Moskvich-403 car: specifications, tuning, photos

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Now, if you ask a person what cars were produced in the USSR, he will definitely mention the VAZ Classic, the legendary Volga and the post-war Pobeda M-20. But today we want to talk about a more distant car. This is Moskvich-403. Photo, design and characteristics of this machine - further in our article.

History

This "Moskvich" appeared in the middle of the last century. So to speak, the competitor of "Victory". In general, the Moskvich-403 car was a transitional model. He belonged to the class of small cars. It is often confused with the Moskvich-402 car (403, 407 are also similar to each other). In total, about a hundred thousand copies left the assembly line. Now there are very few of them left. This is a real rarity. This model was manufactured at AZLK from 1962 to 1965

Design

Externally, the car "Moskvich-403" (photo of the car can be seen below) practically did not differ from its 402nd predecessor. Classic style for those years. But already in the mid-60s, this design was considered outdated.

A characteristic feature of any car of that time is a lot of chrome. It's on the bumper, mirrors, onwheels and grille. Even the name "Moskvich" is made in chrome trim. And this is not plastic, but real Soviet metal. By the way, it is easy to restore it - craftsmen use foil soaked in water for this. Various modifications of Moskvich cars were produced - 403, 407. Some were even exported - marked "E". Such instances were distinguished by a three-piece rear optics, a rectangular wide radiator grille, as well as a modified side molding. There were models with characteristic "fangs" on the bumper. But cars with neat overlays were exported. This model was a competitor to the legendary "twenty-first", namely the GAZ-21. After all, the side and front are almost brothers.

What else to say about the design? Yes, there is practically nothing - this is a rare car that can only be found in a museum. Definitely, if the Moskvich-403 is restored, it will attract attention in the stream. But this is a very long and costly business. After all, not everyone has so much money and desire to return a 60-year-old car to factory condition.

But those who spare no effort to give Moskvich back a second life should say a special “thank you”. After all, every year there are fewer and fewer of these cars - they completely rot in the hands of forgetful owners.

Salon

It's very simple inside. No plastic parts - even the torpedo is made of metal. Upholstery - only on the doors. The steering wheel here is two-spoke, and on the instrument panel there is only a speedometer. Nearby there is a fuel level sensor andantifreeze. By the way, the latter is designated as "Water". After all, when this car was produced, there was no such liquid as antifreeze. In the center are massive round buttons. They seem to have been made to outlive humanity. There is no other way to characterize Soviet quality.

On the right, the front passenger has a small glove box. Everything is done in a minimalist style. Of course, the interior design is very different, even compared to the Volga-24. The steering wheel on all modifications of the Moskvich-403 car was made in bright colors. In front - a sofa characteristic of retro cars. No side supports or armrests. By the way, the back is fully folded. The result is a flat bed.

Despite the long years, the very smell of a Soviet car still remained inside. Nothing compares to him. Is it possible to make a car "Moskvich-403" tuning? Improvements can only concern the restoration of the former beauty of the salon. Restorers alter upholstery and repaint metal parts.

Oddly enough, but after so many years, this car does not cause disgust. This is its own history. It looks especially impressive on the original chrome caps.

Next, we will look at the technical characteristics of the Moskvich-403 car.

What's under the hood?

Cars of those times (with the exception of the leading "Americans") did not differ in particularly powerful engines. So, a 45-horsepower gasoline unit was installed on the Moskvich-403. Its working volume was 1.3 liters. On the model 407 was installedengine marked "D". These cars used a hydraulic clutch drive. It meant a lot to the cars of that time. There was also a transitional 407D1 engine. Its power was 50 horsepower. It was believed that its design was more modern and reliable. But to our time, they practically did not reach. As for technical improvements, the 403 model used new crankshafts with an enlarged main journal, liners, a different flywheel and an oil pan. This allowed to increase the maximum speed to 115 kilometers per hour. The gearbox here is mechanical, with a paddle shifter. The same scheme was used by the Germans in their time on the Opel-Olympia car.

About technical improvements

When creating the steering column switch, specialists from the MZMA plant were involved. They used a shift shaft that is concentric to the steering. Previously, they were installed coaxially.

This design has significantly reduced the vibration of the gear shift lever.

The cooling radiator and the steering mechanism were being finalized. The latter was with a pendulum lever, which was mounted on the right side member. The suspension here is articulated, and the brake master cylinder has been moved from the passenger compartment under the hood. By the way, "Moskvich-403" was the first Soviet car on which automatically adjustable brake cylinders were installed. There was also a windshield washer. It was controlled mechanically by pressing the foot trigger. These are all technical improvements indomestic car "Moskvich" 403rd model.

Modifications

The Soviet "Moskvich" was produced in several variations. It was a sedan, as well as a station wagon marked M-423. There were also all-wheel drive modifications with the prefix "M". But these are not to be found now even in the hands of collectors. Models that were exported had the designation "Yu". Often this car was used in the Soviet taxi ("Moskvich-T").

About prices

It is difficult to find such specimens now. Very few ads. The ones for sale are not in the best condition. Refurbished options can cost around ten thousand dollars. As for the rest of the models, they can be purchased for 200-300 US dollars. Definitely have to invest in this car a certain amount of money. The value depends on the specific condition. But it's hard to say that spare parts for Moskvich are expensive. The problem is that they are almost impossible to find. They do not produce analogues for it, and what is on the secondary market is in most cases in poor condition. Some restorers fit into 800-900 dollars, including cooking and painting the body. Definitely, all this requires time and effort.

But, according to the reviews of those who restored it, we can say that the car does not cause negative emotions. It is aimed at a moderate quiet ride. The arches can accommodate 15-inch wheels, making it possible to park on any curb.

People will definitely pay attention to thisautomobile. By the way, its silhouette is a bit similar to the 21st Volga.

Maintenance and operation

In terms of maintenance, the main problem is consumables. Original filters for such a model are simply not produced. Craftsmen put elements from the "Oka". Silencers digest from the "Classics". The rest - the body, parts of the cabin, can be found at any flea market. The condition will be far from new, but with an effort, you can return the car to its original appearance both externally and internally. The 1300cc engine is very economical. Not to say that in the 50s engineers thought about the problem of ecology, but it spends due to the small volume of 8 liters per hundred kilometers. Moreover, you can pour any gasoline here - the engine will endure everything. Those who are fond of old cars will definitely like the 403rd Moskvich.

It may not be suitable as a car for everyday trips, but no one forbade pleasing the eyes of passers-by on weekends. Due to the uniqueness of such a car is quite suitable for a wedding.

Conclusion

So, we found out what the Moskvich-403 car is. Oddly enough, but at the entire stage of production, engineers constantly refined this car, eliminating all the jambs. As a result, it was replaced by the well-known model AZLK-2140. Her motorists praised for a reliable suspension and indestructible engine. Unfortunately, now these cars are practically not found in the vastness of our country. Some fall into the hands of restorers, while others continue to rot in the garages of somerural hinterland.