history

Moskvich-407 - is a Soviet car of series production which belonged to class "B" and was produced at MPMC (Moscow Plant of Midget Cars) since 1958 up to 1963. Its history also covers the older model of M-402 and M-transition model 403.

A bit of history

Back in 1951, when the actual replica of the Cadet - Moskvich-400 became obsolete and was largely inferior than the cars of that time, there was issued an order for the modernization of Moskvich and of its rerelease. A. Andronov was the chief designer, but he (as well as the staff of MPMC plant) did not have much experience in designing modern competitive cars, and therefore the Gorky plant designers Belkin, Kirsanov and Nemtsov were invlolved in this work, as well as the designers of plant ZIS (Stalin Car-Production Plant) - Chuzarov, Zheryadin and Gladilin. I. Okunev from Moscow Motorcycles Plant was invited to work with the technical part of the car. The first sample of the new Moskvich was a lot like an English Ford Consul. But this did not satisfy either the state commission or designers themselves, that is why the work was delayed for the other 4 years.

The analogue of Moskvich - 1300 Simca Aronde from 1957

The analogue of Moskvich - Opel Rekord from 1959

Eventually in 1955 all 12 copies were represented to the commission again, one of which was finally approved. And since the spring of the next year it was officially announced about the discontinuation of the 401st release and the start of production of the 402d. Though the new Moskvich had a number of innovations, such as panoramic windows, steering wheel with two spokes, door handles with push-buttons and telescopic shock absorbers, it still had something archaic. This was true about the power unit and the gearbox, which gave almost the same results as the previous model of M-401. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the designers decided to refine some missed moments. Finally in May 1958 the first copy of the updated Moskvich with the article M-407 rolled off from the assembly line. At that moment it had got a more powerful engine and a top speed reached 115 km / h, it was 10 km / h more than its predecessor. In addition modern moldings and starter were added and the car had already "required" gasoline A-72. Along with the growth of productivity, the price increased as well. When the cost of M-402 averaged 15 thousand rubles, the brand new 407-th started with 25 thousand rubles.

Moskvich 402

During the conversation with the designer A. Andronov some amazing story was managed to learn. He was saying that in the fall of 1959 during the regular meeting of N. Khrushchev and US President Eisenhower, where (oddly enough) they were talking about cars and in particular - about Moskvich-407. Eisenhower said that it would be very nice to do an experiment and put up for sale a few "Moskvich" in America, and he is likely to even buy the car for his rancho. The plant immediately received an order on the urgent production of three copies, they started to get assembled right in the experimental shop. All three cars had a full warranty, improved finishing, expensive upholstery, many additional parts and products in the very finishing. The cars were painted in crimson, yellow and green, and then - again disassembled, assembled, adjusted and rechecked at all the nods. After 10-12 days of work around the clock the cars of the "highest order" were finally delivered. But they never went to a long journey. American intelligence Powers, circling over the Soviet Union was soon shot down. But the interesting fact was that even before the spy was noticed by the Soviet military, President Eisenhower said that he would never allow that "Moskvich" hit the American market.

Overview of the car Moskvich-407, the magazine "At the wheel" 1958

But, despite this, the car continued to gain a great popularity, as in its native land, and in many other countries as well. Every third car was exported, and for the whole period of their production the total number was 120,903 units. Yes, the car had flaws, but year after year they were eradicated and the car constantly upgraded. A year after the start of the line production, 3-speed gearbox was changed to 4-stage, and after 2 years the rear axle was replaced with the hypoid one. As for the appearance, the changes were not so significant, but they were still there. In 1960 they changed the grille, and instead of two they began to establish three diffusers at the rear lights. In 1961 an emblem was a metal "drop", and since 1962 bumper lost its "fangs". In the same year they decided to increase the warranty on the vehicle's mileage up to 15 000, and in a year - up to 20 000 km. Export models were, as a rule, right-hand drive, had a two-tone color body, revised exterior and more expensive interior.

Logo of MPMC plant, which was mounted on the hood of Moskvich

Design of the 407 th Moskvich

Exterior of the interior of Moskvich - sectional drawing, 1958

Moskvich had a bearing body sedan with four doors and external trunk (whereas the 400-th model had access only from the inside). Appearance of the car was fully consistent with the era of the 60s: no sharp corners, extended forward key lights, the body of solid metal layers, rounded hood and chrome moldings. Considering the fact Gorky's designers were working on the design (who created the famous GAZ), Moskvich sometimes is called "a miniature copy of GAZ-21." Indeed, there are a lot of common elements, but each of them is unique by itself.

