We reached the place with some difficulties. The flow of people wanting to see with their own eyes how the president "lived in poverty" created a huge traffic jam already at the entrance to Mezhyhirya. We had to leave the car 1.5-2 kilometers from the entrance to the residence. Having reached the entrance gate, we learned that the hangar itself was still about three kilometers away...
Watch the video report from the garage:
Having covered this distance, we finally saw the building where the vehicles of interest to both us and our readers were stored. Next to it is a gas station.
Currently, no one is allowed inside the garage. Therefore, having presented our press credentials, we asked for an exception to be made for us. They accommodated us, and accompanied by self-defense guys, we went inside.
At the entrance, we are immediately greeted by several motorcycles: Jawa 350, IZH-49, Harley-Davidson, and an escort "Dnepr". But the most interesting specimen is the BossHoss bike. It has a 6.2-liter engine from a Chevrolet Corvette with 445 hp. The cost of such a motorcycle in Germany is 65-67 thousand euros.
Behind the motorcycles begins the car collection. The line of cars is arranged by seniority. First, the smallest ones, three ZAZ-965. Behind them stands a "Moskvich-401", and then begins a collection of Gorky Automobile Plant models that commands respect. How valuable are these cars? It all depends on their condition. If it is an original car, fully equipped according to the manufacturer's standards at the time of production, its value can be quite impressive. If the restoration was based on custom traditions, that is, units from modern foreign cars were installed, materials and coatings not typical of that era were used, the value drops. For example, a Volga GAZ-21 from the first years of production in perfect original condition can cost up to 40 thousand euros. A custom version is about 20-25 thousand, depending on the scale of modifications.
Both Volgas and Pobedas in Yanukovych's collection have both types of restoration, and a more accurate value can be determined by studying the equipment and modifications made. Unfortunately, we cannot do that yet. Next come a custom-built ZIM GAZ-M12 and four "Seagulls" GAZ-13. One of them is a rare modification GAZ-13B (convertible). Behind the Gorky technopark stand two government ZILs. One of them is an exclusive ZIL-410-441. Only three such cars were produced. In Viktor Fedorovych's garage is the only one sold into private hands.
Separately, away from the line of domestic rarities, are foreign cars. A luxurious 1963 Chevrolet Impala Coupe. In Europe, its value ranges from 30 to 45 thousand euros. Next to it is an equally exclusive Bentley S1. Although its value is not very impressive for such a brand - from 30 to 55 thousand euros.
Opposite are two more valuable specimens: a Dampf Kraft Wagen and a Ford Classic Coupe. Experts estimate the first at 18-30 thousand euros, and the second at 40-50 thousand euros. (However, as we later found out, this Ford is a "homemade" replica, that is, not original). The Dampf Kraft Wagen is interesting because it had a two-cylinder two-stroke engine. Its power was only 20 hp with a displacement of 750 cc. But the Ford Classic Coupe has a more cheerful engine - 157 hp with a displacement of about five liters. That is, if we are talking about the genuine model.
We move to the second hall and see the continuation of the collection. Here are two more ZIL limousines, motorcycles, military ambulance and civilian LuAZs, and a number of vehicles that were in service with the Soviet Union and its allies during World War II.
One of the ZIL limousines is in original condition, while the second is clearly modernized in our time. This was noticeable from the materials used to upholster the interior and the installed multimedia system.
While on the territory of the Mezhyhirya residence, we also caught several cars that were found by Maidan activists in warehouses in Hostomel. Moreover, one of Yanukovych Jr.'s cars - an International MXT ($90-130 thousand) - we saw right on the road on the way to Mezhyhirya, where it was being driven from Hostomel.
By the time we arrived, there were already a Volkswagen Phaeton and Touareg, a Mercedes G-class convertible, an SLS, and a W126 560 SEC. Only the Bentley Brooklands (120-180 thousand dollars, up to 500 thousand dollars when new) and the unique KNIGHT XV SUV (from 439 thousand euros) were missing. Where they are now, we could not find out at the time of filming.
See other photos of Yanukovych's cars in the previous article "In Yanukovych's Garage".
Next time, we will try to compare Yanukovych's car collection with the garages of other famous world leaders, including those overthrown by protesting people.
