‘Flying Saucer’ Gas Stations in Kyiv From the Late 1970s and Early 1980s

In the 1970s even banal gas stations in the USSR turned into real masterpieces, without losing their functionality.

In 1977, at least two such gas stations were built in Kyiv. Despite their unusual appearance, they were quite comfortable. It didn’t matter which side of the car the fuel filler neck was on. And the drivers only had to park the car not very far from the desired hose.

After the driver paid off with the operator, a gun with a hose was lowered from the “flying saucer”. So there was no need to jump up after him.

The idea of such gas stations was not invented in the Soviet Union. It was borrowed from the Japanese, where such speakers were popular at the time. That is why these gas stations were called “Japanese”.

Unfortunately, this technology for refueling a car has not caught on. Apparently there were more disadvantages than advantages.