The first Soviet minivan NAMI-013, never put into production

The post-war period was a time of upsurge for all branches of the Soviet economy. People, inspired by the victory over fascism, were more than ever ready for exploits and accomplishments. In addition, many talented engineers returned from the front, and under Lend-Lease and as trophies, a stream of advanced Western technology poured into the country. It was a sin not to take advantage of such a good set of circumstances!

Just 5 years after the end of the Great Patriotic War, Soviet designers created the original prototype of the NAMI-013 minivan. The new product was simply full of advanced and bold solutions. The specialists of the research institute created the first automatic transmission in the USSR. Also, to this we can add independent suspension of all wheels and an unusual appearance. The functionality of the promising car implied a three-row seat arrangement, which was also a novelty for Soviet passenger cars. cars of that period.

If things had turned out differently, then such a multi-seat transport could win the hearts of Soviet people. And it would certainly find application in various sectors of the national economy. Which is fully confirmed by today's popularity of cars of this type.

But, changes took place in the country and in 1954 the prototype, along with all the developments, unfortunately, was completely destroyed. A detailed story about how the development took place, drawings were prepared and this wonderful but unrealized project was going to be in the video from the Automotive Russia channel.