AZLK Moskvitch Moskvitch 403 (diecast 1:43, Agat)

This is Moskvitch 403. The model is made by Agat after the fall of The Soviet Union in scale 1:43. Only the trunk opens.

The Moskvich 403 is a small division Soviet passenger car that was produced at a small car plant in Moscow from winter (December) 1962 to summer (July) 1965. The model is a transitional version between the Moskvich-407 model, which was in serial production until 1963, and the Moskvich 408, which went into serial production since 1964. The whole model range is Moskvich.

Almost new "Moskvich"

In December 1962, at the plant. Leninsky Komsomol, and at that time MZMA (a plant that produced small cars), mastered the production of the 403rd model of "Moskvich". The car was considered a transition from the 407th to the 408th being developed. That is, the body was still old, and the filling was already new. In addition, it turned out that the 403rd according to the index number was older than the already produced one, apparently, this was what should indicate the temporality of the model. Nevertheless, over the three years of the "transition", MZMA managed to produce the "Moskvich-403" car in the amount of 105,723 pieces, and in various modifications. After all, the car turned out to be quite successful, and the external design and filling could eloquently demonstrate to the “West” the superiority of socialism over “decaying capitalism”.

Exterior
The base model of the 403 car was almost no different from the appearance of the 407 model, except for the taillights, which already had a three-piece filling against a two-piece one. Only the "export" version (in reality, both design variations went for sale abroad, as various configurations) modifications (M-403E) had a modified design - there was a wide radiator grille, where there were rectangular contours, a modified ("two-story") molding side sections, body-colored taillights and exterior mirrors. The bulk of the production of cars had a standard design. On the insert of the wing ornament, installed in front, instead of the number "407" they began to install the index "403".

The newest beauty in automotive design, which was able to stir up the American automotive industry after the second half of the 1950s, reached European countries, and then to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Since the beginning of the 60s, the pompous and ponderous appearance that Muscovites had (402, 407 and 403), as well as the 21st Volga, began to lose ground to more laconic and functional design solutions of the "new wave", a good example of which was represented by 408 -th Moskvich. The automobile export of the Soviet Union hoped for a new MZMA car to enter foreign markets, but it was clearly not out of place to insure itself for the next two years. It would be wrong to say that the 407th model on the foreign market looked like a very archaic machine, however, to maintain the won position, it needed "reystaling". As a result, it was decided to produce it. It all started with, oddly enough, the works of the Italian design staff.

Motorists of the history of the Soviet automobile structure will know the case of the modernization of the 21st Volga. At the end of 1960, the Belgian company-importer of Gorky-made cars, Scaldia, decided to order a second-generation GAZ-21 facelift from the popular Turin body shop Ghia. A rather unexpected variation of the radiator lining was proposed by the Italian bodyworkers. As a result, a modest number of vehicles with diesel power units were sold in Brussels under the Voiga-Ghia name. However, not everyone knows that in the 62nd year, at the request of importers, Ghia by a similar method was able to “rejuvenate” the 407th model of Moskvich. As a result, the companies that sold the Moskvich car abroad, together with the Italian design team, were able to provide excellent assistance to the Moscow plant. They were able to demonstrate what needs to be done to increase the demand for domestic vehicles in foreign markets, and were even able to create a role model.

Export options

The most debut export modifications had some letter designations that were different from subsequent modifications: 403E, 403U, 403SE, 403K, 424E, 424U, 424SE, 424K, 432U and 432SE. Domestic export variation of Moskvich 403IE appeared in 1962. Following the Italian model, the next time they decided to change the radiator grille, which became more elegant and modern. The corners of the cladding, which went onto the side surfaces of the wings installed in front, were able to indivisibly place the "crystals" of the brand new turn signal sidelights. Such, after some time, were planned to be installed on the 408th Muscovites. The moldings installed on the sides were decided not to be reduced. Moreover, they have been increased. They became double in the middle, which made it possible to make an insert of a different color. This, in turn, made it possible to maintain demand abroad, since two-tone vehicles were still popular there. For some reason, they decided not to use chrome on the housings of the rear lights. Now they were painted to match the body color, and the glazing area seemed to be smaller.

