ZIL 4104 Standard

ZIL 4104 Standard

The ZIL-4104, codenamed 'Скорпион' (Scorpion) during development, entered service in 1978 as the direct successor to the ZIL-114/117 series. It would serve as the Soviet Union's supreme state limousine through the twilight years of the Communist era and into the early Russian Federation, carrying General Secretaries Brezhnev, Andropov, Chernenko, and Gorbachev.

At 6,330 mm long — nearly 21 feet — the ZIL-4104 was longer than a Rolls-Royce Phantom and rivaled only the American presidential limousine in its sheer physical presence. The body was designed by a team led by designers at the ZIL factory, replacing the finned styling of the earlier ZIL-114 with sharp-edged, angular bodywork that reflected late 1970s design sensibilities. Despite its enormous size, the car's proportions were remarkably cohesive.

The powerplant was a massive 7,695 cc V8 producing 315 horsepower and 608 Nm of torque, driving through a 3-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels via a De Dion tube rear axle — an unusual and sophisticated choice for a limousine. The front suspension used torsion bars with independent geometry. This combination provided surprisingly good ride quality for such a heavy vehicle.

The armored variant, designated ZIL-41045, featured ballistic steel panels, bulletproof glass up to 55mm thick, and Kevlar-composite armor. This pushed the curb weight to approximately 5,500 kg, requiring reinforced brakes and suspension components. Despite this enormous mass, the powerful V8 could still propel the armored ZIL to 150 km/h.

The interior was finished to the highest standards Soviet industry could achieve, with genuine leather, deep-pile wool carpet, and a rear compartment featuring independently climate-controlled, electrically adjustable seats with massage function. A television, telephone, and encrypted communications equipment were fitted for the most senior occupants. The glass partition between driver and VIP compartment was electrically operated.

Only approximately 120 ZIL-4104s were produced over 24 years — each one essentially hand-built by a dedicated team of 70 workers. The car was never available for private purchase. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Boris Yeltsin continued using ZILs before transitioning to Mercedes-Benz armored cars, and Vladimir Putin briefly used ZILs early in his presidency before commissioning the Aurus Senat as Russia's new state car.