Production years: 1950–1959 An official car for mid-level managers and party officials, of which reportedly 21,527 were built in 1950–59. The name "ZiM" comes from the plant's name at the time (Zavod imeni Molotova, Molotov Plant). In an era when cars of this size were still built on a frame, the ZiM's monocoque body was revolutionary. It seated 6 including the driver; the engine was a GAZ-51 tuned to 95 horsepower, and the design was inspired by American car fashion of the time. It was also built as an ambulance and a taxi, and a few four-door convertible prototypes (phaetons) were made. Its successor was the GAZ-13 "Chaika", unveiled in 1959.