ZIS-101

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ZIS-101 standing in the Kremlin, the persons on the photo are, from left to right, Lihachov (the director of the ZIS), G. K. Ordjenikidze (Minister of the heavy industry), Josef Stalin, Molotov (Minister of the foreign affairs), Mikoyan (Minister of the trade).

ZIS-101 was a limousine from Zavod Imeni Stalina. The 101 was introduced in 1936 and was equipped with an 5.8 L (354 cu in) straight-8 engine producing 90 hp (67 kW) and giving a top speed of 115 km/h (71 mph). The car was inspired by Packard designs of the time. It was fitted with a 3 speed automatic gearbox and torque converter.

It was followed by 101-A that had improved the engine giving 110 hp (82 kW) and a new top speed of approximately 130 km/h (81 mph). Production ended in 1941.

In 1939 a two seat sport version designed by Valentin Nikolaevich Rostkov called 101-Sport was made. The engine was the same as in the 101-A, but boosted to 141 hp (105 kW) and a top speed of 162 km/h (101 mph) (although a Pravda article claims 170-180 km/h). It was however not made in more than one or two copies.