In a twist that feels like stumbling upon a time capsule, a pristine 1979 ZAZ-968, better known as the iconic "Zaporozhets," has emerged on the market in Moscow. This Soviet-era relic, with less than 100 kilometers on its odometer, has spent its entire existence tucked away in a garage, untouched by the ravages of time—or at least most of them.
The car, a ZAZ-968M variant, is instantly recognizable by its black rubber-trimmed headlights and the distinctive bulge of its front panel. While the chrome on the bumper has surrendered to the passage of 45 years, the interior remains a snapshot of the past. The seats, borrowed from a VAZ-2101, and the rest of the cabin have been preserved in near-original condition, offering a glimpse into an era when simplicity ruled the roads.
Under the hood lies a 41-horsepower V4 engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission—a setup that screams "vintage" louder than a vinyl record. The ZAZ-968, an evolution of the ZAZ-966, was produced from 1970 to 1979, making this model one of the last of its kind.
What makes this car stand out isn’t just its rarity or its almost comical charm. It’s the price tag that’s raising eyebrows. While exact figures aren’t disclosed, the seller’s expectations are rumored to be sky-high, placing this "Zaporozhets" in the realm of luxury collectibles. For context, a collector’s VAZ-2106 recently fetched nearly 10 million rubles in Moscow, proving that nostalgia can indeed be a lucrative business.
This "Zaporozhets" isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of history, a relic of Soviet engineering that somehow survived decades of neglect. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unassuming objects can become treasures—if you’re willing to pay the price.
