In the 1970s, even the most ordinary gas stations in the USSR turned into architectural marvels without compromising functionality. In 1977, Kyiv saw the construction of two such gas stations. Despite their distinctive looks, they provided great comfort for drivers.

h/t: vintag.es

One notable feature of these gas stations was that the location of the fuel filler neck didn’t matter. Drivers simply parked their car near the desired hose. Upon payment, a hose attached to a gun would descend from the “flying saucer” above, eliminating the need for drivers to reach for it.

Interestingly, the concept for these gas stations was not originally conceived in the Soviet Union. It was borrowed from Japan, where such designs were popular at the time. Consequently, these gas stations were often referred to as “Japanese.”

Unfortunately, this car refueling technology did not gain popularity and eventually became obsolete due to its numerous drawbacks. Nevertheless, these gas stations still serve as captivating examples of Soviet architecture and design.