Moskvich 412 IE 1.5 (75 Hp)

The Moskvich 412 IE is a compact sedan produced by the Soviet automobile manufacturer AZLK (Avtozavod imeni Lenina, or Lenin Automotive Plant) from 1969 to 1976. Representing a significant modernization of the earlier Moskvich 408, the 412 was intended to provide a more contemporary and reliable vehicle for the Soviet populace. While never officially exported to the United States, the Moskvich 412 played a crucial role in personal transportation within the Eastern Bloc and found its way into various international markets, particularly in Europe, where it offered an affordable alternative to Western European vehicles. The “IE” designation denotes a later iteration of the 412, incorporating improvements to the engine and interior.

Moskvich 412 IE: A Soviet Automotive Icon

The Moskvich 412 emerged during a period of increasing demand for passenger vehicles in the Soviet Union. The 408, while popular, was showing its age, and the 412 was designed to address its shortcomings. The new model featured a more modern design, improved mechanical components, and a larger engine. The 412 was more than just a car; it was a symbol of Soviet engineering and a staple of everyday life for millions. Its robust construction and relative simplicity made it well-suited to the often-challenging road conditions prevalent in the Soviet Union and its satellite states.

Engine & Performance

The Moskvich 412 IE was powered by the UZA M-412, a 1.5-liter (1476 cm³ or 90.07 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine produced 75 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 108 Nm (79.66 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. While these figures may seem modest by modern standards, they were competitive for its time and market segment. The engine featured a carburettor fuel injection system and a compression ratio of 8.8:1. Power per liter was rated at 50.8 hp/l. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. The 412 IE was equipped with a four-speed manual transmission. Performance was characterized by a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 18.1 seconds and a top speed of 140 km/h (86.99 mph). Fuel economy was rated at 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg, 25 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) combined, and 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) on the extra-urban cycle.

Design & Features

The Moskvich 412 IE was a three-box sedan with a relatively conservative design. Its styling reflected the prevailing trends of the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a focus on practicality and durability rather than flamboyant aesthetics. The body was constructed using a steel unibody, and the car featured a spacious interior for its size. The interior was typically finished with durable, albeit basic, materials. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, consisting primarily of basic seatbelts. The car’s suspension utilized a double wishbone setup at the front and a dependent suspension with longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. Braking was provided by ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear. The 412 IE rode on 165/80R13 tires. The car’s dimensions were 4250 mm (167.32 in.) in length, 1550 mm (61.02 in.) in width, and 1480 mm (58.27 in.) in height. The kerb weight was 1045 kg (2303.83 lbs), and the fuel tank capacity was 46 liters (12.15 US gal, 10.12 UK gal).

Technical Specifications

The Moskvich 412 IE, while not a technological marvel, represented a significant step forward for Soviet automotive engineering. Its durability, affordability, and relative simplicity made it a popular choice for drivers in the Eastern Bloc and beyond. Today, it is remembered as a classic example of Soviet automotive design and a symbol of a bygone era.