Very obviously American influenced, it bore a striking resemblance to both the 1955 Packard 'Patrician' and the robust, well known, Checker taxicab. Other notable features were the two prominent 'spinner' shaped over-riders on the bumper that emulate the 'spinner' design on the grille of the 1951 American Ford range and the Cadillac type flat 'V' set in the centre of the grille. It had a luxuriously appointed interior.
Production of the CHAIKA stopped in 1965 and it was twelve years before the name was resurrected for a very much updated seven seater limousine of similar size, but with much squarer lines than the original.
It was fitted with the same V8 engine and was designed to be chauffeur driven, having a retractable glass partition dividing the front driver's seat and the rear passenger compartment. Folding occasional seats were fitted and the air conditioning and a stereo/audio system could be controlled from the rear compartment. Suspension was by coil springs and wishbones at the front and a rigid rear axle was fitted.
This limousine was offered for export.
At 20 feet long, it was slightly smaller than the ZIL limousines and it was capable of 108mph.
Source: Motorbase Manufacturer Directory