The metal "bird" was also slightly changed, which was at the same time the handle of the luggage compartment lid and the lamp shade for illumination of the license plate. As a result, it was already "geometrically" accented and more angular. It is very interesting that many motorists mistakenly consider only the export version to be the original 403 Moskvich. However, this denies that all other cars of the Moscow Automobile Enterprise of the 2nd family, which were produced in the period from 1962 to 1965, have the right to have their own name.

Appearance of the 403rd

As for the exterior of the car, then, of course, in comparison with the 407, there have been no global changes. Perhaps what can be noted are the taillights. The old ones had two sections, the new version added one more. Well, the bumpers were slightly modified - the already unfashionable fangs, which covered the joints of the component parts, replaced the decorative overlays. More significant innovations were received by Moskvich-403 E (export). It acquired a wider, contoured radiator grille with built-in sidelights, a modified side molding (it became double), as well as external mirrors mounted on the fenders. The taillights of this modification are painted in the same color as the body, in contrast to the chrome base. Despite the fact that "Moskvich-403 E" was intended for other countries, it went on sale in almost equal shares with the base model on the territory of our country, so it can be nominally considered export.

Interior of the car

The revolution did not happen inside the car either, but what Western car could boast of a dual-band, five-lamp receiver as standard interior equipment?
The steering wheel, although it was made in the "old", light colors, but structurally almost completely transformed. It has become much more ergonomic and modern. By the way, on "Moskvich-408", and then on 412, the same steering wheel was switched practically unchanged. The only thing that changed was the color from light to black. The turn signal lever has moved to the left side of the steering column, before that it was on top. A small sun visor is located above the speedometer, and a new type of leatherette (which did not have a fabric base) was added to the interior trim.

Technological innovations of the 403rd

Since the "Moskvich-403" was transitional, and one might even say experimental, it received a number of technological changes, later used in the 408th. By the way, the updates that were developed for the 408th fit so well into the 403rd that both models were produced by MZMA for some time in parallel. So, on the "Moskvich-403" were installed: an improved front suspension, a new sub-frame, a bulkhead, as well as a revised steering column mechanism. The main brake cylinder moved from under the bottom of the car into the engine compartment, which made it possible to make them suspended instead of the floor version of the pedals. The clutch drive was provided with hydraulic booster, thereby ensuring smooth pedal operation. It is interesting that these new items were used without changes on "Moskvich" equipped with rear wheel drive, up to the latest modifications of the 412th, already produced at IZH.

In addition, "Moskvich-403", for the first time for MZMA machines, was equipped with a mechanical windshield washer activated by a special trigger located on the floor to the left of the pedals.

Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of Moskvich-403 are:

Low cost of the car;
More powerful power unit than its predecessor;
Acceptable ground clearance;
There is a radio;
The use of modern (for those times) technologies when creating a front suspension;
The pedals were pendant type (previous models had floor pedals);
Hydraulic brake booster;
Small dimensions of the sedan;
Produced in export version;
There are various modifications;
Low weight of the car;
There is a special place for a spare wheel.

There are also disadvantages, and they are as follows:

The appearance did not match the foreign options;
There was no hydraulic power steering;
No seat belts;
There is little free space inside the car;
The steering column and driver's seat were not adjusted;
Large steering wheel;
Small fuel tank;
Weak battery;
Small luggage compartment.

403 engine

The 403 engine differed from the standard power unit installed on the Moskvich-407 in the location of the coarse oil filter. This measure, rather, was forced, since a constructive change in the steering gear made it difficult to access its maintenance. In the new version, the oil filter was installed vertically.

From the end of spring 1964, Moskvich-403 received a modified M-407D1 engine, which was also considered transitional to the M-408. In addition to internal changes affecting the crankshaft, flywheel, cylinder block, oil pan and ignition distributor, the engine got a new, more efficient radiator.

