Moskvich Moskvitch 402

Moskvich

Moskvich 402: 1956–1958 Soviet-era sedan and collector's car

Moskvich 402 — a Soviet-era four-door sedan family car, produced in the mid-1950s and based on the earlier Moskvich 401 design. We explain how it differs from other Moskvich models, what technology it had, and what to know if such a car appears in the collector's market.

Moskvich 402 in brief

The Moskvich 402 was produced from 1956 to 1958. It's an updated version of the Moskvich 401 with improved bodywork, interior, and some mechanical parts. The main version is a four-door sedan.

Today, the Moskvich 402 is a collector's item — you can spot it in museums, retro events, and in the hands of collectors. Such cars rarely appear in listings, and each example is valued individually.

402 and other Moskvich models

The Moskvich 402 sits between the Moskvich 401 and the newer 407 — this transitional model has the older body shape but with some improvements. Listings might mix up the 401, 402, and 407 names, so it's crucial to check the documents and details.

Another variant in the same family is the Moskvich 423 estate, based on this model. It's even rarer than the sedan.

Engine and gearbox

The Moskvich 402 featured a four-cylinder petrol engine with a side-valve layout, with a capacity of around 1.1 litres and about 35 hp. It's a simple, slow, but reliable design for its time.

Gearbox — manual, three-speed, rear-wheel drive. The car is not suited to modern high-speed driving, so it should be driven with care.

What to know if you're considering a Moskvich 402

First, establish the car's provenance: is it original, restored, or cobbled together from parts of different models? Due to its similarity to other Moskvich models, parts may be mixed up, so it's worth calling in a specialist.

Check the bodywork — steel from that era is prone to rust in the sills, floors, arches, and door bottoms. Inspect the engine, gearbox, brakes, and suspension, as well as the interior.

Parts need to be sourced through clubs and specialist suppliers. Ensure the car can be legally registered in your country and that you have all the necessary documents.

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Variants

The Moskvich 402 didn't have modern trim levels — we outline the main variants.

Moskvich 402 sedanas

1956–1958

The main version — a four-door saloon.

Four-door body
Approximately 1.1-litre engine
Three-speed manual gearbox

Moskvich 423

Around 1958

The estate variant, based on the 402.

Estate body
Larger boot
Less commonly seen

Restauruotas egzempliorius

now

Most surviving cars have been restored.

Updated body
Often — replaced parts
Value depends on condition

Comparing variants

	Sedanas	Universalas 423	Restauruotas
Who it suits	For collectors and shows	For enthusiasts of rarer variants	For those who want a ready-to-go car
Body	Sedanas	Estate	Depends on the car
Engine	Around 1.1 L, around 35 HP	Around 1.1 L, around 35 HP	Around 1.1 L, around 35 HP
Price in the used market (relatively)	Mid-range	High-end	High-end

The Moskvich 402 is only worth considering for collectors and retro enthusiasts. Before buying, check the provenance, documents, and restoration quality.

Pros

A rare classic from the Soviet era
Simple and straightforward mechanics
An appealing retro design
Highly valued by collectors

Cons

Very rare, few specialists
Slow and not suited to modern driving
Prone to rust, hard to find parts

Frequently asked questions

How does the Moskvich 402 differ from the 401?

The 402 is an updated version of the 401 with improved interior and some mechanical parts, but they look similar, so check the documents in ads.

What engine did the Moskvich 402 have?

A four-cylinder petrol unit, around 1.1 litres in capacity and roughly 35 hp in power.

Is the Moskvich 402 suitable for daily driving?

No. It's a collector's car, better suited to shows and the occasional spin.

Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically

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