The Moscow Transport Museum has completed the restoration of the RAF-22031-01 ambulance, familiar to many Soviet citizens.
These vehicles, built on the basis of the RAF-2203 "Latvia" minibus, began to be produced in 1977 at the Riga Bus Factory. They became an important part of the Soviet healthcare system, providing transportation for patients and providing medical assistance en route. The vehicles were equipped with various equipment, including stretchers, seats for medical personnel, and devices for artificial respiration, anesthesia, and cardiology equipment.
By 1994, more than 200,000 of these vehicles had been produced, and in 1991, the ambulance based on the RAF-22031 received an independent model index — RAF-2915. These vehicles accounted for up to 60% of the total output of the Riga Bus Factory, which indicates a high demand for them.
The restoration of the RAF-22031-01 vehicle, which entered the museum's collection in 2022, required the use of two donor bodies, as well as the creation of new body and interior parts according to the original drawings. Some elements of the interior remained in their original form in order to preserve the atmosphere of the time. The paintwork was restored in accordance with GOST 1975.
Now this unique exhibit is ready to become part of the museum's permanent exhibition, which has a collection of about 250 cars and other equipment. A new permanent exhibition will soon be opened in the garage of architect Konstantin Melnikov on Novoryazanskaya Street.
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