The power of the four-cylinder eight-valve engine with a volume of 1360 cc. cm was 45 l / s, and it took 36 seconds to accelerate to 100 km / h.

Structurally, the 403 engine differed from the final version installed on the 408 only in the single-chamber carburetor of the old model and the intake manifold made for it.

Modifications of the 403rd
Despite the fact that "Moskvich-403" was a transitional model, nevertheless, MZMA, based on it, released a number of modifications:

"Moskvich-403 T" - the car was intended to replenish the taxi fleet. It was distinguished from the base model by the presence of a counter, a green signal lamp in the upper right corner of the windshield and a "checker" on the doors.
"Moskvich-403 Yu" - the car was specially designed for areas with a hot climate (southern). The car was equipped with an engine adapted for operation in high ambient temperatures and an improved interior ventilation system.
"Moskvich-403 E" - export.
"Moskvich-424" is a station wagon. In the car of this modification, it was possible to fold the rear seats, thanks to which the space for storing luggage increased by almost 1.5 meters. Moreover, its carrying capacity was 250 kg, not counting the weight of the driver and one passenger. A special, horizontal niche was provided under the floor of the car, into which the spare wheel was stored. To increase the permissible load, the width of the standard springs in this modification has been increased by 5 mm.
"Moskvich-432" - a van (made on the basis of the 424th). A partition installed immediately behind the front seats separated the passenger compartment from the cargo area.


About prices

It is difficult to find such specimens now. Very few ads. Those that are on sale are far from being 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. You will definitely have to invest a certain amount of money in this car. The amount depends on the specific condition. But it is difficult to say that spare parts for Moskvich are expensive. The problem is that they are almost never found. Analogues are not produced for it, and what is on the secondary market is, in most cases, in poor condition. Some restorers fit in at $ 800-900, taking into account the cooking and painting of the body. Definitely all this takes 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 aims for a moderate, quiet ride. The arches accommodate 15-inch wheels, which makes it possible to park on any curb. People around will definitely pay attention to such a car. By the way, its silhouette is a bit like the 21st "Volga".

The first tuning of "Moskvich"

"Moskvich-403" was designed and built for domestic and off-road roads. However, the safety factor incorporated in the design made the car a favorite not only for ordinary motorists, but also for athletes. On intercity races, "Moskvich-403" successfully competed with much more powerful cars. And this is no exaggeration, because in the war of motors, people won first of all. The skill of the Soviet racers was often bordering on recklessness. The preparation for the competition, as a rule, was done by the athletes themselves. They tuned their cars, based on their own capabilities, but keeping within the technical requirements of the USSR Motorsport Federation. The result was a car that was not too different from the serial one. As a standard, the suspension was strengthened and the compression ratio increased. As a result, the engine ("Moskvich-403") added about 10 l / s in power, which made it possible to reach speeds of over 130 km / h. The appearance of the car did not change much at that time. The only thing that was fashionable among racers was to drive without hubcaps and with discs painted yellow. True, the caps were removed simply because they tended to fly off during the competition.

Summing up

In just 3 years, about 133.5 thousand models 403 were exported from the Moscow automobile enterprise. Although the car was originally experimental, it was able to get a fairly wide version. Moreover, many important components and assemblies migrated to other models, such as the Moskvich-408. The car was so successful that it was exported to many countries. In the same other countries, it was subjected to reystaling more than once, which made it even more presentable. There were those who did not like the long and bulky 21st Volga. Therefore, the sedan, small in size, was perfectly included in the list of "people's car", which allowed it to be more powerful than its direct rival (in the domestic market) - Zaporozhets. Although the model did not have a hydraulic power steering, it was able to get a hydraulic brake booster. And in general, we managed to change the location of the pedals from the floor to the suspended one. One cannot fail to mention the presence of radio, which was very popular in those years, it was here. The power unit was not the most powerful, but it coped with its direct responsibilities. Therefore, in general, the car 403 Moskvich turned out to be small, reliable, maneuverable and successful. Moreover, it cost much cheaper than the Volga.