RAF-2203 Latvija is a minibus produced by the Riga factory in 1976-1997, which was widely used as route taxis and official transport. In the 90s, "rafiki" was replaced by more modern transport for security reasons, but until now in some Caucasian republics and remote regions of Russia "Latvians" are still popular.
The peculiarity of minibuses is that they were rarely provided for personal use, and even then only for large families. For this, the "Lux" model was produced in small batches, an 8-seater transport with increased cabin comfort with comfortable and safe child seats.
Specialized machines were created under the supervision of specialists from the industry for which the main version was modified. For example, to create an ambulance van, surgeons and ambulance doctors were invited to give recommendations on the internal equipment of the car.
RAF-2203 was designed on the basis of the previous model RAF-977DM, and retained the main features of the prototype - a four-door minibus with a GAZ-24 "Volga" aggregate base.
Features of "Latvia"
The engine was located above the front axle, which led to a poor ride of the car, permanent damage to the front suspension. Drum brakes on all wheels also contributed little to good handling. In 1987. the minibus was modernized after the Volga, adding disc brakes and slightly changing the engine, which improved driving performance.
The model was named RAF-22038. In 1987, the factory produces the transitional RAF-2203-01, running new developments on it. Since 1988, a fundamentally new version of the "Latvian" 22038-02 has been released. The car used the GAZ-24-10 aggregate base, slightly changed in appearance. And since 1993, another modification of the RAF-22039 has gone into series, featuring an increased capacity of up to 13 people.
Variety of models
22031 - equipped with sophisticated medical equipment, "ambulance", for a long time was "in service" with medical institutions of the USSR and friendly countries.
22032 is a "minibus" with seats along the sides, a comfortable and roomy minibus that can be seen in many old films.
22033 - police service transport.
22034 - fire service transport.
2914 - The ambulance is a real treasure for the rescue services of its time. All the little things and features of the resuscitation equipment were taken into account in the car.
3311 - flatbed truck, and several other modifications.
