The Gorky Automobile Plant (GAZ) is one of the symbols of the Soviet and Russian automotive industry. Over almost a century of existence, the company has gone from assembling licensed Ford-AA to creating your own legendary models such as GAZ-51, Volga GAZ-21 and Gazelle. Today, GAZ remains the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Russia, but its history is full not only of technical achievements, but also of dramatic turns - from evacuation during the war to the crises of the 1990s.
In this article we will analyze the key stages of the plant's development, analyzing how political and economic realities influenced its products. You'll find out why first Soviet trucks were copies of American models, like Volga became a car for the party nomenklatura, and why Gazelle still remains the most popular “workhorse” of Russian roads. We will pay special attention to little-known facts - for example, the fact that GAZ produced not only cars, but also tractors, motorcycles and even armored cars during the Great Patriotic War.
1932–1941: Birth of a giant. From Ford-AA to the first lorry
The idea of creating a Soviet automobile plant appeared in the late 1920s, when the country was in dire need of freight transport. In 1929, the USSR signed an agreement with Ford Motor Company about technical assistance, and three years later - in January 1932 - the first truck rolled off the assembly line NAZ-AA (later renamed to GAZ-AA). This model was an exact copy of the American Ford Model AA, but with adaptation to Soviet roads and climate.
Interesting fact: the plant was originally called Nizhny Novgorod Automobile Plant (NAZ), but after the death of Maxim Gorky in 1936 it was renamed in his honor. The first years of operation of the enterprise were accompanied by serious difficulties:
- 🔧 Lack of qualified personnel - Most workers were trained directly on the job.
- ⚙️ Lack of domestic components — the first engines and gearboxes were imported from the USA.
- ❄️ Extreme Challenges — the machines were tested in the conditions of Siberia and Central Asia, where temperatures ranged from -40°C to +50°C.
By 1940, GAZ had already produced 150 thousand trucks, and also mastered the production of passenger cars - GAZ-M1 (licensed Ford V8-40). This car became the first Soviet sedan available to the top party leadership. However, the peaceful life of the plant was interrupted on June 22, 1941...
1941–1945: War and evacuation. How GAZ saved the front
From the first days of the Great Patriotic War, GAZ switched to military mode. The plant was evacuated to Miass (Chelyabinsk region), where on the basis of its equipment it was created Ural Automobile Plant (UAZ). However, the main production remained in Gorky - the city became one of the key points of Soviet defense.
During the war years, GAZ produced:
- 🚛 Trucks GAZ-MM — modification of the pre-war “lorry” with a simplified design.
- 🛡️ Armored cars BA-64 - light reconnaissance vehicles based on GAZ-64 (prototype of the future GAZ-67B).
- 🔫 Self-propelled units SU-76M - their chassis was produced at GAZ, and the guns were installed at Uralmash.
- 🏍️ Motorcycles GAZ-M72 - copy of German BMW R71, produced for intelligence officers.
In total, during the war years the plant produced about 180 thousand cars, which amounted to more than 40% of all cars produced in the USSR in 1941–1945. At the same time, the enterprise was subjected to regular bombing - in 1943 alone, more than 5 thousand aerial bombs were dropped on GAZ.
⚠️ Attention! Many military GAZ-MM were in use until the 1960s. If you come across such a truck, check the condition of the frame - due to the low-quality steel of those years, it is often susceptible to through corrosion.
| Model | Years of production | Purpose | Number of copies released |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAZ-MM | 1938–1950 | General purpose truck | ~200 000 |
| BA-64 | 1942–1946 | Light armored car | ~9 000 |
| GAZ-63 | 1946–1968 | Four wheel drive truck | ~470 000 |
| GAZ-M72 | 1941–1955 | Motorcycle for reconnaissance | ~8 000 |
1946–1960: Post-war restoration and heyday of the Volga
After the war, GAZ returned to producing civilian products, but priorities changed. The country needed reliable trucks to restore the economy and executive cars for the party elite. In 1946, the legendary GAZ-51 - a truck that became the basis of the Soviet vehicle fleet for the next 30 years.
