The ZIL-4104 was a limousine built by ZiL from 1978 to 1983 for the top of the Soviet state. Also known as the ZIL-115, it was a heavily reworked ZIL-114 with a larger engine, new styling and duplicated systems throughout.
ZIL-4104 at a glance
| Maker | ZiL, Moscow |
|---|---|
| Production | 1978–1983 |
| Original designation | ZIL-115 |
| Class | seven-seat state limousine |
| Engine | 7,695 cc V8, 315 hp |
| Torque | 608 N·m at 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | three-speed automatic from 1984 |
| Length | 6.3 m class, on the ZIL-114 chassis |
| Fuel | leaded 95 octane, 22 L/100 km |
| Built | 106 of the 4104, about 200 of the family |
History of the ZIL-4104
From the 114
The ZIL-114 was designed with enough reserve to last for years, but by the mid-1970s its styling was ageing. In October 1974 the ZiL designers began work on a new car, using a tuned version of the 114 engine. The V8 received a longer stroke, from 95 to 105 mm, and two overhead camshafts instead of a single lower one; with a 108 mm bore the capacity grew from 6,959 to 7,695 cc and output reached 315 hp. The final styling was fixed by early 1977. As on Western cars of the period, the radiator grille became the main element of the front, with chrome surrounds around the wheel arches. The ZIL-115, as the factory called it, passed acceptance trials in January 1978 and the first batch of ZIL-4104s was assembled in early October.
Body and equipment
The body was a closed all-metal four-door seven-seater on a peripheral frame with box-section side members; the front compartment was separated from the passengers by a rising glass partition, and the two middle seats folded away. Front and rear compartments had separate heating and air conditioning, all windows were triple-layered and tinted, and a stereo radio with a cassette player and six speakers was fitted. The dashboard and console were covered in 10 mm Karelian birch veneer. The car had duplicated ignition, two 74-amp batteries in parallel and two fuel pumps. The tank held 120 litres and the car used leaded 95-octane petrol at 22 L/100 km. The bodyshells were made by hand, fitted individually and painted in 9 to 15 coats, each dried and polished.
Running gear
The engine had an aluminium block and heads, wet cast-iron liners, two overhead camshafts driven by a two-row roller chain, hydraulic tappets and a four-barrel carburettor. The gearbox was a three-speed automatic with a torque converter and a transmission brake that released automatically when the car moved off; the older two-speed unit, used since the ZIL-111 of 1958, was replaced in 1984. Front suspension was independent on transverse arms with torsion bars and an anti-roll bar, the rear axle was on long semi-elliptic leaf springs with reaction links. Brakes were ventilated discs all round with two hydraulic circuits, and the steering used a recirculating-ball gear with power assistance.
Versions and secrecy
Between 1978 and 1983, 106 ZIL-4104s were built in various versions; with the later derivatives about 200 cars of the family were made. The ZIL-41042 was an ambulance, the 41043 the same with communications equipment, the 41044 a short-wheelbase two-door convertible, the 41046 a radio car and the 41048 had automatic climate control. Armoured versions were the ZIL-4105 and, later, the ZIL-41051. The restyled ZIL-41045 was built from 1983 to 1985 and the ZIL-41047 from 1986 to 2002, with the same mechanicals. The cars were built under strict secrecy, kept in closed garages by a special KGB division, and everyone involved in building or servicing them was sworn to silence. The ZIL-4104 was the last car used by Leonid Brezhnev as General Secretary.
Design and features
- 7.7-litre V8: 315 hp and 608 N·m, one of the largest passenger-car engines in the world at the time.
- Duplicated systems: twin ignition, two batteries and two fuel pumps for reliability.
- Protected glass: laminated windscreen and triple-layered side windows, intended as radiation protection.
- Hand-built luxury: Karelian birch veneer, separate climate systems and 9–15 coats of paint.
ZIL-4104 versions
- ZIL-4104 / ZIL-115 (1978–1983): the base limousine.
- ZIL-41045 (1983–1985): restyled version with a revised front, grille and lights.
- ZIL-41042 and 41043: ambulance and communications versions.
- ZIL-41044: short-wheelbase two-door convertible.
- ZIL-4105 and 41051: armoured versions of the 4104 and 41045.
- ZIL-41047 (1986–2002): final restyling of the same car.
The ZIL-4104 replaced the ZIL-114 and was developed into the ZIL-41047. More cars are in the ZiL collection.
Sources
- ZIL-4104, English Wikipedia: engine, equipment, variants, secrecy
- ЗИЛ-4104, Russian Wikipedia: history, body, chassis, production numbers
- ЗИЛ-41045, Russian Wikipedia: 1983 restyling
