The Moskvich 2136 Combi was a Soviet-built station wagon produced from 1976 to 1987. Part of the larger Moskvich series, it represented a practical and affordable transportation option for families in the Soviet Union and its export markets. While not widely known in the United States, the 2136 Combi played a significant role in fulfilling the demand for utilitarian vehicles in Eastern Europe, offering a spacious interior and reasonable reliability for its time. It was based on the earlier Moskvich-17 and 2135 models, receiving updates to its engine and styling over its production run. The “Combi” designation specifically refers to the station wagon body style, offering increased cargo capacity compared to the standard sedan.
Moskvich 2136 Combi: A Soviet Workhorse
The Moskvich 2136 Combi was designed to address the need for a versatile vehicle capable of handling both passenger and cargo duties. It was a product of the AZLK (Avtozavod imeni Lenina, or Lenin Automotive Plant) in Moscow, a major automotive manufacturer in the Soviet Union. The 2136 Combi, along with other Moskvich models, was often seen as a symbol of Soviet engineering and accessibility. While not luxurious, it provided a dependable means of transportation for a large segment of the population. Its simple design and robust construction made it relatively easy to maintain and repair, crucial factors in a market where access to specialized automotive services was limited.
Engine & Performance
The Moskvich 2136 Combi was powered by a 1.4-liter (1358 cm3 or 82.87 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder engine, designated the AZ L K-408. This engine produced 50 horsepower at 4750 rpm and 92 Nm (67.86 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2750 rpm. The engine featured a 7:1 compression ratio and utilized a carburetor fuel injection system. Power delivery was modest, resulting in a top speed of approximately 120 km/h (74.56 mph). The weight-to-power ratio was 22.4 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio was 12.2 kg/Nm. The engine was longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. While not a performance vehicle, the engine provided sufficient power for everyday driving and hauling loads. The power per litre was 36.8 Hp/l.
Design & Features
The Moskvich 2136 Combi featured a classic station wagon body style with five doors and seating for five passengers. Its design was functional rather than aesthetically groundbreaking, prioritizing practicality and space utilization. The vehicle’s exterior was characterized by its boxy shape, relatively simple lines, and chrome accents. Inside, the cabin was spartan but offered a reasonable level of comfort for its time. The interior materials were durable and designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Safety features were limited by the standards of the era, but the vehicle did include disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. The suspension consisted of coil springs in the front and leaf springs in the rear, providing a comfortable ride on typical road surfaces. The steering system utilized a worm-reduction unit. The vehicle’s tires were sized 165/80 R13.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Moskvich |
| Model | 2136 Kombi |
| Generation | 2136 Combi |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 (50 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1976 |
| End of production | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg, 31.4 UK mpg, 11.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 120 km/h (74.56 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 22.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 12.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 50 Hp @ 4750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 36.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 92 Nm @ 2750 rpm (67.86 lb.-ft. @ 2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | AZ L K-408 |
| Engine displacement | 1358 cm3 (82.87 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Kerb Weight | 1120 kg (2469.18 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 46 l (12.15 US gal | 10.12 UK gal) |
| Length | 4210 mm (165.75 in.) |
| Width | 1550 mm (61.02 in.) |
| Height | 1270 mm (50 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm (94.49 in.) |
| Front track | 1270 mm (50 in.) |
| Rear track | 1270 mm (50 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Tires size | 165/80 R13 |
The Moskvich 2136 Combi, while not a technological marvel, served as a reliable and affordable vehicle for many families in the Soviet Union and beyond. Its simple design, robust construction, and practical features made it a popular choice for those seeking a utilitarian vehicle capable of handling a variety of tasks. Although largely unknown in the Western automotive landscape, the 2136 Combi represents an important chapter in the history of Soviet automotive engineering and its contribution to the transportation needs of a vast population.
