Soviet means reliable: how the ZIL refrigerator saved Fidel Castro

Today's youth are often surprised that representatives of the older generation are in no hurry to part with old household appliances. And if modern washing machines still convince with their convenience, and new televisions are simply necessary in connection with the transition to digital television, then with refrigerators the situation is different. Old units are carefully stored in apartments; in extreme cases, they are transported to the countryside.

“Junk,” as the children of the 21st century call it, to their surprise, is in working order. And even to this day it regularly performs its functions, which earns a certain respect from the generation of disposable things. And the grandfather or grandmother repeats one thing with some pride: “Soviet means reliable!”

So once again the fate of the old refrigerator does not change; it continues to freeze. Among the many “indestructible” units is the Soviet ZIL refrigerator.

Why ZIL is not only a long-liver, but also a legend

Having taken a closer look at the famous refrigerator, you understand: this household device could not have had a different fate.

IMPORTANT! The ZIL refrigerator was called the most reliable among all models produced in the Soviet Union.

Here are some facts from the history of its production.

• The refrigerator was produced at the famous capital automobile plant "ZiL" - the Likhachev plant. The enterprise was staffed with high-class specialists, the equipment also corresponded to the level of the plant.
• The most stringent requirements were imposed on components. Thanks to the authority of the enterprise, the Zilov workers could afford to mercilessly reject parts. Even if they had minimal deviations from the norm. For example, small stains or the use of enamel that deviates one tone from the declared one.

• REFERENCE! To maintain the quality of its products, the Likhachev plant could send the entire batch of blanks to the supplier. Sometimes such a rejected batch amounted to wagons!

The same high demands were placed on their own work. If during the assembly and manufacturing process of the device a small scratch or dent appeared on its surface, the device received the status of defective.

Technical characteristics of the ZIL refrigerator

The main advantage of the unit was, of course, its high-quality work.
The heavy unit, impressive in size, with thick metal walls, reliably preserved food.

"ZIL" in facts and figures

• 8 mm - thickness of steel sheets, which were used for the body.
• The volume of the device ranged from 165 (first model) to 240 l (second model).
• Silicate enamel, which was used to paint surfaces, made it possible to protect the metal from corrosion. It also made it easy to maintain the device.
• The handle of the device could become a lock. This was important for residents of communal apartments. So the refrigerator could be placed not in your room, but in the hallway or kitchen.
• From 8 l (1st issue) up to 24 l (2nd model) was the volume of the freezer.

How Soviet technology saved the Cuban commander

The Soviet Union was rightfully proud of ZIL products.

One of these refrigerators, produced in the 60s of the last century, was sent to Liberty Island, to Cuban leader Fidel Castro. His life was constantly in danger. Conspiracies and assassinations followed one after another.

Once again, the American intelligence services decided to take advantage of the commandant’s habit. He loved milk very much, and in the hot Cuban climate he often drank ice-cold milkshakes. Exactly They decided to put a poisonous ampoule in a milkshake.

The Americans managed to do a lot: bribe the waiter, smuggle in poison, even throw it into milk that was cooling in the freezer. The only thing they didn’t take into account was the quality of Soviet technology! “ZIL” froze not only the milk, but also the poisonous pill, preventing it from dissolving.

Thus, products made by the hands of Moscow workers once again demonstrated that Soviet means reliable!

And this applies not only to the refrigerator that we talked about today. Perhaps you have also seen various long-lived devices that began their life in the last century and are still working?