ZIL-117
ZIL-117
Motor vehicle
The ZIL-117 is a luxury sedan built by ZiL in USSR and first presented at the Autoprom (precursor of the Moscow International Motor Show) in 1977.[1] Debuting in 1971, it was derived from the earlier ZIL-114.[2]
Design of the ZIL-117 began in 1968, with the first prototype running in 1969.[3]
The ZIL-117 shares the 6,959 cc (424.7 cu in)[4] V8 engine also fitted to the ZIL-114.[1] Maximum power output of 300 hp SAE Gross at 4,400 rpm[5] was claimed, using a relatively high 9.0:1 compression ratio, fuel feed being via a single four-choke carburettor.[1] The car uses a two or three-speed automatic transmission and power steering came as standard.[1] The factory claimed a maximum speed of between 118–125 mph (190–201 km/h).[1]
The car was only 5,725 mm (225.4 in) long,[6] compared to 247 inches (6,300 mm) for the ZIL-114,[1] on a 3,310 mm (130 in) wheelbase (compared to 3,760 mm (148 in) for the ZIL-114.[7] It seated five, rather than the seven of the ZIL-114.[8]
One of the reasons to design the ZIL-117 was a need of a government car of an intermediate rank between ZIL-114 (reserved for highest state and party authorities) and GAZ-13 Chaika, appropriate for example for Politburo member candidates, and also as supporting cars in highest officials' convoys.[9]
Only 50 were built.[10] There was also a convertible, the ZIL-117V, produced from 1973-79 (for military parades on Red Square).[11]
The ZIL-117 was replaced by the mechanically similar ZIL-115 (4104).[12]