Legendary lorry
True lovers of antiquities realize the real value and rare dignity of trucks, which have become a significant indicator of the power of mechanical engineering and the level of development of society. In the territory modern Russia Vintage trucks have a long and eventful history with several ups and downs.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Russia did not have a separate automobile production industry. It was only in 1908 that the production of automobiles was mastered at the Riga Russian-Baltic Carriage Works. But until 1915, this only automobile plant of the empire produced only 450 passenger cars and several trucks.
In 1915, construction began on five automobile factories (Moscow, near Moscow, in Rybinsk, Yaroslavl and Rostov-on-Don), which were supposed to produce more than 3,500 trucks in the first year. But history took a different path, and not a single plant was fully built until the end of the First World War.
But some of these factories became an excellent base for the development of post-revolutionary Soviet automobile industry. In 1918, the nationalized plant "Automobile Moscow Society" began preparations for the production of the first truck based on the one and a half ton Italian FIAT-15-ter.
At the beginning of 1924, the state ordered the production of the first completely domestic truck at the AMO plant. They also took a friend as a basis italian car FIAT brand, it was named AMO-F15. Over the ten years of production, more than 6 thousand trucks of this brand were produced.
Since 1925, the Yaroslavl Automobile Plant began producing trucks in small batches called Ya-3, which had a carrying capacity of three tons. For the first time, the steering wheel of this retro truck was placed on the left side, and the engines were used from the American White truck. The cabin was made of oak, and the interior lining was upholstered in leather. In its outdated design, the truck was not produced for long, until 1928. After that, the Ya-4 and Ya-5 trucks were produced in Yaroslavl, which were much improved compared to the first model. They had German engines from a Mercedes-Benz car with 70 horsepower and the American Hercules YXC with 93 horsepower, respectively.
Since 1932, an automobile plant in the city of Gorky was connected to the first two plants. At this automobile plant, the basis for the production of its own truck was American Ford-A cars and Ford-AA, which were slightly modified by domestic specialists and received the official name GAZ-AA, or popular “lorry”, due to its carrying capacity of 1.5 tons.
Six years later, the truck received new engine by 50 Horse power, and the new name GAZ-MM. Although the trucks did not differ in appearance, the GAZ-MM was equipped with a reinforced suspension and a new cardan shaft. Both Gorky car became the most popular trucks of the pre-war period, which were widely used in national economy and in the Red Army of the Soviet Union.
In the post-war period, the production of Soviet trucks intensified, but the classic retro trucks of the pre-war era were gradually withdrawn from production, losing to their new brothers in speed and load-carrying capacity.
January 29, 1932 on Gorky Automobile Plant The first GAZ-AA truck, the legendary lorry, rolled off the assembly line. It became one of the first legendary Soviet trucks that our country can be proud of. Many of these cars still drive on the streets of Russia.
AMO-F-15 - the first Soviet truck
The first Soviet truck appeared in 1922. Then the small and angular AMO-F-15, created on the basis of an Italian cargo truck, hit the streets for the first time. FIAT car 15 Ter, which was produced at the AMO plant (current ZIL) in 1917-1919. But at the same time, the design was noticeably changed by local engineers.
The first ten copies of the AMO-F-15 took part in a demonstration on Red Square dedicated to the anniversary of the Revolution. And three of them a few days later were sent on a test rally along Russian off-road. The trucks performed very well during this long run, so the factory started them mass production. In total, between 1924 and 1931, 6,285 AMO units rolled off the assembly line. 
GAZ-AA - the legendary “lorry” 
This vehicle received its nickname “lorry” (and also “half-truck”) due to the 1.5-ton payload for which this truck was designed. Initially, GAZ-AA was created on the basis Ford car Model AA, but then modernized several times, eventually becoming an independent vehicle. 
GAZ-AA was produced from 1932 to 1950, eventually becoming one of the most popular trucks in the history of the USSR (985 thousand copies). Finest hour“one and a half” came during the Second World War - this unpretentious, simple, but reliable truck became the main “horse” of the Red Army. Including during the breakthrough of the Siege of Leningrad, when relatively light gas trucks transported food in large quantities to the besieged city across the ice of Lake Ladoga. 
ZiS-5 – three-tonka
Another legendary participant in the Great Patriotic War was the ZiS-5 truck (aka “three-tonka”, aka “Zakhar”, aka “Zakhar Ivanovich”). 
Serial production of the ZiS-5 began in 1933. In fact, this truck became the successor to the AMO-3. It was assembled entirely from domestic components, and during the war its design was simplified as much as possible - in harsh years, quantity was more important than quality. By the way, the legendary “Katyusha” was also created on the basis of this truck, albeit slightly modernized (officially called ZiS-6). 
GAZ-51 – truck for virgin lands
The first copy of the GAZ-51 truck was created and shown to the public back in 1940, however, the war prevented it mass production. So serial production began only in 1946, when the country needed equipment for post-war reconstruction. 
Having become the country's most popular truck in the fifties, the GAZ-51 was actively used in the development of the Virgin Lands - the untouched fertile steppes in northern Kazakhstan. For the participants of this “great march” it became one of the symbols new era, the growth of the economic power of the USSR in those years. 
Successful design and enough low price turned the GAZ-51 into an export product that Soviet Union delivered abroad. Moreover, not only to the countries of the Eastern bloc, but also to capitalist states.
ZiS-150 - a successful “clone” of an American truck
Externally domestic truck ZiS-150 is very similar to american car International Harvester K-7, however, it cannot be considered a “clone”. In fact, this American car only had a cabin - during the war, Soviet representatives were able to negotiate with the United States on the supply of body stamping presses. The technical basis of the new product is local development and production. 
