Moskvich-400v -- Vintage vehicle cards of the USSR #13

From the original Soviet card (translated):

Moskvich-400v (1947-1954): A compact car produced at MZMA. This model and its modernized version, the Moskvich-401v, were manufactured in quantities of 250,000 units. Engine displacement is 1074 cm9, power is 23 hp, length is 3.86 m, curb weight is 855 kg, speed is 90 km/h, seats - 4/5

Additional research information:

The Moskvich-400v, introduced in 1946–1947, was a compact Soviet car based on the German Opel Kadett K38, designed for mass personal use with a 1.1-liter engine, independent suspension, and modest but practical daily performance.

Historical Background

The Moskvich-400-420 emerged in the post-World War II Soviet Union as the first mass-produced car intended for private citizens. Its development was influenced by the earlier KIM-10 compact car (1940–1941), which was halted due to the war. After Germany's defeat, the Soviets obtained Opel Kadett K38 tooling and designs as war reparations, which served as the foundation for the Moskvich-400. German engineers assisted Soviet designers in reverse-engineering and adapting the four-door body and engine for mass production

Design and Features

The Moskvich-400 had a simple, practical design with minimal interior amenities. Front seats were bench-style, and rear seating accommodated three passengers. Chrome accents, including door handles, bumpers, and headlight rims, gave the car a modest decorative flair. Over production years, improvements addressed earlier issues like metal cracking, interior and hood lock reliability, and susceptibility to corrosion. Gear levers were relocated to improve driving comfort

Legacy

The Moskvich-400-420 played a pivotal role in the Soviet automotive industry, being one of the first cars amass produced for citizens and serving as a foundation for future Moskvitch models such as the 401 and 402. It introduced mass production, trained engineers and technicians, and helped develop automotive expertise in the USSR. Today, it is considered a collectible classic, particularly in Russia and former Soviet states, representing a unique post-war industrial achievement

.

The Moskvich-400 series remains historically significant for bringing accessible personal transportation to the masses, combining practicality, durability, and simple mechanics suitable for the Soviet context.