GAZ-53
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- GAZ-52
| GAZ-53 | |
|---|---|
 GAZ-53 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | GAZ |
| Also called |
|
| Production | 1961–1993 |
| Assembly | Soviet Union / Russia: Gorky (Nizhny Novgorod) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Truck |
| Body style | 2-door standard cab 4-door double cab (fire engines only) |
| Layout | Front engine layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,700 mm (145.7 in) |
| Length | 6,395 mm (251.8 in) |
| Width | 2,379 mm (93.7 in) |
| Height | 2,190–2,219 mm (86.2–87.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 2,989–3,260 kg (6,590–7,187 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | GAZ-51 |
| Successor | GAZ-3307 |
The GAZ-53 is a 3.5 tonne 4×2 truck produced by GAZ between 1961 and 1993. Introduced first as GAZ-53F, it was joined by the virtually identical 2.5-ton GAZ-52 in 1962, which was produced until 1989.
The GAZ-52 and GAZ-53 trucks are distinguished by different lighting systems, wheel rims and tonnage (payload): the GAZ-52 was able to carry up to 2.5 tonnes of cargo, whereas the GAZ-53A could carry up to 4 tonnes. From 1961 to 1975 the new truck range was produced along with its predecessor, the GAZ-51.
Given the long production run of GAZ-52/53 and their variants, the series is a common sight in Eastern Europe. They should not be mistaken for the broadly similar 5-6 ton ZIL-130, which is also usually painted light blue with a white grille. The GAZ grille is fluted vertically, and the direction indicators are typically located above the headlamps, with the exception of the introductory GAZ-53F. The ZIL has a horizontally slated grille and its flashers are located below the headlamps.
The GAZ-52 and GAZ-53 truck range was designed during the 1950s. The first prototype of the GAZ-52 was built in 1956. It initially was just a modernized GAZ-51 with a new front end and was built on the same chassis and engine, it retained a payload of 2.5 tons. In 1958, a completely new cab was developed which was inspired by contemporary American trucks. Further prototypes were built, increasing the wheelbase from 3300 mm to 3700 mm while the length became 6,395 mm. Under the designation GAZ-52F, the plant produced a series of 300 trucks from 1958 to 1959. From 1959 to 1964, various other prototypes were produced, but none of them went into series production.[1][2]
In the 1960s, the GAZ-53 was developed. A heavier variant with a 3.5 ton payload and a brand-new 4254 cc light-alloy V8 ZMZ-53 engine, which was based on the one used in the GAZ-13 Chaika.[3] The ZMZ-53 produces 120 hp SAE Gross at 3200 rpm, giving the GAZ-53 a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). Early versions, called GAZ-53F, were powered by an old 75-hp (SAE Gross) six-cylinder engine from the GAZ-51 truck; but since 1964, the GAZ-53 was equipped with a 4.3L ZMZ-53 V8 engine.
Production of the GAZ-53 started in 1961 while the GAZ-52 was not built in mass production until 1966.
Payload was increased to 4 tons in the 1965 model, called GAZ-53A. The GAZ-53A was built until January 1983, when the GAZ-53-12 took over until production ended.[4] All variants use a four-speed gearbox, synchronized on third and fourth. A number of other sub-versions were also introduced, including the military version GAZ-53A-016.
Initial front with headlights up (until 1964)
Main front with headlights below (1964-1984)
Final, simplified front with square grille (1985-1993)
.JPG)
In total, over 4 million GAZ-53 were built, making it the most produced truck of the Soviet Union.[4]
