GAZ-53

GAZ-53
GAZ-53
Overview
Manufacturer	GAZ
Also called	GAZ-52
Production	1961–1993
Body and chassis
Class	Truck
Body style	2-door standard cab 4-door double cab (fire engines only)
Layout	Front engine layout
Powertrain
Engine	3.5L GAZ-51 I6 (1961-1964, after that only on GAZ-52 variant) 4.3L ZMZ-53 V8 (1964-1993)
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 4x2 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.

History

Interior

The main (or basic) variant of GAZ-53 with no suffix letter was released in 1964. It featured the brand-new 4254 cc light-alloy V8 ZMZ-53 engine, which was a modified version of the one used in the GAZ-13 Chaika, with a reduced compression ratio and smaller 2 barrel carburetor.[1] The ZMZ-53 produces 120 hp SAE Gross at 3200 rpm, giving the GAZ-53 a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). With the exception of the new cab, V8 engine, and brakes, most other parts of the GAZ-53 and GAZ-52 were taken from the old GAZ-51 truck. These are the chassis, which was extended and reinforced on the GAZ-53, the transmission and axles, alongside some others.

• Evolution of the front of GAZ-52/53
• 
  Initial front with headlights up (until 1964)
• 
  Main front with headlights below (1964-1984)
• 
  Final simplified front with square grille (1985-1993)

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. 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.[2] 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.

In total, over 4 million GAZ-53 were built, making it the most produced truck of the Soviet Union.[2]

Bulgaria

The GAZ-53A was also license-built by KTA Madara in Shumen, Bulgaria, beginning in 1967. They were called the Madara 400 series (the "4" representing its four-tonne payload). Beginning in the 1970s, the Bulgarian-built trucks were fitted with locally built four-cylinder 3.9 liter Perkins diesel (later also turbodiesel) engines, made by the Vasil Kolarov engine plant in Varna.[2] These engines had either 80 or 100 PS (59 or 74 kW).[3] Madara built about 3,000 trucks per year throughout the 1980s, which met the needs of the local market.[2]

References

1. Двигатели V8 ЗМЗ конструкция, характеристики, история разработки
2. "ГАЗ 53" [GAZ-53]. АвтоКлуб ГАЗ 53 (in Russian). Archived from the original on 20 September 2019.
3. Rex, Rainer, ed. (July 1989), Lastauto Omnibus Katalog 1990 [Truck and bus catalog] (in German), vol. 19, Motor-Presse-Verlag GmbH und Co. KG, p. 50, 81531/89001

External links

• AutoClub GAZ-53/52