ZIL-117

ZIL-117
Overview
ManufacturerZiL
Production
  • 1971–1978
  • 50 built
Body and chassis
ClassLuxury car
Body style
  • 4-door sedan
  • 2-door convertible
  • 4-door convertible
LayoutFR layout
RelatedZIL-114
Powertrain
Engine7.0L ZIL-114 V8
Transmission2-speed automatic or 3-speed automatic (offered from April 1975)
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,300 mm (129.9 in)
Length5,725 mm (225.4 in)
Width2,068 mm (81.4 in)
Height1,520 mm (59.8 in)
Curb weight2,880 kg (6,349 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorZIL-115

The ZIL-117 is a luxury sedan built by ZiL in USSR and first presented at the Autoprom (precursor of the Moscow International Motor Show) in 1977.[1] Debuting in 1971, it was derived from the earlier ZIL-114.[2]

Design of the ZIL-117 began in 1968, with the first prototype running in 1969.[3]

The ZIL-117 shares the 6,959 cc (424.7 cu in)[4] V8 engine also fitted to the ZIL-114.[1] Maximum power output of 300 hp SAE Gross at 4,400 rpm[5] was claimed, using a relatively high 9.0:1 compression ratio, fuel feed being via a single four-choke carburettor.[1] The car uses a two or three-speed automatic transmission and power steering came as standard.[1] The factory claimed a maximum speed of between 118–125 mph (190–201 km/h).[1]

The car was only 5,725 mm (225.4 in) long,[6] compared to 247 inches (6,300 mm) for the ZIL-114,[1] on a 3,310 mm (130 in) wheelbase (compared to 3,760 mm (148 in) for the ZIL-114.[7] It seated five, rather than the seven of the ZIL-114.[8]

One of the reasons to design the ZIL-117 was a need of a government car of an intermediate rank between ZIL-114 (reserved for highest state and party authorities) and GAZ-13 Chaika, appropriate for example for Politburo member candidates, and also as supporting cars in highest officials' convoys.[9]

Only 50 were built.[10] There was also a convertible, the ZIL-117V, produced from 1973-79 (for military parades on Red Square).[11]

The ZIL-117 was replaced in 1986 by the mechanically similar ZIL-41041.[12]

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Diversions: Keeping up with the comrades". Autocar. Vol. 147, no. 4217. 3 September 1977. p. 18.
  2. ^ Thompson, p.218.
  3. ^ Thompson, p.218.
  4. ^ Thompson, Andy. Cars of the Soviet Union (Haynes Publishing, Somerset, UK, 2008), p. 214.
  5. ^ Thompson, p.217.
  6. ^ Thompson, p.218.
  7. ^ Thompson, p.218.
  8. ^ Thompson, p.218.
  9. ^ ZIL-114, Avtolegendy SSSR Nr.37, DeAgostini 2010, ISSN 2071-095X, p.15
  10. ^ Thompson, p.218.
  11. ^ Thompson, p.218.
  12. ^ Thompson, p.218.