RAF-2203

RAF-2203
RAF-2203 Latvija.
Overview
Manufacturer	Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika (RAF)
Body and chassis
Class	Minibus (M)
Body style	4-door panel van 4-door minibus
Doors	4
Powertrain
Engine	ZMZ 4-cylinder, gasoline 2,445 litres
Power output	95 hp
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Length	4980 mm
Width	2035 mm
Height	1970 mm
Curb weight	1670 kg

The RAF-2203 Latvija (nickname Rafik) was a minibus designed and developed by Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika from 1976–1997. They were widely used throughout the USSR as fixed-run taxis (the Marshrutkas), medical cars, used for Latvenergo and as a special services vehicles. It was the successor of the RAF-977.

This van used the 2,445 cc (149.2 cu in) engine of the GAZ-24, between the front seats (not unlike the Dodge A100), with independent front suspension also from the GAZ-24 (but springs from the GAZ 13).^[1] It borrowed headlights and brake system parts from the Moskvitch 412, outside door handles from the Moskvitch 408,^[2] and 15 in (38 cm) wheels of the GAZ-21 Volga.^[3] The single rear door hinged at the top,^[4] rather than the more-usual side-opening. There were two major models: one, the 2203, seated ten plus driver and passenger, powered by a 95 hp (71 kW; 96 PS) 2,445 cc (149.2 cu in) with 8.2:1 compression; the other, the 22032, a twelve-seat "route taxi", had longitudinal seats and lower 6.7:1 compression (to use more readily available 76 octane petrol), and produced only 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS).^[5] (The 2203-02 would run on liquified propane).^[6] An ambulance, the 22031, was soon added to the range, and made up fully a third of all 2203s built; there was also a 22035 for blood donor clinics.^[7] These were joined by the 22034, for fire departments.^[8]

RAF 22038 Rear

In addition to the uncommon 22033 and 22036 for state militias, there was a prototype electric vehicles.^[9]

While the 2203 looked good, it was susceptible to rust, especially in the frame rails,^[10] and was unpleasant to drive in bad weather.^[11] Quality control of the assembly was also poor.^[12] Oil leaks and axle bearing failures were freqent.^[13] It also suffered overheating, serious vibration issues, failures of front suspension parts leading to poor handling, and high fuel consumption.^[14] On top of it all, access to the cab was difficult, despite the forward-control position.^[15]

They have now been replaced mostly by GAZ products (GAZelle, Barguzin, etc.).

Variants

RAF-2907

A RAF-2203 (far right) that was used during the liquidation procedure of the Chernobyl Disaster.

• RAF-2203 Latvija – 4x2 4dr van, 1976
• RAF-2203 Latvija [delivery] – 4x2 4dr delivery van
• RAF-2203 Latvija [cardiology] – 4x2 4dr cardiac ambulance
• RAF-2203 Latvija [fire] – 4x2 4dr fire minivan
• RAF-2203 Latvija GAI – 4x2 4dr police van
• RAF-2203 Latvija [mail] – 4x2 4dr mail van
• RAF-2203 Latvija [taxi] – 4x2 4dr taxi van
• RAF-2203 Latvija VAI – 4x2 4dr military police van
• RAF-22031 Latvija – 4x2 4dr ambulance
• RAF-2907 – special car based on RAF-2203

References

1. Thompson, Andy. Cars of the Soviet Union (Haynes Publishing, Somerset, UK, 2008), p.195.
2. Thompson, p.197.
3. Thompson, p.195.
4. Thompson, p.196 caption.
5. Thompson, pp.195 & 197.
6. Thompson, p.197.
7. Thompson, p.197.
8. Thompson, p.197.
9. Thompson, p.197.
10. Thompson, p.197.
11. Thompson, p.195 caption.
12. Thompson, p.198.
13. Thompson, p.198.
14. Thompson, p.198.
15. Thompson, p.198.