
RAF-22038 – the main route taxi of the Soviet Union
A minibus taxi was a common thing in large Soviet cities in the 1980s. They were common, but it was not always possible to ride one. There were always lines of passengers at the stops. Surprisingly, this car, created on the chassis of the Volga and externally unlike it, was conceived in a completely different role. The main purpose of the Rafik, as the minibus was affectionately called in the USSR, was service transport. And it was often used that way. But most of the "civilian" cars ended up on route lines. That's not counting the ambulance.
"Second Automobile Channel" and its host will tell you more about RAF-22038. By the way, despite the Volga base, a lot was modified for "Rafik". For example, the rear springs were reinforced, and the front springs were also installed. This is the reason why it is so difficult to restore such cars now. And it is also a problem to find the relevant literature. By the way, a ride on a minibus in the USSR cost 15 kopecks around the city. This is three times more expensive than on other public transport, like bus or a trolleybus. But the kids loved riding the Rafiks, even if it meant they had to miss out on breakfast, which cost about the same at school.
"Second Automobile Channel" and its host will tell you more about RAF-22038. By the way, despite the Volga base, a lot was modified for "Rafik". For example, the rear springs were reinforced, and the front springs were also installed. This is the reason why it is so difficult to restore such cars now. And it is also a problem to find the relevant literature. By the way, a ride on a minibus in the USSR cost 15 kopecks around the city. This is three times more expensive than on other public transport, like bus or a trolleybus. But the kids loved riding the Rafiks, even if it meant they had to miss out on breakfast, which cost about the same at school.
- Ulf
- youtube.com
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