"Moskvich-2150", SUV from the past: specifications, photos

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

It is well known that the USSR had a very modest range of cars. This is due not to a lack of ideas, but to the economic and political systems of the state. Thus, many remarkable projects were developed with advanced or unusual technical solutions or simply modern machines, but most of them were not allowed for mass production. The following is one of these cars - "Moskvich-2150".

Features

This machine is a prototype that was never brought to mass production. This is a compact off-road passenger car developed by MZMA on the basis of previous prototypes and production models.

History

At the automobile plant in question, several attempts were made to create an off-road car. However, none of the projects has been successful. The following is the history of the development of such vehicles.

"Moskvich-410", 411

In 1957, on the basis of the compact models 402 and 407 MZMA, all-wheel drive passenger cars "Moskvich-410" and 411 were developed in sedan and station wagon bodies, respectively. From the original machines, they received a supporting body structure, which was reinforced. Significantly changed the chassis and transmission. The bridges were replaced with more rigid ones, the front independent suspension - dependent, telescopic shock absorbers - lever, a transfer case was installed. The result was passenger cars with a ground clearance of 220 mm, able to overcome fords up to 0.3 m deep. These cars were created as part of the then-developed program of comfortable off-road analogues represented by all-wheel drive passenger models.

"Moskvich-410" and 411 competed with the GAZ-M72, developed according to the same scheme. As a result of the tests, significant shortcomings were identified. So, the body was not rigid enough, and the transfer case was unreliable. In addition, the car turned out to be very uncomfortable due to the stiff suspension and noisy transmission. Finally, they noted the instability and complex management. This was due to the mutual discrepancy between the units used. The modernization was considered unprofitable, and on the basis of this, the MZMA designers concluded that it was impossible to create an all-wheel drive passenger car on a standard chassis, although GAZ continued to develop this scheme.

"Moskvich-415", 416

Therefore, MZMA decided to developindividual chassis for an off-road vehicle. And in the same year they created "Moskvich-415". It differed from previous prototypes, first of all, by the presence of a spar frame, which provided less weight and greater strength and durability. The gearbox was combined with a transfer case. The suspension was used from project 410. When developing the design, they were guided by Willys. According to the general concept of the car, they are also very similar: both are compact frame SUVs with the most simplified design. At the same time, in the Soviet version, the details of serial MZMA machines were used to the maximum.

In 1960, the Moskvich-416 was introduced, featuring a six-seater cabin layout (the 415 model was a four-seater) and a closed body. A little later, the original engine was replaced with the M-408. However, despite the very successful design, these cars have not gained widespread distribution. This was due to three reasons. First, the machines were not evaluated by the line ministry. Secondly, the plant's capacities were fully loaded. Thirdly, the 410 and 411 models that served as the basis for the cars in question were discontinued by that time, so the use of their parts lost profitability.

"Moskvich-2148", 2150

However, Moskvich-415 and 416 were used in the development of the Moskvich-2150 and 2148 cars, presented in 1973. The cars were created as part of the state project of a comfortable compact SUV for the villagers, where they competed with Izh-14 and VAZ-2121. Newprototypes of the Moskvich car (AZLK) were unified with the 2140 model, which was being prepared for production at that time. In total, two cars were created: one with a hard roof (2150), the other with a tarpaulin (2148). From prototypes 415 and 416, Moskvich-2150 and 2148 received a spar frame, solid axles and rigid springs, etc. Due to this, only AZLK presented an SUV of a classic design among competitors. The engine was taken from Moskvich-412, but modified by lowering the compression ratio.

Moskvich-2150 was tested. A test drive within their framework showed high cross-country ability. However, design flaws were also identified.

In any case, a VAZ car with a more comfortable, versatile and innovative design went into mass production. There is an opinion that the AZLK project was rejected for political reasons. However, thanks to the classic layout that this Moskvich prototype had, its characteristics attracted the attention of the army. However, AZLK did not have the resources to launch the production of 2150 and 2148, so the Ministry of Defense planned to modernize the branch in Kineshma for the annual production of 60 thousand of these machines. However, the project did not materialize because it was not financed.

The following year, after the premiere of 2150 and 2148, they began developing an SUV with independent suspensions and other technical innovations. However, the process was interrupted already in 1975 due to the death of one of the designers, who specialized specifically in SUVs. On this work onthis topic ("Moskvich") AZLK turned.

Until the second half of the 80s. inside the enterprise there were proposals to revive the project 2150 (2148), but at that time all the resources of the plant, as before, were busy.

