This van used the 2,445 cc (149.2 cu in) engine of the GAZ-24, between the front seats, making its construction similar to other competing vans such as the Dodge A100 and the Volkswagen LT, with independent front suspension also from the GAZ-24 (but springs from the GAZ-13).[1] It borrowed headlights and brake system parts from the Moskvitch 412, outside door handles from the Moskvitch 408,[2] and 15 in (38 cm) wheels of the GAZ-21 Volga.[3] The single rear door hinged at the top,[4] rather than the more-usual side-opening. There were two major models: one, the 2203, seated ten plus driver and passenger, powered by a 95 hp (71 kW; 96 PS) 2,445 cc (149.2 cu in) with 8.2:1 compression; the other, the 22032, a twelve-seat "route taxi", had longitudinal seats and lower 6.7:1 compression (to use more readily available 76 octane petrol), and produced only 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS).[5] (The 2203-02 would run on liquified propane).[6] An ambulance, the 22031, was soon added to the range, and made up fully a third of all 2203s built; there was also a 22035 for blood donor clinics.[7] These were joined by the 22034, for fire departments.[8]
RAF-2203 Rear
In addition to the uncommon 22033 and 22036 for state militias, there were prototype electric vehicles.[9]
While the 2203 looked good, it was susceptible to rust, especially in the frame rails,[10] and was unpleasant to drive in bad weather.[11] Quality control of the assembly was also poor.[12] Oil leaks and axle bearing failures were frequent.[13] It also suffered overheating, serious vibration issues, failures of front suspension parts leading to poor handling, and high fuel consumption.[14] On top of it all, access to the cab was difficult, despite the forward-control position.[15]
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, sales of the RAF-2203 plummeted, and sales in export markets began to gradually disappear. It was planned to sell the RAF, along with the RAF-2203 model, to GAZ in Russia, which would continue production under its own name, but for political and economic reasons, this project was eventually cancelled. In 1998, the RAF went bankrupt and production of the RAF-2203 van stopped. Nevertheless, the idea of a Russian van using components from passenger cars, most notably the GAZ Volga, was later taken up by the GAZelle light commercial vehicle, which largely replaced the RAF-2203 in its minibus and van roles in the post-Soviet states.[citation needed]
_for_Moscow_1980.JPG)
.jpg)
.JPG)
