Part 6/11:
Rising higher in the hierarchy, the GAZ “Chaika” served as the luxury vehicle for government officials and party members. With its American-inspired styling and robust performance, it mirrored the grandeur of Western luxury cars, which the Soviet leaders coveted despite their avowed disdain for capitalist excess.
High-End Luxury: Zils and State Cars
For the upper echelons, the ZIL 111 emerged as the flagship state car, epitomizing Soviet auto engineering. The ZIL was stately, longer than most vehicles, and presented an ostentatious slice of Soviet might, designed to rival the likes of Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz. Specialized lanes for government officials became a common feature in major cities, giving them privilege in both travel and status on the roads of the USSR.