NAMI: the first prototype of the Soviet microvan "Squirrel" made by the gypsies

The compact carriage-type car NAMI-050 “Belka” was created as the simplest and most spacious vehicle possible, but it did not go into production. It was necessary to attract gypsy coppersmiths from the nearest camp to create the first version of the body, since there were no qualified tinsmiths at the Irbit Motor Plant. And it was planned to produce the Belka there, but the main products of this plant were and remain Ural motorcycles.

“In the post-war years, the idea of ​​creating the Belka was literally in the air – the country needed cheap cars. The first parts for the body were made by gypsy coppersmiths from a camp located near Irbit, since the plant initially lacked qualified tinsmiths. The Belka was distinguished by its carriage layout, this concept was proposed by NAMI designer Yuri Dolmatovsky,” notes the video about the Belka, posted on Telegram channel NAMI.

As in Dolmatovsky’s larger concept NAMI-013 on Pobeda units, the engine in the compact Belka was located at the rear. To get behind the wheel, it was necessary to fold back the front part of the body along with the windshield.

In the rear part there was a 23 hp motorcycle engine mated to a modernized gearbox from Moskvich. In addition to the version with a closed body, a prototype of the Belka with a removable awning was built. This car was intended for rural roads. During testing, the Belka reached a speed of 60 km/h.

Earlier, Russians were told where the boom in used cars came from.