Start Auto Legends of the USSR

The Start minibus was created in semi-workshop conditions by local enthusiasts, rather than by designers from major car factories or engineers at NAMI, as its appearance might suggest. The first example was assembled in 1963, and industrial production of a pilot batch began in 1964. By 1967, around 100 vehicles had been assembled at the Sievierodonetsk Vehicle Repair Base, known as SARB.

The popularity of motoring holidays and fibreglass caravans helped inspire the Start. The state was also promoting the industrial use of plastics. The minibus borrowed its mechanical components from the GAZ-21 Volga, with a welded frame forming the basis of the body. Much of the design was unique, and some features were well ahead of their time, such as bumpers formed as an integral part of the body.

The Start had a projecting boot, like most saloons, and a loading height that made luggage easy to handle. Its drawbacks included high fuel consumption caused by aerodynamic miscalculations: on average, almost 10% more than its potential competitor, the RAF.