Moskvitch 408

Moskvitch-408/Izh-408
Overview
Manufacturer
Also called
Production
  • 1964–1976 (Moskvitch)
  • 1966–1967 (Izh)
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car
Body style
  • 4-door saloon
  • 5-door estate
  • 3-door panel van
LayoutFR layout
RelatedMoskvitch 412
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length4,090 mm (161.0 in)
Width1,550 mm (61.0 in)
Curb weight
  • 945 kg (2,083 lb) (1964-1969)
  • 1,045 kg (2,304 lb)
(1969-1976)
Chronology
PredecessorMoskvitch 402/403/407
SuccessorMoskvitch 412

The Moskvitch-408 (also referred to as the Moskvich-408, and M-408) series is a small family car produced by the Soviet car manufacturer MZMA/AZLK between 1964 and 1975. The first prototype was made in 1960.

The M-408, the first of the series, replaced the second generation Moskvitch 407 as the main production model; it had a longer wheelbase than the 407.[2] Design work started in 1959, and the first prototype appeared in March 1961.[2] The first production 408 was built 1 August 1964, and the 408 was given its official debut on October 21.[2] First marketed body styles of the main version were a four-door saloon (base), five-door estate (the model M-426, an upgrade of second generation M-423 and M-424), and a three-door sedan delivery (the M-433, an upgrade of the second generation M-432 delivery pick-up).

The IZh-408 was a duplicate version of the car made by IZh factory in Izhevsk from 1966 to 1967. It was then replaced in production by the M-412.

In 1976, alongside the M-412, the series were succeeded by the third generation M-2140 series.

  1. ^ Braunschweig, Robert; et al., eds. (12 March 1970), Automobil Revue '70 (in German and French), vol. 65, Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG, p. 412
  2. ^ a b c Thompson, Andy (2008), Cars of the Soviet Union: The Definite History, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset: Haynes, p. 137, ISBN 978 1 84425 483 5