The Soviet auto industry was not only large-scale in terms of production volumes, but its assortment could satisfy the needs of essentially all citizens of the USSR. This tendency did not bypass people with disabilities either, because a special model was created for them, which was called by the people in an associative way - "Disabled". And, most importantly, despite its unassuming appearance, it really turned out to be a reliable and functional vehicle for citizens with special needs.
The vehicle for people with disabilities under the designation SMZ S-3D was designed by the specialists of the Serpukhov Automobile Plant to replace the S-3AM motorized carriage. The years of production are from 1970 to 1997.
The dimensions of the Invalidka were somewhat smaller than that of an ordinary Soviet car. At the same time, it remained part of the concept of a two-seater four-wheeled motorized carriage. The appearance of the car, although it seems unassuming and unfinished even by the standards of the Soviet automobile industry, is still a reflection of the plane-parallel design that was relevant at that time.
Together with the dimensions, smaller in comparison with the majority of Soviet cars were other characteristics of the "Invalidka". So, for example, the maximum speed that this car could develop is 70 km / h. At the same time, the non-outstanding characteristics forced auto designers to regularly modify the car, but this did not affect the speedometer readings. The SMZ S-3D was controlled using a whole system of levers with sequential gear shifting.
Obtaining a car license for people with disabilities could differ depending on the situation and conditions of obtaining a disability. So, if the future driver had never had a license before, he completed special driving courses, after which he received the coveted document. Those who had previously received a driver's license, after receiving an injury or a diagnosis implying a disability, had a special mark “motorized carriage” on their rights. Other categories were deleted.
Interesting fact: Soviet traffic police inspectors practically did not stop the "Invalids" to check the documents of their owners.
However, with all the efforts of the engineers, it did not work out to fully adapt the "Invalidka" to both the drivers and the conditions of real roads. So, for example, despite a good engine, it was difficult to get the car to work in the cold season - in the cold the car simply stalled. Therefore, disabled people rarely resorted to the help of SMZ S-3D in winter.
Yet these machines were extremely important to the lives of people with disabilities. In addition, the volumes of their production, which have no analogues today, made it possible to provide them with all those who need them. And, despite the fact that "Invalids" have not been produced for more than twenty years, they can sometimes be found on the roads to this day.
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