ZIL-117 - ever living car

ZIL-117 - the pride of the USSR, a car with a rich history. Five-seater rear wheel drive "iron horse" of high class. It took many years to create it. The sedan was released in Moscow at the IA. Likhachev in 1791. It was constructed in the likeness of a government limousine of the 114th model. He also had a classic and austere appearance. According to the unofficial version, the order for its creation was given by Leonid Brezhnev himself.

The car was used to ensure the movement of the government. She also participated in parades and filming. The cars were collected only on request, individually to every official.

On the day of its release, a whole ceremony was arranged. ZIL was presented as a symbol and pride of the country.

Specifications

The appearance of the 117th and 114th models was almost the same. The shapes were almost the same, the dimensions, weight and small details, such as the bumper, wheels, door handles, etc., changed.

Despite its size, ZIL-117 was quick, dynamic and maneuverable. Its length was 5.72 m, width - 2.07 m, height - 1.54 m. Weight - 2880 kg. And while he was gaining speed to 203 km / h. Accelerated to 100 km / h in 13 seconds. This is a good result, about the same as the modern VAZ Priory, which weighs half as much.

Fuel consumption per 100 km was about 19 liters (according to official figures). In fact, this figure was greater. The volume of the tank is 120 liters, but it did not last long.

This vehicle was on the status above the 114th model. The designers have created the most comfortable, reliable and safe car. He had a smooth and gentle move. Although it was intended for high-quality roads, patency was not considered bad.

ZIL-117 surpassed in many respects the best foreign cars of the highest class. It was equipped with a powerful 8-cylinder engine with ZIL-114, issuing 303 hp, automatic transmission, power windows, electric front seats, air conditioning, disc front and rear brakes with a hydraulic drive. The front seats were lined with leather, and the rear seats were covered with velor.

Transformations

Over time, some modifications were issued, such as the Zil-117V - a two-door open-topped car, ZIL-117E - with a screening, ZIL-117VE - a cabriolet with a screening. In one copy were collected ZIL-117M and Zil-117P - five-seater with a partition.

Auto today

1978 ZIL-117 ceased to produce, but today there are models in perfect condition due to the fact that high-quality metal was used in the assembly. Most of them adorn the collections of amateurs. A total of about 70 cars were produced, but there are 10 of them all over the world.

To buy such a car today is almost impossible. And the reason is not even a high price. Finding a car is much more difficult, especially in good condition. ZIL-117, the price for which can vary in the widest range, remains a valuable exhibit in the collection of connoisseurs.

Car legend

Why ZIL-117 did not last long? It was very expensive to keep it, and therefore the powers that were started began to be transplanted to foreign cars. This was explained by economic expediency. Today, the ZIL-117 is an antiques, a legend, a memory of other times. Very rarely, but you can still meet this unique exhibit at the exhibitions of retro cars. It is a pity that in our time do not pay much attention to domestic cars.

The considered vehicle is an example of that our experts can make cars not worse than foreign cars. At the present time, the described ZIL can only be admired at parades and at specialized exhibitions.

There are communities of people interested in retro cars. They are jointly looking for interesting facts about the machines of those times. ZIL-117, undoubtedly, is in the center of attention.