Traditional military parades on the main square of the country on May 9 are not without special vehicles - spectacular convertibles used to greet the troops by the Minister of Defense and the commander. The evolution of these vehicles reflects the change of eras - from pre-war models designed under the influence of the American school to modern Aurus Senat limousines with hybrid power plants.
The ZIS-102 was a pioneer on the way of replacing the cavalry with an internal combustion engine. It was an elegant convertible based on the ZIS-101 limousine. It debuted at a review on May 1, 1941, but until the late '40s, commanders preferred horseback riding. The turning point was 1953, when the parades were led by the ZIS-110B, which resembled the Packard. Equipped with a 6.0 liter inline eight and hydraulic brakes, it became a symbol of the new era.
In 1961, the ZIS was replaced by the ZIL-111B with an automatic transmission and elements of American design. It was these cars that welcomed Yuri Gagarin and foreign guests.
In the 70s, they were replaced by the ZIL-117V model with a two-door body and V8 engine with an output of 300 hp, which was used until 1980. The next step was the ZIL-115V (41044), which became a record holder in terms of service life, participating in parades for almost three decades. These convertibles, equipped with climate control and special communications, accompanied Victory Parades even after the collapse of the USSR, demonstrating the reliability of the domestic automotive industry.
The episode with an attempt to replace convertibles with Tiger armored cars in the 2000s is noteworthy. The experiment was unsuccessful, and in 2010 appeared ZIL-41041AMG based on GMC Sierra. These black retro cars with American engines participated in parades until 2018.
Since 2019, the parades have been led by the Aurus Senat Cabriolet, a symbol of the modern premium segment. Equipped with a Russian V8 and an electric motor with a total output of 598 hp, all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension, it ensures smooth movement on the paving stones of Red Square.
This year's parade will be especially solemnized by ministerial convertibles. They will include Hongqi models (“Red Banner”) - a luxurious gift from friendly China.
Parade convertibles are more than just cars. They reflect the development of the automobile industry, from the wooden bodies of the ZIS-102 to the hybrid technology of the Aurus. They continue a tradition where technology becomes part of history, uniting generations.
In the context of the popularity of hybrid cars, electric cars and parallel import of cars to Russia, Aurus has become a symbol of the domestic automotive industry of a new level. It remains a unique example of combining technology and history. Its presence in the parade is a reminder of the importance of continuity and how cars become not just a means of transportation, but a symbol of time.
In the context of the popularity of hybrid cars, electric cars and parallel imports of cars into Russia, Aurus has become a symbol of the domestic automotive industry of a new level. It remains a unique example of the combination of technology and history. Its presence at the parade is a reminder of the importance of continuity and how cars become not just a means of transportation, but a symbol of time.