Author Topic: Rare Racing and Sports cars #2 (Read 8521 times)

faksta · « **on:** February 21, 2009, 10:32:51 AM »

In expansion of the Soviet theme, here are some more.

1956 ZIS 112/2

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After 112/1 model showed its uncompetitiveness, the decision was taken to make a lighter car. The new one, named ZIS 112/2, appeared in 1956. That time Corvette was already well-known, and the fiberglass became fashionable. So, ZIS constructors decided to apply fiberglass for bodypanels. The idea was following: two fiberglass panels with a honeycombs-like panel between them. The body was based on a frame strongly connected with chassis. 112/2 weighed about 300kg less than 112/1 (1920kg, dry - 1680kg). The chassis were also new - wheelbase equalled 2910mm, and the length - 5100mm. Front and rear suspensions, as for 112/1, were taken from production ZIS 110. The engine was a modified unit from 110 model and was capable of 170hp, and the car could do 200km/h. The only built 112/2 entered 1956 USSR championship, where Boris Kurbatov came 3rd in sportscars category starting among the last because of a handicap imposed for more powerful cars.

faksta · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2009, 10:49:05 AM »

1957 ZIL 112/3

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In 1957 ZIL factory, which got this new name instead of previous ZIS, completed a new car built around the same mechanicals as 112/2 but wearing either a Cadillac body found somewhere on the factory or a ZIL built one but looking very Cadillac-like. The 112/3 index is unofficial and was given by a press, as the car seemed not to have any model name at all. The information about 112/3 is verry little, but there was some saying it could use the all-new 220hp V8 engine instead of the one applied to 112/2.

faksta · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2009, 11:31:53 AM »

1956 ZIL 112/4

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In 1958 ZIL built two more sportscars called 112/4 and 112/5. Fiberglass-bodied 112/4 had a 5980cc V8 engine developed for a future truck, with overhead valves. Being a purposely-built racing car, the 112/4 nevertheless had many production parts, like ZIS 110 suspension. As usual for ZIL, 112/4 was far not small - 4730mm long, 1960mm wide and 1320mm high with a 2900mm wheelbase. Weighing 1580 kilograms, the car's maximum speed was around 230kph.

faksta · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2009, 11:44:53 AM »

1956 ZIL 112/5

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Looking very much like 112/4, ZIL 112/5 was quite a different car, having a different frame and engine - modified ZIL 111 unit giving out around 200hp and forced to 210hp. Another frame has resulted into a longer wheelbase (3040mm) and more lenght of the car itself - 4760mm against 112/4's 4730. The 112/5 became a successful racer. In 1960 Boris Kurbatov got the USSR title in it, while in 1961 he finished second.
One the second picture here you can see both 112/5 (light) and 112/4 (dark) cars together.

faksta · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2009, 03:42:42 AM »

Please note the above texts may not be 100% correct because of information leak.

I'll try to edit them as I get the correct info.
And by the way, if someone has an access to old Autocar magazine issues, there might have been a note or an article about Soviet race in 1961, as in November 1961 Autocar journalist has seemingly visited the race (it appears to be the race on November 12, 1961 in Luzhniki, Moscow), as written in one of the books...