ZIL-4104: the Soviet Rolls-Royce with a weight of 3 tons and a top speed of 190 km/h

The ZIL 4104 luxury government limousine introduced just over 45 years ago, like its ZIL 114 predecessor, is styled in a very sterile and conservative design style. In addition to its own weight of 3335 kg, it is distinguished by its impressive overall dimensions: length 6339 mm, width 2086 mm and height 1500 mm. The engine used, as in previous versions, is a V8 with a working volume of 7,695 cc (bore diameter 108 mm, piston stroke 105 mm), making it one of the largest in production car production (only Cadillac has more a large 7,730 cc engine, the displacement of which was subsequently increased to 8,200 cc). The compression ratio is 9.3:1 and the maximum power is 316 hp. c. at 4600/min.

ZIL-4104: the Soviet Rolls-Royce with a weight of 3 tons and a top speed of 190 km/h

The pistons have a specific deflector on the face, designed for better swirling of the fuel mixture and a more efficient combustion process. The cylinder head and cylinder block are cast from aluminum alloy, with cast iron cylinder liners pressed into the block. The engine has two overhead camshafts that are chain driven from the crankshaft. The valve lifters are hydraulic. To increase security, in addition to the main electrical installation, there is also an emergency one. The maximum speed of the car reaches 190 km/h, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 13 seconds, and the average fuel consumption is 22 liters per 100 km.

The transmission of the ZIL 4104 consists of a hydrotransformer, complete with a planetary gearbox, from which the torque is transferred to the hypoid main transmission of the rear axle. The braking system is hydraulic two-circuit, with one vacuum and two hydro-pneumatic amplifiers, each circuit acting independently. Brakes on all four wheels are disc ventilated. A characteristic feature of the front suspension is the presence of longitudinal torsion bars.

Other specific features of the Zil 4104 include dual ignition and two fuel pumps, a special laminated windshield, and triple-paned power windows that should provide radiation protection in the event of a nuclear attack. A Vilma cassette player, Riga radio controlled from the rear seat, heating and air conditioning are also available.

The tank has a volume of 120 liters, and the main fuel used is leaded 95-octane gasoline. In 1984, the old two-speed gearbox, inherited from the first Zil 111 produced after 1958, was replaced by a three-speed automatic.

The Zil 4104, like its predecessors, is made in strict secrecy and maintained by a special KGB unit in restricted garages, with all people involved in the production, repair and service of the cars required by law to keep everything in complete secrecy.

In the 1980s, there was also one such specimen in Bulgaria, which is still kept in the garage of the NSO.

As far as is known, a total of 106 copies of the ZIL 4104 were made, and some exotic varieties were also made on this basis - an ambulance with a station wagon body (4 pieces), a convertible with two doors (3 pieces), an armored version (2 pieces), etc. .

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

The pistons have a specific deflector on the face, designed for better swirling of the fuel mixture and a more efficient combustion process

The transmission of the ZIL 4104 consists of a hydrotransformer, complete with a planetary gearbox, from which the torque is transferred to the hypoid main transmission of the rear axle