Cold Cash for Coveted Cars

Vladimir Lenin had two. Leonid Brezhnev had one. Now, more and more ordinary Russians are buying their very own Rolls Royce--at least those who have $200,000 to spare.

And some plunk down cash for their cars of choice, said an American car dealer here.

The elegant auto maker recently unveiled its first showroom downtown to “oohs” and “ahs” while armed guards stood by.

Sleek foreign cars have become the symbol of success for Russians anxious to flaunt their new wealth.

Now Russians have gone car-crazy. Last year, 300,000 imported cars were registered in Russia--more than double the number reported in 1991--according to government figures.