In the tzar’s Russia and later on in the soviet times russians had luxurious cars for the high rank oficials. Before the revolution of 1917 the provider of cars was the Russo-Balt coach factory. At first they supplied the rulers with railway coaches and then with vehicles.

The Russo-Balt was a russian Rolls Roys. But after the revolution this manufacturer dissapeared form the market. USSR had their own car factories. And modern russian officials prefer foreign cars like Mercedes Benz.

After more then 90 years Russo-Balt comes back. As it used to be they plan to produce luxurious cars to individual order. Russo-Balt Impression could possibly interest exclusive car collectors. Only 10 or 15 cars will be produced.

The story of the Russo-Balt restoration began in 2003. “A-Level” workshop famous for its Volga V12 coupe got down to work.  The goal was to create a car in the style of the 30s. A competition among the best russian designers was held and Zviad Zikolia won.

The base of the car is taken form Mercedes Benz CL65 AMG. Nevertheless the constuctors made it possible to use other car manufacturers’ details for the car. The car was created near Moscow. It went all right in the beginning, but eventually it got evident that A-Level were not able to complete the task. A german company GERG came to rescue. The company is famous for its comcept cars. So the new Russo-Balt is finished and is going to be produced in Germany. But it’s not a huge problem because Germany is one of the baltic countries.

The car’s appearance turned out to be very elegant. Two-colour body, a long cowling and hidden rear wheels associate it with such cars as Bugatti Atlantic. But technically the car is up to date. It has Mercedes V12 engine and a transparent roof (the measure of this transparency can be chaged according to the driver’s desire). Almost the entire body is made of light carbon - like the most expensive cupercars.

The car had been ready for the Geneve autoforum, which took place in the March. But the Russo-Balt stand was situated very baldy for the audience, so the company rejected to participate in the motorshow. The premiere of the vehicle is delayed until Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. Russo-Balt will be standing side to side with Rollce-Royce Phantom I Springfield Brewster Roadster, Bugatti Type 40A Grand Sport ? Isotta-Fraschini 8A SS Castagna Torpedo Sport. The show will also feature Ferrari 575GTZ, Rollce-Royce 101EX and Renault Altica.

The car will be sold a little bit later. The probable places where it can be sold are Moscow, Monte-Carlo and some Arabic country. Each car will be constructed not less than a year. The price is unknown, it is as the proverb says if you care for the price of the yacht you can’t afford it.

Russo Balt, Mercedes Benz, Rollce-Royce, Bugatti, Ferrari 575GTZ, Rollce-Royce 101EX, Renault Altica, Paris Motorshow, cars, auto

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