1972 Moskvitch 412 Base 1.5litre
Summary:
Ugly, much better than they looked
Faults:
Minor problems, you could adjust everything on this car!!
I replaced the brake shoes soon after I bought it, probably the simplest, most effective self-adjusting brake system ever.
I had a little trouble with steering-wheel play, adjusted out nicely. My dad had another Mosky, his steering box died, but I rebuilt it for peanuts with new bearings from the dealership.
I got stopped by the cops one night for "showing a white light at the rear of the car". Some idiot had fitted high-power bulbs in the rear lamps which burned through the plastic lenses. Very cheap replacement, like all parts for these cars, they were built to last forever with only limited attention from Boris the blacksmith.
General Comments:
These cars were full of character. Surprisingly quick for their size, the engine was a bulletproof hybrid OHC/OHV.
Great little touches like the venetian blind in front of the radiator and the umbrella-handle handbrake that could lock the rear wheels.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 1st July, 2003
21st Jan 2009, 11:19
My Dad was given one of these for free by my uncle in 1981. I think it was a 1972 L reg model. My dad decided he would hand paint it pillar box red for some reason and I was 10 years old at the time and thought it was a great idea! It also had a crank handle to start the engine if required... I'd never seen a car before with one of those other than in old movies.
Unfortunately it became clear why my uncle gave it away for free as the steering was completely shot and it was not guaranteed it would always go around corners. My dad never ended up driving it as it was so dangerous my brother in law decided to drive it to the scrappers... and said it was the scariest drive he'd ever had to make. The car was built like a tank though and weighed as much as the moon. I don't think I've seen one on UK roads for about 25 years. Are any left now?
15th Nov 2004, 14:37
I remember looking a one of these when I was young. It was £450 new and looked like something from the 50's. I finally didn't buy one when I read a road test which basically said they were unsafe. I wish I had sometimes it was certainly different!