Moskvich-407 with updated side moldings and a new grille, 1962

Moskvich had bent windshield and slightly convex - for better visibility. The hood was made of a single piece of metal, and the diagonal cross amplifiers added extra rigidity. Compartment of the hood was of the alligator type, and chrome lug on the center of the windshield and to the outer edge made the car stylish and a little bit aggressive. By the way the logo "Moskvich" was on the front of the same hood. Fuel tank capacity of 35 liters was located behind the bracket under the license plate, and such a decision can be called very successful, because it was possible to drive to the gas station from any side. At the top of the windshield there was a rearview mirror and the entire body side was decided to be decorated with shaped chrome molding. With the arrival of 1961 the radiator was slightly upgraded – the crossbeam was replaced with the multislot bars. After some time they got to the bonnet - removing plastic red, instead of it the metal "teardrop" item was installed. The last step to change the body was the decision to eliminate the body fangs bumper. It happened in late winter 1962, after that Moskvich did not changed its "face" until the end of production.

Interior of Moskvich-407

The interior of Moskvich combined the elements of minimalism and comfort. The interior was soft and pleasant to the touch fabric with leather inserts and chrome outlines of the individual parts. The hooks for clothes were installed at each side of the back of the sofa. The front panel of the upholstery was "wooden" and the metallic elements were painted in a color similar to the body. The steering wheel had one spoke, and right behind it there was a round speedometer. From the left and right of the steering wheel there were additional indicators. At the central part there was a heater with vertical bars and under it there were the control buttons, on the right - the gloves compartment and the radio. By the way, the front sofa was completely pulled out and it provided excellent beds. Side windows in the form of a trapezoid had separately opened corners-vents in the front, vents and windows were rising and closing mechanically with a lever on the inside of the door.

Specifications and features of the car

Chassis of Moskvich-407

In comparison with its predecessor, the M-402, Moskvich-407 became more powerful, faster and more comfortable. The designers had equipped this model with a starter (running with the ignition key), brake and clutch pedals were made as suspension, as a result, it simplified the control of the car, especially for women. The "heart" of Moskvich though went through the modernization, but not enough to call this model a completely new, that is why it is assumed that the 407th - it's just an improved 402nd. The OHV engine capacity 1358 cc was set in the car, and having in its arsenal as much as 45 horsepower, it easily speeded Moskvich up to 115 km / h. This figure was almost a breakthrough for the Soviet automobile industry, because before it similar engines were installed exclusively on sports cars that participated in international races and often set the first places. But the engine itself was not easy for the designers, because not having the appropriate equipment at the plant, they had to make a completely new design of the engine and chassis of Moskvich. A compromise was reached: cylinder blocks were produced at old machines, and only their head with overhead camshaft of aluminum alloy became an implementation. As for the chassis, it provided good flexibility of the engine also showing excellent results in off-road.

Engine of Moskvich-407 in longitudinal section

At the early stages of production Moskvich was equipped with three-speed manual transmission, which together with the rear axle of non-hypoid type allowed acceleration to 30 km / h remaining in direct drive. By the way, in the course of studies it had been proven that having more than 70 thousand km of running, Moskvich-407 did not overheat at hot weather at a constant speed of about 90 km / h and safely accelerated to 110 km / h during overtaking.

Assembled steering wheel of Moskvich

A modern panel comprising the speedometer, ammeter, odometer, gauge of the amount of petrol in the tank, oil pressure indicator and a thermometer to monitor the temperature of water provided full control of the vehicle. The turnings were switched on by using the lever on the right under the steering wheel. Their work could be controlled only by looking at the position of the lever, but since 1961 control lights had been added, the location of which was visible to the driver even in bright sunlight. The only lights that accompanied Moskvich from the very beginning - one blue on the speedometer for high beam and the other one for white heater (which was located on the adjustment knob to adjust the speed of the fan). "Hammer" (parking brake) was located under the panel on the right side of the steering wheel, which was easily switched with one push of the hand.

Two front wipers had a mechanical drive and worked only at the engine. By the way, Moskvich was the first midget car in Europe, were the first radio was installed, trapping range medium and long waves as well. The “stove" was the innovation with the fan of the front window, which was absent even in such of foreign-made cars. On the edge of the 60-s Moskvich had already got a new four-speed transmission, that is why driving a car became more comfortable, the dynamic performance had increased significantly, especially during off-road or on mountainous roads.

Export modifications somewhat differed from the domestic ones. The rear lights that shone at that time fashionable red were replaced. Also the designers had added intakes in the shape of "gills" to the front fenders and changed the design of the grille. Regarding the technical side, the exported Moscvich was equipped with the engine with sevenhold compression ratio. In any case, despite some similarities with other foreign cars, the Soviet models had their own unique style, which was recognizable from afar and was loved for its simplicity, brevity and "cuteness".

