Moskvitch 2141 Aleko

The Aleko is a Russian automobile presented to the public in 1986 that was manufactured between 1988 and 2000 by the now bankrupt company Moskvitch, founded in Moscow (Russia).

This car was a big improvement on previous models, which were sedans and wagons with traction and rigid rear axle. The Aleko had no parts in common with the other models in addition to the motor.

To Moskvitch, this car was an innovation for its hatchback style, front wheel drive, MacPherson front suspension and rear torsion beam suspension This vehicle became more comfortable, safer and more spacious. For the first time in the history of Russian cars a vehicle was manufactured for aerodynamic characteristics, this thanks to the collaboration of balloonists and space engineers from France and Russia.

The car originated as a front-drive concept based on foreign models. Moskvitch, during the 1970s bought many cars from different companies to try. The French and Swedes took advantage and the minister of the automotive industry took the final decision to choose the Simca 1307 as the best candidate for the Russian market. For the car, an existing Moskvitch engine front-drive, after some tests, it was decided that the body of Simca 1307 was to be modified and while this helped reduce manufacturing costs, it was an insult to engineers and designers who already had their own ideas ready for this car. Staff morale was affected, and the Aleko never was appreciated by the engineers of Moskvitch

Despite the design and style of “second hand” of Aleko, it became the first production car with front-wheel drive of Russian industry. The Aleko is mainly sold in the domestic market, but by the 1980s, it was also exported in companies of German exports, this car was marketed as the Lada Aleko and diesel Ford and Indenor engines were obtained in addition to gasoline engines standard. Some of the latest models Moskvitch as Svjatogor and Dolgorukij were also based on the Aleko.