by In Ukraine, an extremely interesting book “Retro Cars on the Streets of Kyiv” has emerged. Veteran Ukrainian auto journalist Leonid Gogolev collected over 150 photos of exclusive cars taken by him in the capital during the 50s and 60s.
In the post-war period in Kyiv, one could see very rare and unique cars – both military vehicles and trophy cars. It was exactly these that Leonid Gogolev photographed.
Notably, the book showcases a floating version of the famous American SUV Willys. Such Ford GPA amphibians were produced in 1943 with only 12.8 thousand made. Of these, up to 3.5 thousand came to the USSR through Lend-Lease.
The album also features the legendary aerodynamic Tatra 87 model of 1938. Interestingly, from 1947-1949, the well-known Czech travelers Jiří Hanzelka and Miroslav Zikmund undertook a grand tour through Africa, Central and South America, visiting 44 countries in it.
A true rarity was the luxurious Maybach SW38 car. Only 520 units of this model were produced between 1936 and 1939. The author photographed its unique version with a custom cabriolet body by Glaser, the only one not only in Kyiv but in Ukraine.
Leonid Gogolev also managed to photograph the famous representative car Mercedes-Benz 770, which was driven by the top echelons of Germany and several other countries. Only 88 of these cars were produced. According to some reports, the one in Kyiv belonged to the patriarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
But the most significant rarity showcased in the book is the German Henschel Tram bus from 1937. Only a few units of such machines were built.
The book “Retro Cars on the Streets of Kyiv” is already on sale, and anyone interested can purchase it.
