Moskvitch 400 1946–1954 car dimensions: 3855 mm long, 1400 mm wide and 1555 mm high. Unladen weight is 845 kg.
The cabin seats four in a cramped space with a simple metal dashboard and gauges offset to the right of a large steering wheel. There is no heater or radio. The front bench has a shared cushion and separate backs. the rear has a folding backrest. Rear doors open against the direction of travel. A single small interior mirror is fitted. Wipers are driven mechanically from the engine.
Boot space is small with no external lid. Access is only by folding the rear seat backrest from inside the cabin.
Payload is 270 kg based on kerb weight of 885 kg and gross weight of 1155 kg. No towing figures are published for the sedan.
The cabin is narrow and basic with simple one-color upholstery fixed by round buttons. Front seat is a solid two-person cushion with separate slightly curved backs of moderate softness that prove quite comfortable. Rear bench fits three with a soft reclining back. There are sun visors, front triangle vent windows, and adjustable interior mirrors for decent view. Two glove boxes sit on the metal dash plus a tool box under the driver seat. Large three-spoke wheel, engine-driven wipers, and no heater or radio. Rear doors open against traffic.
Runs on A-66 petrol with 8-9 l/100 km consumption and 31 l tank.
Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels plus mechanical handbrake on rears.
Simple durable engine with easy owner access for basic repairs.
Independent Dubonnet front suspension and leaf-spring rear with single-acting hydraulic dampers.
190-200 mm ground clearance suits rough roads and shallow fords.
Fuel is low-octane A-66 petrol. Combined use sits at 8-9 litres per 100 km from the 1.1-litre sidevalve four. The 31-litre tank gives useful range for the era. Engine stays simple and long-lived with aluminium pistons.
Servicing stays owner-friendly. Key parts sit within easy reach so unskilled hands can handle most work. Air filter needs cleaning every 1000 km or daily in dust. 6-volt electrics and hand-crank start cover weak battery days. No specialist intervals appear beyond routine oil and filter care.
Safety kit centres on hydraulic drums at each corner and a monocoque body. Independent front suspension aids control on poor surfaces. No belts, padding or crash ratings show in records. High clearance and sturdy build help daily survival more than modern crash gear.
Living with the car means accepting a spartan but tough machine. It shrugs off rough roads, needs little more than basic tools, and keeps going with regular simple maintenance. Cold weather demands coats and patience without a heater.
Length 3855 mm, Width 1400 mm, Height 1555 mm, Wheelbase 2340 mm (400 1946–1954)
Sources: manufacturer data, MZMA 1947 Краткая инструкция по уходу за автомобилем «Москвич» and 1949 technical characteristic sheet: all listed figures.