2003 | UAZ 31512

How about this for something completely different? This is a UAZ, which is a Russian military jeep, and extremely rare in the UK.

UAZ was founded in 1941 and post-war was primarily involved in building four-wheel-drive vehicles for the Soviet state. The model you see here, initially called the 469, was launched in 1972 and remained only for police and military use until the late 80s, but together with the 452 van, became their most iconic models. Amazingly, both models are still in production today.

They are rugged and robust vehicles that are simple to maintain, of not the last word in sophistication!

This 2003 example has a Polish-made Andoria 2.4-litre turbo diesel in place of the GAZ petrol engine you find in earlier models. There’s a four-speed manual gearbox, servo brakes. This one was optioned with the decedent luxury of power steering, along with free-wheel front hubs and corrosion protection. The canvas roof is removeable, the tops of the doors come off and even the windscreen folds down like a Land Rover for fully fresh air motoring.

Only 35t KM are recorded on the odometer and, based on the condition of the vehicle, particularly the touch points of the interior, we believe this to be correct.

This UAZ was bought new in 2003 by Lt.Col. Watts, Naval & Military Attache of the British Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. We have both its Russian and Polish registration documents, together with the original contract of sale (it was 8905 Euro new in 2003).

Watts then exported the UAZ to the UK in 2004 where it was UK registered. We even have the paperwork from the embassy giving its date of travel to the UK, which makes us wonder if he drove it all the way from Warsaw.

We have quite a bit of paperwork from the UK detailing repairs and servicing, plus a engine repair manual. As you can see it was treated to a ‘UAZ’ private number plate, which is rather nice and comes with it.

We have replaced the cambelt, changed the oil and filter, thermostat and coolant, as well as replacing the starter motor, ignition switch, indicator stalk and vacuum pump all with new parts. 12 months MoT just passed.

We think this is a fantastic thing – super rare and interesting. Parts are available as they’re still in production. Just like an old Land Rover it’s probably not something for a long motorway commute but ideal for local journeys and known to be excellent off road and very hardy. And take the roof off in the summer!