1982 Merkury (Russia)

During the era of developed socialism, the dream of owning a car was often out of reach for most people. For many, acquiring a car was a long-term goal that required not just saving money but enduring long waitlists and bureaucratic hurdles. However, amid this scarcity, a group of innovative and determined individuals took matters into their own hands, crafting their vehicles in the confines of their own workshops. Among these pioneers was Vladimir Ivanovich Mishchenko, who played a pivotal role in the creation of the Merkury car.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Moscow's home-built car enthusiasts were known for their inventive approaches to vehicle construction. Homemade cars during this period came in various forms, with bodies fashioned from sheets of tin, plywood, and even papier-mâché. The advent of fiberglass technology, however, revolutionized the field, offering a more versatile and robust alternative. Fiberglass, often combined with burlap and bound with epoxy or polyester resin, allowed for the creation of intricate and durable car bodies. This method not only facilitated the production of more aesthetically pleasing designs but also enabled a more extensive range of shapes and forms.

The process of crafting a fiberglass car involved several key steps. It began with selecting a chassis and arranging the vehicle’s components, including the seats. A spatial frame was then constructed over the chassis, covered with sculptor's clay to form the car's contours. A final layer of paraffin was painted black to create a smooth surface, from which a mold was made. The mold was used to glue the fiberglass body, with a metal reinforcement frame often added for additional strength. This process allowed for the production of multiple bodies from a single mold, which fostered collaboration among DIY enthusiasts.

One notable creation emerging from this vibrant DIY culture was the Merkury car, a project spearheaded by a team consisting of a sculptor, an artist, and a mechanic, all led by Vladimir Ivanovich Mishchenko. Mishchenko, having already built a homemade car before, brought significant experience to the project. The initial designs and scale models for the Merkury were developed in the early 1970s. However, it wasn’t until 1982 that the first working prototype was officially registered.

The Merkury car was built using the chassis and components of the VAZ 2106, a popular Soviet vehicle model. In total, five Merkury cars were constructed—three in Moscow and two in Tbilisi. Notably, one of these vehicles was later converted into an electric car, reflecting the adaptability and forward-thinking spirit of its creators.