Moskvitch 2140
Moskvitch 2140 series is small family car produced by Soviet automotive maker AZLK from January 1976 to 1988.[1] It started first as Moskvitch 2138 and Moskvitch 2140 on a modified 412 platform. Pre-production models were shown during 1975. Starting in 1981, the modernised modification of the M-2140 export/luxury model was also designed and branded "2140 SL" in the Eastern Bloc countries and "1500 SL" outside. The most notable differences between the two models were redesigned dashboard and front seat headrests in the M-2140.
Starting in 1982, the M-2138 models were discontinued and the M-2140 became the only Moskvitch cars available in all markets. It was face-lifted the same year: the shield logo was changed to feature "АЗЛК" (AZLK) written in metallic outline, the grille coating switched from metal to plastic, and both side mirrors were slightly redesigned to be less heavy. The station wagon variant M-2137 was the last of Soviet cars to still feature taillight fins to accommodate gate opening, until the model was discontinued in 1985.
Although originally designed and often referenced to as the "fourth generation", the series was, in fact, only an enhancement over the actual third generation of Moskvitches, the M-408/412. The brand-new fourth generation entered in production with the Aleko starting in 1986, when both series shared the assembly line for over two years, until the M-2140 was eventually discontinued in July 1988.
Models and variants
- M-2140 (export name Moskvitch 1500): the original four-door sedan model with standard engine UZAM-412 (75 hp). The 2140 entered production in January 1976 and was discontinued in July 1988.
- M-2138 (export name Moskvitch 1360, produced in 1976-1982): 4-door sedan model, similar to the M-408 series, with low-power engine MZMA-408 (50 hp).
- M-21381 (1976-1981): four-door sedan and ambulance fly-car similar to the ambulance version M-408M of the M-408 series.
- M-21401 (1976-1988): four-door sedan and ambulance fly-car similar to the M-412M of the M-412 series.
- M-21402 (export name Moskvitch 1500): the original four-door sedan export model with right steering wheel.
- M-21406 (1978-1987): four-door sedan for the countryside, with drum brakes on all wheels, towing lugs, and derated engine redesigned to run on low-octane fuel.
- M-21403 (1980-1987): four-door sedan with hand controls for the disabled.
- M-2140-117 (export name Moskvitch 1500SL, 1981-1988): luxury four-door sedan model with plastic bumpers, new safety panel and headrests.
- M-2140-121 (1982-1987): four-door taxi equipped with a different engine with low compression, a taximeter, a "Taxi" sign, easily cleanable upholstered seats, and synthetic leather.
- M-2136 (1977-1978): station wagon similar to the M-426 of the M-408 series.[1]
- M-2137 (1976-1985): station wagon similar to the M-427 of the M-412 series. It was the last of family wagon Moskvitches with no actual successor (besides the Izh Comby hatchback).
- M-2733/34 (1976-1981): "closed-body" delivery van, similar to the M-433/34 of the M-408/412 series, built for non-consumer purposes. Exclusive special-versions included ambulance and hearse.
- М-2315 (2140–80, produced in 1984-1988): pickup truck commercial modification to the body pickup. Based on the sedan and station wagon.
Gallery
| Post-1982 grille variant, missing the bright metallic outline around the edges. The logo itself has "AZLK" letters clearly outlined. |
| Pre-1982 M-2140 with chrome wheel covers and mouldings |
| M-2140SL with plastic grille, bumpers and mouldings |
| M-2140SL with body side mouldings and ventless front door glass |
| Moskvitch-2137 station wagon |
| Rear view of the M-2137 wagon, showing tailfins and taillights dating back to 1964. |
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References
- 1 2 Thompson, Andy (2008), Cars of the Soviet Union: The Definite History, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset: Haynes, p. 168, ISBN 978 1 84425 483 5
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