1955 NAMI-050 “Belka” (Squirrel)

NAMI, a leading institution for automotive research in Russia, has a century-long history of significant contributions to Soviet car design, including the first Soviet-made car, NAMI 1. Amid the emergence of the Soviet auto industry, NAMI continued innovating with various concept cars, including the NAMI-050 "Belka" (Squirrel) developed in 1955. Inspired by the NAMI-013 and focusing on a rear engine cab-forward design, the NAMI-050 aimed for efficiency and spaciousness. Despite its advanced design and potential to elevate the Soviet auto industry, it faced resistance due to diversion from military efforts, leading to limited development and eventual discontinuation.

View the Story Cars Archive of Soviet Concept Cars & Prototypes