Specifications of Moskvich-407

Production and modernization

Earlier MPMC was little known outside its homeland and did not make any special innovations in the Soviet automobile industry, but after the release of Moskvich, the plant literally began its second life. In 1960 whole staff of the Moscow plant was awarded with the Diploma of the USSR National Economy of the first degree. At the time it was a worthy award, which was given very rarely.

Export two-tone Moskvich-407

In mid-October 1963 the last Moskvich rolled off. Totally MPMC produced 359,980 copies and hundreds of them are "alive" even in our time. Moskvich, having super strong body structure made of thick metal, is not a subject to time and even now you can see it "in the work" in the streets. This car adorns many museums in other countries.

Export right-hand drive Moskvich-407

Brief overview of the modifications

Moskvich-407 (also combines the 402-th and 403-d models) from the start of its production was produced in different versions. It will therefore be more logical to divide all modified models into three groups.

On the basis of the car Moskvich-402 were created

М-423 – a five-door wagon with folding rear seats and wider rear springs (increased by 5 cm). It became the first cargo-midget car on the territory of the Soviet Union.

М-410 – four-wheel drive sedan.

On the basis of the car Moskvich-407 were created

М-407Т – a yellow taxi with a body type wagon, green lights, taximeter and "checkered" on the sides of the body

М-407B – a sedan with manual control for disabled people with paralyzed or amputated legs. The manual control system consisted of a brake lever, clutch, starter, carburetor valve and light switches.

the steering wheel and controls of Moskvich-407B for disabled

М-407М – four -wheel drive four-door medical vehicle, which was used by the service "home health care". The car was equipped with a large first aid kit, special signs on the exterior and interior, fully upholstered with leather, which was easy to wash.

Moskvich-407M (medical)

М-407U – sedan for export to countries with tropical climate. М-423N – a five-door wagon with upgraded body, carrying capacity of 4 passengers and 100 kg of cargo.

М-430 – a van having a partition between the front seats and the rear cargo compartment М-410N – a four-wheel drive sedan

М-411N – a four-wheel drive station wagon

М-431 – a four-wheel drive van, combining the body of Mosvkich-430 and the chassis of the model 410N. Made in one piece.

М-407-coupe – a two-door two-seats sports car with a body type coupe, which had lighter weight, but more rigid components of the body and a forced induction engine.

On the basis of the car Moskvich-403 were produced:

М-424 – a five-door wagon with folding rear seat. 

М-432 – a three-door four-seats combi van, which was different with its all-metal body seams. Capacity - driver, passengers and up to 400 kg of cargo.

Moskvich-432, a three-door

"Star Life" of Moskvich-407

Anniversary edition of souvenir toy Moskvich-407, the project of Autolegends of the USSR

Despite such a short period of production (only for 5 years), this car had become famous in many industries. In particular, in the late summer of 1958, the Soviet racers took part in the rally "1000 Lakes", which took place in Finland. Despite the fact that almost only basic "Moskvich", not intended for high-speed sports, debuted, all of them reached the finish without any serious damage. In the following years, when the designers had brought the project of creating sports “Moskvich - 407 coupe" to the end, it regularly took part in various international races, regularly winning prizes. This was another reason to the increase all requests for import. The peculiarities of a race car can be considered the 70 hp engine, four-gear, two twin carburetors, the weight of only 654 kg and reinforced frame. In addition, Moskvich appeared on TV for many times. It can be seen in the films "Ivan Vasilyevich Changes his job", "Formula Zero", "Beware of the Car", "Usavich" (the second season), "Green light", etc. 

Moskvich-407 Sport Coupe

In the late 70's factory "Tantalus" began producing souvenir toy models of "Moskvich-403IE." But it lasted only for a few years, that is why these items are a real rarity. 

souvenir toy Moskvich 403 IE, made by the plant "Tantalus"

Interesting facts

1. In 1961, Toyota introduced its new car called Publica, which was a replica of the Soviet Moskvich
2. The people liked to call "The Nutcracker" the export models of Moskvich because of the original form of the radiator.
3. The Belgian automobile plant Scaldia assembled Moskvich from the ready-made kits (replacing only the gasoline engine to the diesel one) and sold it under its own brand. The name of such a "creation" was Scaldia Essence.
4. The door of Moskvich-407 was not blocked from the inside. In order to close it, it was necessary to lower the window, to close the door with the ignition key and then to raise the window.

Copy of Moskvich-407 Scaldia Essence with diesel engine

See also  GAZ-24 history