The Russian Moskvitch brand was launched with the construction of the Moscow Automotive Plant in 1929, after the cessation of hostilities in 1945 an entire Opel production line was imported from Brandenburg in Germany and production of the Moskvitch 400, based on the Opel Kadet, commenced in 1947.

Between 1947 and 2002 there were four generations of of Moskvitch were built before the company was liquidated.

The 1972 Scaldia 427, seen here at Race Retro and the Brooklands double Twelve, is a third generation Moskvitch which was in production from 1965 to 1986.

The 427 Estate / Station Wagon was in production from 1969 to 1976 it’s saloon / sedan twin the 412 was produced from 1967 to 1975 and marketed as the “1500” in export markets.

During the mid 1970’s when some British Production Car racing series were run in price classes the exceptionally cheap Moskvich saloon / sedan with it’s comparatively large motor, for it’s price did very well, particularly in the hands of Tony Lanfranci.

Moskovich also vigorously promoted their brand to a global audience by participating in marathon rallies like the 1970 Daily Mirror World Cup Rally.

Today’s featured car until recently looked like a daily driver, but it’s current owner has added some tribute decorations to make it look like a works team service barge, and competes with it in rallies dedicated to Cold War Soviet Bloc vehicles.

While researching this blog I found this linked photo of what appears to be one of the 1970 World Cup Moskvitch’s decaying in a junkyard.

Thanks for joining me on this “Muscovite Service Barge” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres”, I hope you will join me for Ferrari Friday tomorrow. Don’t forget to come back now !