The RAF M1 "Roksana" was designed by
Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika
The Riga Autobus Factory (RAF; ) was a factory in Jelgava, Latvia, making vans and minibuses under the brand name Latvija.
History
Origins, Riga period
During the Soviet period, RAF and UAZ were the only producers of vans and minib ...
in 1991. It was designed to replace the aging
RAF-2203 and offer a new, modern vehicle to the newly opened market after the collapse of
Soviet Union. Only 1 prototype was ever produced until the bankruptcy of
Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika
The Riga Autobus Factory (RAF; ) was a factory in Jelgava, Latvia, making vans and minibuses under the brand name Latvija.
History
Origins, Riga period
During the Soviet period, RAF and UAZ were the only producers of vans and minib ...
in 1998. The prototype was lost after the bankruptcy, but was found in
Ventspils in 2017 and soon presented to the public.
Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika
The Riga Autobus Factory (RAF; ) was a factory in Jelgava, Latvia, making vans and minibuses under the brand name Latvija.
History
Origins, Riga period
During the Soviet period, RAF and UAZ were the only producers of vans and minib ...
developed 2 concept models to replace the
RAF-2203, the 1st concept being the RAF M1 'Roksana' and 2nd the
RAF M2 'Stils'
The RAF M2 "Stils" was designed by Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika in 1994. It was designed to replace the aging RAF-2203 and offer a new modern vehicle to the newly opened market after collapse of Soviet Union. Only 2 prototypes were ever produced (one ...
which was chosen as successor of
RAF-2203, but start of mass production failed, hopes for small production failed soon after due lack of parts, budget and manpower.
The body building and engine installation was done in Riga experimental workshop, after which it was sent to
United Kingdom for final design works. RAF M1 'Roksana' was designed together with British
International Automotive Design
International Automotive Design (IAD UK Ltd) was a British design company, based in West Sussex, England.
IAD UK Ltd was founded in 1976 by John and Yvonne Shute. Initially work came in the form of design services for Rail cars which then led ...
. The
minivan could have seated nine people. Unlike the
RAF M2 'Stils'
The RAF M2 "Stils" was designed by Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika in 1994. It was designed to replace the aging RAF-2203 and offer a new modern vehicle to the newly opened market after collapse of Soviet Union. Only 2 prototypes were ever produced (one ...
, the RAF M1 'Roksana' has stayed as
rear-wheel drive as in its predecessor
RAF-2203.
Gallery
RAF_M1_Roksana_Front.jpg, RAF M1 "Roksana" Front
RAF_M1_Roksana_Side.jpg, RAF M1 "Roksana" Side
RAF_M1_Roksana_Front_Abandoned.jpg, RAF M1 "Roksana" Front Abandoned
RAF_M1_Roksana_Rear_Abandoned.jpg, RAF M1 "Roksana" Rear Abandoned
RAF_M1_Roksana_and_RAF_M2_Stils.jpg, RAF M1 "Roksana" and RAF M2 "Stils"
References
{{Reflist
Raw21.comCSDD.lvDelfi.lv
1990s cars
Riga Autobus Factory vehicles
Vans
Minibuses
Cars introduced in 1991
Motor vehicles manufactured in Latvia