And in 1956 the premiere took place GAZ-21 "Volga" - a car that became a symbol of the era. Interesting facts about the first Volga:
- 🎨 The design was developed in collaboration with an American company Chrysler, but the final version was completely Soviet.
- 🚗 Volga became the first Soviet car with monocoque body (the frame and body were a single structure).
- 💺 Appeared in the salon adjustable steering wheel and stove with fan - luxury by the standards of that time.
- 🚓 At the base GAZ-21 released taxis, ambulances and even cars for the KGB with reinforced armor.
"Volga" became not just a car, but social phenomenon. Only high-ranking officials, scientists and heroes of labor could buy it. Ordinary citizens had to wait in line for 5–10 years. At the same time, export versions GAZ-21 sold to Finland, Belgium and even Canada!
If you are restoring GAZ-21, pay attention to the original details: chrome-plated door handles, the “deer” emblem on the hood and headlights with “eyelashes” - they significantly increase the collectible value.
1960–1980: The Seagull era and mass production
The 1960s were the heyday of GAZ. The plant produced several iconic models at once:
- 🚖 GAZ-13 "Chaika" (1959–1981) - executive limousine for the top leadership of the USSR. I wonder what Khrushchev banned the sale of "Chaika" to private individuals, and even after his resignation, only ministers and generals could buy the car.
- 🚗 GAZ-24 "Volga" (1970–1992) - “folk” version for the Soviet intelligentsia. This model became the first Volga that could be purchased relatively freely (although the waiting list was still 3–5 years).
- 🚛 GAZ-53 (1961–1993) - a truck that is still found on the roads of post-Soviet countries. Its V8 engine produces 120 hp. considered extremely reliable.
During this period, GAZ became a real “training ground” for the Soviet automobile industry. Future chief designers worked here VAZ and ZIL, and the technologies developed at the Volga were later used in the creation Lada.
However, there were also problems. For example, build quality often limped due to a shortage of components. So, in the 1970s there was not enough paint on the assembly line, and some GAZ-24 painted in gray color, which was later called the "color of scarcity".
Why was the GAZ-24 called a “barge”
The nickname "barge" appeared because of the soft suspension and high body, which made the car very smooth on the move, but prone to strong rolls when cornering. In addition, early versions had problems with the steering, causing the car to "float" on the road at high speeds.
1980–1991: Decline of the Soviet era. "Volga" GAZ-3102 and the quality crisis
The 1980s were a time of missed opportunities for GAZ. The plant continued to produce outdated models, while the global auto industry switched to front-wheel drive and electronic control systems. Main events of the period:
- 🚗 GAZ-3102 "Volga" (1982–2008) - deep modernization GAZ-24, but essentially the same car with a new body. Its main innovation is diesel engine (on export versions).
- 💥 Fire 1988 — a major fire occurred on the main conveyor belt, which paralyzed production for several months.
- 📉 Decline in quality — due to a shortage of spare parts and lack of competition, cars were assembled “from what was available.” For example, on GAZ-3102 often installed engines from GAZ-24 without modifications.
During this period, GAZ began to lose VAZ, which produced more modern and affordable Zhiguli cars. However, the plant remained a monopolist in the segment commercial vehicles - trucks GAZ-3307 and minibuses GAZ-2705 (“Gazelle”) were indispensable for the Soviet economy.
⚠️ Attention! Upon purchase GAZ-3102 1980s–1990s check condition rear axle. Due to design flaws, it often fails at loads exceeding 1 ton.
1991–2000: Survival in the 1990s. Privatization and the birth of the Gazelle
The collapse of the USSR became a difficult test for GAZ. The plant lost many suppliers and markets, and inflation made new cars unaffordable for most Russians. However, in the 1990s, key events took place that determined the future of the enterprise:
- 💰 Privatization 1993 — GAZ became a joint-stock company, but the state retained control.
- 🚐 Launch of the Gazelle (1994) - a compact truck that saved the plant from bankruptcy. First GAZ-3302 assembled literally “on the knee”, using units from Volga.
