The Moskvitch-408 (also referred to as the Moskvich-408, and M-408) series is a small family car produced by the Soviet car manufacturer MZMA/AZLK between 1964 and 1976. The M-408, the first of the series, replaced the second generation Moskvitch 407 as the main production model; it had a longer wheelbase than the 407. Design work started in 1959, and the first prototype appeared in March 1961. The first production 408 was built 1 August 1964, and the 408 was given its official debut 21 October. First marketed body styles of the main version were a 4-door saloon (base), 5-door estate (the model M-426, an upgrade of second generation M-423 and 424), and 3-door sedan delivery (the M-433, an upgrade of the second generation 432 delivery pick-up). The rear end design of the pre-facelift models were copied from the rear end of the BMW 700,while the hood was hinged in front
During 1966—67, the car was also produced by the IZH military factory in the city of Izhevsk, carrying the IZH-Moskvitch-408 name — though usually called simply "Izh". This car was a direct clone of the MZMA Moskvitch-408, except for the badges. It was replaced in production with the Izh-412, a copy of M-412, starting 1967 and up to 1976.