In one of the machine shops in Samara, a boat model 343 is being restored «Volga», presumably used in the filming of the movie «Brilliantovaya Ruka». At the end of the film, Semyon Semenych Gorbunkov, the hero of Yuri Nikulin, is taking a family boat of this model.
The boat was found several years ago in the back yards of the Saratov Film Studio by the technicians of the AF Motors studio in Samara engaged in restoration of retro equipment. They bought the boat for 200 thousand rubles and started her reconstruction.
So far, the mechanics have managed to restore the engine from 1958. In the winter they promise to proceed to the restoration of the hull and deck. The project budget is estimated between 1.5 and 8 million rubles.
The hydrofoil boat «Volga» was designed by SKB SSB «Krasnoye Sormovo» Gorky. The first hull was produced there in 1958. It was powered by a four-stroke carburetor petrol engine M652U rated at 77 hp. Torpedo from GAZ-21 was used as an instrument panel.
