ZAZ-965A Auto Legends of the USSR

The ZAZ-965A was an updated version of the 965, produced from 1962 to 1969. More than 320,000 first-series Zaporozhets cars were made in various versions. Priced at 1,800 roubles, it was the most affordable car of the 1960s. Its body shape earned it the nickname “Hunchback”.

The ZAZ-965A's drawbacks included a cabin cramped even for four passengers, a small boot, a very noisy engine and poor acceleration.

Its distinctive feature was the rear-mounted engine. This was the first domestically mass-produced rear-engined car. The 965A used the Melitopol-built MeMZ-966, an air-cooled, carburetted four-stroke V4. It displaced 0.887 litres and produced 27 hp, giving a top speed of 90 km/h.