Taiga 660 Photon

Taiga 660 Photon (1949)

Rear-mounted engine

Taiga 680

The Taiga 660 Photon is an executive sedan produced by then-Soviet manufacturer Taiga between 1948-54. It is noted for its very unusual futuristic design.

## History

At the end of World War II, the United States along with many other western countries re-converted their factories back into their civilian counterparts. This meant that automakers, especially in the US, could quickly begin designing new cars for the upcoming post-war economic boom. However, very little existed in terms of an auto industry in the USSR, except for very limited imported, reengineered and rebadged trucks. It was therefore decided in 1946 that a new executive vehicle had to be produced to satisfy both the demands of Soviet officials, as well as to show the West that the USSR stood on its own feet when it came to automotive design and production.

Prototyping began in mid-1946, and it was very early on decided that the design would be heavily influenced by sci-fi rocketships and other futuristic elements. A single high-beam headlight was to be mounted in the middle, along with two low-beam lights on the side along with the indicators. To ease engineering workload, the construction was to be similar to that of Taiga's' earlier executive cars, many of which were also rear-engined. This resulted in a newly designed 2.6 liter V8 being mounted over the rear axle, while the car's chassis and body remained a mostly conventional steel construction.

The design was finalized in late 1947, and production began in January 1948. Soviet officials were highly impressed with the Photon's ease of handling and plush interior, and it quickly became in-demand and highly requested among officials in both military and civilian positions. The Photon became a very popular diplomat and ambassador vehicle. While not usually sold to regular Soviet citizens, the Photon was on rare occasion gifted to various celebrity nationals and other important statesmen and women. A small number were exported to West Germany in 1950. The unusual design was seen as polarizing by some, but the majority of people liked its striking looks. It was lovingly nicknamed "Tsiklop" ("Cyclops") by some, due to its large central high-beam headlight.

While mostly used by individual persons affiliated with the government, a few Photons saw service as police cars in Moscow in the early 1950s. The car was also preferred by the Soviet secret police due to its superior handling and (relatively) powerful engine, though it was rarely used as an interceptor, citing its high cost.

Production of the 660 Photon ended in 1954, due to high production costs and the launch of the updated and more conventionally styled Taiga 670 two years earlier. It has been claimed production only lasted as long as it did because it was still highly regarded and in-demand, even next to its successor. Approximately 880 units were produced in total.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the 660 Photon has become somewhat collectible. Due to its low production run and subsequent rarity, the car mostly fell under the radar of many Western car enthusiasts. It has in recent years become more well-known as it has garnered more media attention.

## Specifications

The 660 Photon was powered by a 2596cc V8 engine, producing 117 horsepower. It was mounted over the rear axle, and was connected to a 4-speed manual transmission with the shifted mounted on the steering column. The chassis was a steel monocoque construction to lower the overall body height, and the body panels were steel as well. While the engine placement was unusual, the construction overall remained mostly conventional.

The 660 Photon had a top speed of approximately 220 km/h, though sources vary somewhat depending on the model year and individual specifications.

## In pop culture

A somewhat modified black Taiga 660 Photon appeared in the 1951 Soviet film *"Detective Twilight"*, set in the 2050s, serving as a police car.

A dark blue Taiga 660 Photon was featured and explored in detail on a episode of *"The Weird and Wondrous"*, aired in 2019. The car was noted for its striking and futuristic design.