We are currently experiencing a moment of polarization and political division never seen before. There are even those who see political positions in everything, and of course, this discussion has even reached cars.

With that in mind, we at Senhor Carros decided to show you 12 models of old Soviet cars that are still on the roads in Russia today, plus a bonus: some left-leaning examples that even made it to Brazilian streets. 

Want to know more about the subject? Then just dive into the reading to unleash the Lenin within you. Check it out!

Russia, like other Eastern European countries, is known for its harsh winters and also for its cars, which often have a rather peculiar appearance. 

When we talk about Soviet cars, many Brazilians immediately think of cars like the Lada and the Niva, but in Russia, there are a number of rather peculiar and rugged vehicles, since driving there is no easy task. Check out the top 12 of these iconic cars now.

Old automotive experts claimed that the Skoda Rapid had Porsche-like handling, despite its affordable price. The car was built in Czechoslovakia between 1984 and 1990. Although it suffered from serious reliability issues, the model competed in some rallies and remains a prominent sight in Russian cities to this day. 

The Zil 117 was launched in 1971 and was equipped with a 6.9-liter V8 engine; it was robust and intimidating. It is said to have been inspired by the old Ford Galaxies of the 1960s, but with Russian attributes. The model boasted 300 horsepower, a considerable amount for the time, but all that power had a reason: strength was needed to move a car that weighed over 2,000 kilograms. 

Here we have a true classic among Soviet cars. The SZD was produced in Russia as a type of motorized wheelchair for the disabled. It was typically given away or sold by the government at significant discounts to those in need; in other words, it was a vehicle for the less fortunate. 

The SZD was leased for five years, as a type of rental agreement, and was collected at the end of that period and exchanged for a new one. Although rare, it is still possible to come across some models in good condition on Russian streets. 

The Gaz 21 was the first model to bear the Volga name, in 1956. The car has only recently achieved fame and occupies a prominent place among Russian car enthusiasts, similar to what the DS holds in France. 

The car was produced for 24 years and had different versions. Some models had automatic transmission, while others were produced exclusively for the KGB with a V8 engine. The models sold to the public were equipped with a four-cylinder engine capable of generating 70 horsepower. 

The Tatra 603 was produced in Czechoslovakia between 1956 and 1975 and is undoubtedly one of the most peculiar Soviet cars. 

It was built in three generations; however, as new models were released, the older cars were returned to the factory, where they were disassembled and rebuilt. Because of this, it was virtually impossible to know which model you had. 

Among the features that made the Tatra 603 interesting was its rear-mounted V8 engine. 

The Melkus RS 1000 was a true Soviet hodgepodge. With a 993 cc, 50-horsepower, two-cylinder three-stroke engine from the Wartburg 353 and a sporty body, the model really caught the eye. 

This is one of the most iconic Soviet cars and was easily found on the streets of East Germany. Although the manufacturers vehemently denied it at the time, the lines of the ZiL 112 are very similar to the Ferrari 250 TR. 

The Stratopolonez is a model derived from the Lancia Stratos, having inherited the engine, suspension, and brakes from that model. However, all of this was housed in a hatchback chassis built in Poland. 

The model was actually designed to compete in the FISA rally championship in category B. However, before its first race, the car did not undergo any type of test drive. 

In its debut, the vehicle performed well and won the race, but not before spinning around its own axis three times. A true Soviet legend. 

The ZiL 112 Sports was the only racing car built by the brand. It was powered by the same inline eight-cylinder engine as its predecessor, the ZiL 111. The model produced around 230 horsepower. 

Furthermore, it was equipped with a limited-slip differential, radial tires, and disc brakes, something unprecedented in Soviet cars.

The Trabant is a true icon among Soviet cars. It is considered the ultimate symbol of the awful cars of East Germany. 

Its body was constructed from a strange mixture of recycled materials. Its engine was tiny and made a strange noise when it ran. But let's not deny that it has its charm. 

As soon as the Berlin Wall fell, the model was rejected by a large part of the German population. Today, examples in good condition can be worth significant amounts of Euros.

The Niva is considered the communist Land Rover here in the West and holds a special place in the hearts of many people, including Brazilians. 

Experts claim that the Lada Niva is the first crossover SUV, featuring a monocoque construction and independent front suspension. Its production began in 1977 and continues at full speed to this day. 

Its performance on rough terrain is praised to this day, so much so that it is the model of choice for many people who work with off-road trails, or who live in the countryside. 

Like other models from the manufacturer, the Niva came from the factory with a 21-piece "do-it-yourself" repair kit for roadside repairs. This is an example of Soviet cars that can be seen here in Brazil and that appeal to many people.

The Lada Samara arrived in Brazil in 1990 and was available as a hatchback with three or five doors and two carbureted engine options: a 1.3-liter with 65 horsepower and a 1.5-liter with 72 horsepower. Its arrival sparked interest as it was a popular, imported car.

The model was assembled in Barueri at a giant operations center, which caught the attention of drivers traveling along the Presidente Castello Branco Highway. 

Despite its attractive design, the model sold well at launch. However, over time, the manufacturer's lack of preparedness in after-sales service became evident. Furthermore, there were several problems adapting the model. The configuration to run only on pure gasoline, and not mixed with ethanol as was common here, was a major setback. 

Sales in the Brazilian market lasted until 1995, when changes in the automotive import tax market hurt brands that did not produce in the country.

And to round out our list of Soviet cars, we can't forget the famous Lada Laika. 

The Laika is based on the Fiat 124 and was launched in the Soviet Union in 1970. The small sedan was designed to be robust and affordable, and it fulfilled this mission very well, selling over 16 million units and accumulating fans all over the world. 

In Brazil, where it arrived in 1990, the model had less success, with only 33,000 units registered. Mechanical reliability was one of its strongest points. Because it has rear-wheel drive, it's a very comfortable and enjoyable model to drive. 

The Laika had some interesting features. The ignition key was located to the left of the steering wheel, a Porsche tradition, which made it easier for mechanics to start the engine from outside the car. The brake drums were made of finned aluminum, a metal abundant in Russia, which contributed to weight reduction. 

Some models were equipped with items that were rare for the time, such as a tachometer, three-point rear side seatbelts, headlight beam height adjustment, rear fog lights, and, in the tool kit, a hand pump for inflating the tire.

Like the Lada Samara, the Laika also had problems with Brazilian gasoline, which contained alcohol in its composition. However, Brazilian taxation issues in 1995 meant that the Soviet model was only rarely seen. 

After learning about the Soviet car models that made history, how about taking a look at the vehicles that were made especially for Brazil? Check them out below!