ZAZ 966 Zaporozhets
The ZAZ Zaporozhets (named after the Zaporizhian Cossacks) was the Soviet Union's smallest and most affordable car, produced at the Zaporizhia Automobile Building Plant in the Ukrainian SSR. The car earned the affectionate nickname 'Ushastiy' (Big Ears) thanks to its distinctive air intake scoops on the rear quarter panels that cooled the rear-mounted V4 engine. The Zaporozhets was designed to be the ultimate people's car for the Soviet masses — cheap to produce, simple to maintain, and capable of operating in the extreme conditions found across the Soviet Union, from Siberian winters to Central Asian summers. The air-cooled engine eliminated concerns about coolant freezing, and the simple mechanical design meant that village mechanics could keep the car running with basic tools. Performance was decidedly modest — 30 horsepower from the 887cc V4 took the Zaporozhets to a maximum of 120 km/h on a good day — but this was a car designed for function, not fun. The car became the butt of countless Soviet jokes ('What do you call a Zaporozhets at the top of a hill? A miracle!'), but for millions of Soviet citizens, it represented their first taste of personal automotive freedom. Over 3.4 million Zaporozhets of all types were produced, making it an enduring symbol of Soviet-era daily life.
Available primarily in former Soviet countries and Eastern Europe. Condition varies enormously — many have been used hard in agricultural areas. The air-cooled V4 is simple but unique and parts must come from specialist suppliers. Body panels and trim can be sourced through Ukrainian and Russian networks. Surprisingly fun to drive if expectations are calibrated correctly.
Over 3.4 million Zaporozhets (ZAZ-965, 966, and 968 variants combined) were produced at the Zaporizhia factory. Production continued until 1994, three years after the collapse of the Soviet Union.