- 🤝 Cooperation with Steyr and Chrysler — attempts to release modern models (GAZ-3105 and GAZ-3111), but due to the 1998 crisis the projects were frozen.
"Gazelle" became a real phenomenon. This car combined:
- 💪 Load capacity 1.5 tons with compact dimensions.
- 🔧 Ease of repair - many details are unified with the Volga.
- 💵 Low price compared to imported analogues.
By the end of the 1990s, Gazelle was ranked 70% of the light commercial vehicle market in Russia. However, the car also had serious problems - for example, weak frame, which often broke under overloads.
Frame side members for through corrosion|Condition of the rear axle (bearing wear is a common problem)|Gearbox operation (synchronizers often wear out)|Body integrity (especially sills and arches)-->
2000–present: New owners and struggle for the market
In the 2000s, GAZ experienced several changes of owners. In 2005, control over the plant was gained by Oleg Deripaska through his company Basic Element. The new owners tried to modernize production:
- 🚛 Launch LAWN NEXT (2013) - the first all-new truck in 20 years. The model received a modern cabin and a diesel engine Cummins.
- 🚐 Updated Gazelle (2010, 2013, 2020) — the plant regularly modernized the model, adding new engines and safety systems.
- 💡 Experiments with electric vehicles — in 2018, GAZ introduced an electric version Gazelles, but mass production never began.
Today GAZ remains the leader in the commercial vehicle market, but faces serious challenges:
- 🇨🇳 Competition with Chinese brands (FAW, Foton).
- 🌍 Sanctions and shortage of imported components (for example, engines Cummins).
- 🔋 Transition to environmentally friendly technologies — the plant is forced to adapt to new standards
Euro-5/Euro-6.
In 2022–2026, GAZ focused on import substitution. For example, instead of foreign engines they began to install domestic ones YaMZ-534 and GAZ-560. The plant also resumed production GAZelle-Business with gasoline engines, which are easier to maintain in the regions.
GAZ remains the only Russian manufacturer that produces a full range of commercial vehicles - from light Gazelles to heavy trucks LAWN NEXT and buses LiAZ (part of the GAZ group).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Gorky Automobile Plant
Why were the first Soviet trucks copies of Ford?
In the 1920s–1930s, the USSR had no experience in mass automobile production. Cooperation with Ford made it possible to quickly launch the plant and train workers. Copying American models (Ford AA, Ford V8-40) was more profitable than developing your own machines from scratch. At the same time, Soviet engineers adapted the design to local conditions - for example, they strengthened the suspension for off-road driving.
How much did the Volga GAZ-21 cost in the 1960s?
Official price GAZ-21 in the 1960s was 5,500 rubles. For comparison, the average salary of a Soviet engineer was then about 120 rubles per month. Thus, the car cost almost 4 years salary — only the highest officials could buy it. Ordinary citizens had to wait in line for 5–10 years or buy used copies at speculative prices (up to 8,000–10,000 rubles).
Is it true that GAZ produced tractors?
Yes, in the 1930s–1940s GAZ produced tractors SHTZ-NATI (under license from an American company Allis-Chalmers). The plant also produced tracked tractors GAZ-60 and GAZ-63, which were used in agriculture and the army. However, after the war, tractor production was transferred to specialized factories, and GAZ focused on cars.
Which GAZ model was the most popular?
Absolute record holder - truck GAZ-53 (1961–1993). Total issued about 4 million copies (including modifications). In second place - GAZ-51 (3.5 million), in third - Gazelle (more than 3 million from 1994 to the present).
Why is the Gazelle still popular despite its outdated design?
The success of the Gazelle is explained by three factors:
- Maintainability — most of the parts are unified with the Volga, they are easy to find and replace.
- Low cost of ownership - compared to imported vans Gazelle cheaper to maintain and insure.
- Adaptability to Russian roads - a high seating position, durable suspension and a simple engine allow you to drive where foreign cars break down.
However, the model also has disadvantages: a weak frame, high fuel consumption and a low level of comfort.