"GAZ 53" is our car

A domestic-produced truck "GAZ 53" can not be overemphasized: for its entire production period it became the most widespread medium-tonnage vehicle on the territory of the Soviet Union. This truck was produced in the period from 1961 to 1992. For 30 years, more than four million units of such equipment have come down from the Gorky conveyor. It was used in all branches of agriculture and actively delivered products to many cities of the USSR. On its basis, military and communal equipment was designed. And now you can see "GAZ 53" - dumper, gasoline tanker, milk tanker, cement carrier, food thermal van and many other modifications. They were all made with a 4x2 wheel formula and were rear-wheel drive. The novelty, due to the high clearance (25 centimeters), had high cross-country ability and perfectly overcome obstacles.

History of development

The legendary toiler "GAZ" had an all-metal cabin. Three people were freely placed in it, despite the fact that the seat was one for everyone. Simply put, the seat was a huge sofa, on which you can not only ride, but even sleep. The overall design of the cab was borrowed from a similar "ZIL 130" - projecting wings and a long hood. Because of this, the salon area was very small. The entire finish of the instrument panel was metal. About comfort at that time, no one, unfortunately, did not even think about it.

Changes in the design

During the entire period of production, the design of the front cladding changed three times. It is worth saying that engineers did not touch the technical part, and for 30 years it has not changed. In the first decade of production, the headlights were on top and the front lights on the bottom. In the mid-70s of the last century, small changes were made to the design - the radiator lining and the headlights placed below, in addition, gave the truck a semblance of a smile. With this design, "GAZ" was produced until 1985. In that year the plant made the last significant change to the cabin. So, the new trucks had a larger lining with new headlights.

"GAZ 53" was so popular that on its extended chassis the passenger bus "KAVZ" of model 685 was designed. Also a tractor was made from the chassis. But it was produced in small quantities (while ZIL-tractor was manufactured massively), and today it is almost impossible to meet such a "GAZon".

Simplicity was everywhere - from a modest interior to the engine and gearbox. Due to this repair, for example, the rear axle, or the adjustment of the valves "GAZ 53" was not difficult. For this, only a couple of tools and a manual for operation were needed.

For export

Gorky Automobile Plant also produced an export version in a tropical version, which was named GAZ 53-50 / 70. It was actively supplied to Cuba, Vietnam, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Finland and even China. Since the late 60-ies in the Bulgarian town of Shumen was built factory "Madara", which was engaged in the production of the corresponding machine kits.

This truck is considered a true legend of the USSR.