In 1974, the AZLK Styling and Design Bureau, which had been separated from the Body Engineering Bureau, began work on an entirely new Moskvich‑2141 under the internal designations “3‑5‑7” and “Delta.”
Initially, the model was explored through several scale mock‑ups, depicting both three‑box and two‑box body styles, including ESV variants (Experimental Safety Vehicles – U.S. Department of Transportation’s program). A full‑size clay model of the “Delta” was later built. Exterior design work was directed by Igor Zaitsev, who had previously been responsible for the interior of the earlier 3‑5‑6 model.
At the insistence of the “conservative lobby” among AZLK engineers, the Delta was designed as a fastback. Instead of a fifth door, only a conventional trunk lid was provided – a solution strongly advocated by deputy chief designer and body engineer Anatoly Veselov. It was argued that a fifth door would be prone to water leakage in rain and would cause rapid cooling of the cabin in cold weather.
Although the Moskvich‑2141 “3‑5‑7” remained only a clay mock‑ups, the UKER design bureaus responsible for overall layout and chassis systems were already preparing new mechanical assemblies intended for this vehicle.
Albums
Moskvich‑2141 “3‑5‑7” ESV in the three‑box body version. The abbreviation refers to the American Experimental Safety Vehicle program.
On this scale mock‑up, a two‑box version of the Moskvich‑2141 “3‑5‑7” ESV was developed. The bumpers were reduced in size but were intended to provide high energy absorption thanks to a collapsible design.
One of the early scale models of the Moskvich‑2141, version 3‑5‑7, was a variation on the AMC Gremlin theme – a three‑door coupé‑hatchback. For the USSR such a body style was more than avant‑garde, but on the other hand, three years later VAZ began developing the 2108, a model conceptually somewhat similar.
The scale mock‑up of the five‑door hatchback within the Moskvich‑2141 3‑5‑7 project already bore a distant resemblance to the later full‑size “Delta” mock‑up.
The model features headlamp wipers, which would later disappear. The door handles are rectangular in shape. The fuel filler neck is positioned high on the rear pillar
In the final version of the Moskvich‑3‑5‑7 “Delta” mock‑up, the shape of the door handles was revised and positioned higher. The headlamp washers, the “American‑style” marker lights near the headlights, and the antenna were removed. The fuel filler neck was relocated lower, with its former position now occupied by the “Delta” inscription. Marker lights were added to the rear fenders. To enhance realism, certain elements of the mock‑up were painted, and the “windows” were polished.