A heavily modified 1983 LuAZ-969, a Soviet-era off-road vehicle, is currently listed for sale in Iskitim for 490,000 rubles. The vehicle features a distinctive black paint job and styling cues reminiscent of a Jeep Wrangler, including the removal of its original canvas roof.
The LuAZ-969, nicknamed “Lunokhod” and “Volynianka,” was renowned for its exceptional off-road capabilities and simple design. Originally designed as an army transporter in the 1960s, by 1983 it was marketed as a civilian vehicle suitable for rural areas, geologists, and hunters.
While the advertisement showcases the car’s striking exterior, details about its mechanical condition remain scarce. The listing indicates a mileage of 10,000 km, but further information about the vehicle’s amphibious capabilities and overall functionality is not provided. Attempts to contact the seller have been unsuccessful.
The LuAZ-969 boasted several advanced features for its time, including all-wheel drive with differential lock and independent suspension on all wheels. Its light weight of just 960 kg allowed it to traverse challenging terrains, and its rigid tire sidewalls even enabled driving with punctured tires. The vehicle’s simple design allowed it to be started with a push by one person.
Capable of carrying four passengers and 200 kg of cargo, the compact LuAZ-969 became a symbol of invincibility and is still valued by off-road enthusiasts for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and cross-country performance.