Moskvich-2141-S1
Sub-models
By February 1975, the design bureau had presented a prototype of the 3-5-8 automobile. Both Director Valentin Kolomnikov and minister of the automotive industry Alexander Tarasov hailed it as a “breakthrough”. The internal factory designation was later changed to “S1”, and four running prototypes were built: two fully equipped and two simplified versions.
The M-2141-S1 prototypes were based on a new platform. The layout remained traditional, with rear-wheel drive, but the cars were fitted with Model 327 engines (1702 cm³), a front MacPherson-type suspension, and an independent rear suspension. Steering was carried over from earlier models, using a worm gear mechanism.
The body of the Moskvich-2141-S1 featured avant-garde styling, yet was designed to be simple and potentially inexpensive. Since body engineer Anatoly Veselov continued to oppose a full fifth door, the S1 remained a fastback, with a trunk lid positioned beneath the rear window.
Former AZLK chief designer Alexander Andronov, who had retired in 1972, sharply criticized the model in his memoirs. In 1977, he argued that the “S” series cars were cramped inside, offered poor visibility, and had an excessively high curb weight of up to 1,500 kg, which in turn required a 2-liter engine.
“The body has become clumsy; the car is dressed in the costume of bad fashion – short-lived and irrational. It is unlikely that anyone will need such a vehicle, whose name has been carried over from earlier models and marked with the same number, 2141”, he wrote.
Albums
The first full-scale mockup of the Moskvich‑2141 model 3‑5‑8, was completed on February 22, 1975, and received enthusiastic praise from both factory and ministerial leadership. Its creation took only three weeks.
By June 1975, the M‑2141‑S1 mockup had been given the closest possible resemblance to a real automobile. The following technique was used: clay components were painted with water‑emulsion paint and then covered with 3M self‑adhesive plastic film.
The interior of model 2141-S1 was designed as a separate mockup. Author: Leonid Leonov.
The first running prototype of the Moskvich‑2141‑S1 was completed by the end of 1975. The car was painted in a bright green metallic, which led the factory workers to nickname this prototype “Gena the Crocodile”.
The second prototype Moskvich‑2141‑S1 was painted in the “Golden Fleece” color and was distinguished by the presence of an air conditioner.
One of the four Moskvich‑2141‑S1 prototypes in Arctic White color was built specifically for safety research – in other words, for crash testing. Another car (also white) was used for road tests. Read more