1946-1954 Moskvich 400 1.1 (23 Hp)

The Moskvich 400 was a Soviet-built automobile that represented a significant step in post-war automotive production in the Soviet Union. Produced from 1946 to 1954, it was one of the first mass-produced passenger cars available to the public after the devastation of World War II. While not exported in significant numbers to the United States, the 400 played a crucial role in motorizing the Soviet populace and establishing a domestic automotive industry. It was a relatively simple, robust vehicle designed for the often-challenging road conditions prevalent in the USSR, and its design drew heavily from pre-war American and European models.

Moskvich 400: A Post-War Soviet Icon

The Moskvich 400, designated as the M-400, was manufactured by the Moscow Automobile Plant (Moskvitch). Its development began even before the end of the war, utilizing equipment and technology partially salvaged from Opel factories acquired as part of war reparations from Germany. The car was intended to provide affordable personal transportation and quickly became a symbol of the Soviet Union’s post-war recovery. It filled a vital need for a reliable, if basic, family car in a country where private vehicle ownership was previously limited.

Engine & Performance

The Moskvich 400 was powered by a 1.1-liter (1070 cm³ or 65.3 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 23 horsepower at 3600 rpm and 55 Nm (40.57 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. While modest by modern standards, this output was sufficient for the car’s intended purpose and weight. The engine featured a compression ratio of 5.8:1 and utilized a carburetor fuel system. Power delivery was relatively low, with a power-to-liter ratio of 21.5 hp/l. The engine was longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle.

Performance figures were understandably limited. The Moskvich 400 had a maximum speed of approximately 90 km/h (55.92 mph). The weight-to-power ratio was 38.5 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio was 16.1 kg/Nm. The car employed a three-speed manual transmission, driving the rear wheels. Fuel consumption was rated at 9 liters per 100 kilometers (26.1 US mpg, 31.4 UK mpg, 11.1 km/l), which was typical for vehicles of that era.

Design & Features

The Moskvich 400 was a four-door sedan with a relatively conservative design. Its styling was heavily influenced by pre-war American automobiles, particularly those from the 1930s. The body was constructed using a steel unibody, a relatively advanced feature for its time. The car could accommodate four passengers comfortably, although space was limited by modern standards.

The suspension system consisted of trailing arms at the front and leaf springs at the rear, providing a reasonably comfortable ride on the often-poor road surfaces of the Soviet Union. Braking was handled by drum brakes on all four wheels. Steering was accomplished via a cone worm and recirculation balls system. Safety features were minimal, reflecting the standards of the late 1940s and early 1950s. The car lacked seatbelts and other modern safety equipment. The fuel tank had a capacity of 31 liters (8.19 US gal, 6.82 UK gal).

Technical Specifications

The Moskvich 400 remained in production for eight years, undergoing minor modifications during its lifespan. It was eventually replaced by the more modern Moskvich 402. Despite its simplicity, the Moskvich 400 holds a significant place in Soviet automotive history, representing a crucial step towards providing personal transportation to the masses and establishing a domestic automotive industry.