As a result, 2 copies of the Moskvich-2150 car remained. The SUV from the past is preserved in both versions. They are in the vintage car museum. As for the previous prototypes, one surviving "Moskvich-415C" and one body of the 415 prototype car "Moskvich" are known. Photos of 2150 are presented very widely, while for other versions there are mainly archival photographs.

Body

The car was presented in a three-door body with a hard and soft top (station wagon and phaeton, respectively). The second car was equipped with a safety arc. Compared to previous prototypes, the design has been updated. Both cars had safety door handles and steps under each door. In this case, the door hinges were external. 2150 was equipped with sliding windows (on 2148 only the windshield was solid). The optics, with the exception of the headlights from the 412 model and the factory backlighting of the rear license plate, were borrowed from the GAZ-66. The wipers were moved to the lower part of the glass, unlike the previous prototypes of the Moskvich car. Photos show differences between versions. On the cars in question, two fuel tanks of 60 liters each were installed on both sides of the body. The spare wheel was placed in a very unusual way: on the back of the starboard side. This was done to make it easier to use the tailgate, as itprovided access not only to the luggage compartment, but also to the salon combined with it, and also to avoid sagging under the load from the wheel.

The creators provided for the operation of the car in difficult rural conditions, where qualified service is not available, therefore, its designs tried to ensure maximum simplicity and unpretentiousness. Therefore, only 6 lubrication points were made.

Dimensions are 3.615m long, 1.626m wide and 1.85m high. The wheelbase is 2.27 m, the track of both axles is 1.27 m. The last two parameters have been increased in comparison with the original chassis. Curb weight - 1.05 t.

As the main advantage over competitors, the creators noted the stronger and more durable frame structure of the Moskvich-2150 car. Automobile legends of the USSR among SUVs, such as the GAZ-69, UAZ-469, as well as the world analogues of those times, had a similar scheme. VAZ-2121 from this point of view has become an advanced car.

In addition, the designers focused on cost-effectiveness in terms of materials: 1/3 of the amount of UAZ-469 metal was required for the production of the car.

Engine

Unlike models 415 and 416, the Moskvich-2150 was equipped with the M-412 engine. It was slightly modified, lowering the compression ratio to 7.25 to allow the use of 76 gasoline in rural areas. This 1.5L 4-cylinder carburetor power unit with 2 valves per cylinderdevelops 75 liters. With. power at 5800 rpm and 111.8 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm.

The exhaust system was carried out along the starboard side. The antifreeze cooling system is sealed. The engine is equipped with a preheater.

Transmission

The car is equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission.

As with previous projects, the layout remained classic all-wheel drive: "Moskvich-2150" received a plug-in front axle. For this, a 2-speed transfer case is installed in the same housing with the gearbox. To use additional equipment (winches, pumps, etc.), it is possible to take power from it. Bridges - continuous with fully unloaded axle shafts. The rear limited slip differential has a forced lock.

Competitors had a different all-wheel drive scheme.

Chassis

The design of the chassis was borrowed almost unchanged from the prototypes 415 and 416. Only the track and wheelbase were increased to increase stability. Both suspensions are on two longitudinal semi-elliptical leaf springs. Equipped with anti-roll bars.

The ground clearance is 220 mm.

The steering gear is a hybrid worm design with a double ridge roller.

Brakes - drum on all wheels.

15-inch wheels have forged rims and off-road tires. Mounted on ball bearings, due to which they rotate at different angular speeds.

So seriousthe classic off-road chassis design is due to the fact that the car was created for operation in difficult conditions. This was the main difference from competitors who had independent front suspension.

Interior

The car accommodated 6 people. Moreover, access to the rear seats was carried out through the rear single-leaf door and a tailgate with a footrest. The front seats have only one longitudinal adjustment. The rear ones are represented by double benches located along the sides. That is, the layout was borrowed from Moskvich-416, and it was also used for the open version of 2148. The front panel had passive safety elements. In addition, the steering column was safety. A handle is installed on the right opposite the passenger seat.

Rear seats have dual reclining cushions to expand cargo space.

Rideability

The maximum speed of "Moskvich-2150" and 2148 is 105 km/h (120 km/h according to other sources). Tests have shown that they confidently move on various surfaces (sand, clay, arable land) and are able to overcome fords up to 0.6 m deep. A fuel supply of 120 liters was enough for more than 500 km. The vehicles were capable of towing a trailer weighing up to 0.35 tons.