At first, the body of the ZiS-150 was made partly of wood - the war-ravaged country did not have enough metal. However, over time this flaw was corrected. The truck was produced between 1947 and 1957. A total of 771,883 units of this car were produced. 
ZIL-130 – universal truck
ZIL-130 is probably the most versatile truck domestic production. On the basis of this vehicle, over its half-century history, not only trucks themselves were created, but also dump trucks, tractors, fire trucks, snow removal vehicles, garbage trucks, etc. The secret of this versatility is a successful design that allows you to change the purpose vehicle without changing it technical part, relatively low production cost and reliability, allowing the truck to be used for decades. 
Trucks are still produced on the ZIL-130 chassis. True, now they are called AMUR. However, hundreds of thousands of Soviet-made ZILs are still driving on the roads of Russia and other countries. In total, more than three million copies of this truck were produced. 
GAZ-66 – cargo SUV
GAZ-66 was created to travel through the most extreme conditions, where no other vehicle can pass. Four driven wheels allow the car to drive on mud, rough terrain, rocks, rocks and other unpleasant surfaces. This is the reason why the GAZ-66 has become perhaps the main army truck. 
What about the Soviet and Russian army! Even Jean-Claude Van Damme's character in the action movie The Expendables 2 drove a GAZ-66! Isn't this truly global recognition? 
Ural-375 – six-axle SUV
Ural-375 - another one four wheel drive truck, which was widely used not only for civilian, but also for military needs. Three driving axles and huge wheels, as well as high load capacity allowed to drive it around the most bad roads and in the absence of these, not only people and cargo, but even systems volley fire"Grad". However, there are significant technical shortcomings, for example, unreliable but expensive Gas engine, as well as problems in brake system led to the fact that the Ministry of Defense began to replace this truck with the Ural-4320 already in 1982. 
In the civilian sector, the Ural-375 truck, produced until 1992, is still used in the oil and geological exploration industries. 
KrAZ-255 – Ukrainian hero
KrAZ-255 is a real legend of the Ukrainian and Soviet automotive industry. During its existence (since 1967), it received from the people, probably, more nicknames than any other domestic car, for example, “laptezhnik”, “bast shoe” and even “lunokhod”. There are legends about the towing power and all-terrain capability of this truck. It is believed that this car can pull seven wagons loaded with coal straight along the sleepers. 
More interesting fact – individual models The KrAZ-255 can be fueled not only with gasoline, but also with kerosene. Partly because of this, it was used as a tractor at airfields. However, being a driver this truck– a real torment (just look at the lack of power steering!). No wonder his other nickname is “cannibal.” 
KamAZ - the king of Soviet trucks
In principle, the KamAZ brand itself can be called the “main Soviet truck”! After all, since the mid-seventies, it was these vehicles that took over a significant part of civil cargo transportation in the country. And the first model produced by the plant in Naberezhnye Chelny in 1976 was the KamAZ-5320. 
KamAZ-5320 did not have a sleeping place in the cab, which later became a signature element of this brand, but it was reliable and powerful by truck. In subsequent models, such a constructive addition appeared that turned the truck not just into a car, but into a real house on wheels. 
Which took place in Louisville, Kentucky in late March early April, not only new modern trucks, but also antique retro cars, presented by members of the Historic Truck Society of America.
The oldest truck was an unrestored International SF 46 with six-cylinder engine and a 4-speed gearbox. 
And the International 4300 Transtar Eagle tractor was completed literally two days before the opening of the exhibition. 
Peterbilt 359 truck with a 400 hp Caterpillar engine. With. and a 15-speed gearbox produced in 1986 in a classic American design - with a long “nose” and a sleeping bag. 
Another “long-nosed” tractor with a 400-horsepower engine is the AutoCar DC-75, produced in 1954. The car was quite popular in the USA in the 50s and for some time even received the nickname “King of the Roads” 
Looking inside we see that the interior of the truck is simple and laconic 
Triaxial Mack tractor B-61 1961 
And another “bulldog” - a sports two-axle Mack truck B-61 1964 with a turbocharged engine producing 250 hp. and 15 step box. Retro sport trucks are very different from modern racing trucks. Outwardly they are very similar to ordinary cars, except that the “filling” is more powerful. 
Or this sports Ford 1949 with a 90-horsepower engine 
Although I saw the car in war paint - a Kenworth 1938 with a 6-cylinder Cummins engine with 175 hp. This “black cat” accelerates right up to... 70 mph. The truck still races today. 
This 1987 Peterbilt 359 has a lot of good looks. And instead of a heart - flame motor Cummins 400 hp 
We have american trucks associated primarily with large, “nosy” tractors, like the 1975 Dodge Big Horn with a 350-horsepower Cummins engine 
Or this handsome 1954 Kenworth KWCC 523 
They were produced in the USA, and are still being produced, trucks cabover arrangement. Here's a 1973 Dodge L-1000, for example. 
1979 International 4070B Transtar cabover 
1968 GMC Crackerbox tractor with Detroit Diesel engine 
Here's another unusual truck - a 1950 GMC Cannonball. Power unit Cummins 400 hp, 13-speed gearbox 
And finally, a few light trucks: 1933 Ford Stakebad 
International KB-2 truck produced in 1949 
International KB-8 truck produced in 1948 
Chevrolet 10500 truck 1956 
January 29, 1932 The first truck rolled off the assembly line at the Gorky Automobile Plant GAZ-AA, the legendary “lorry”. He became one of the first legendary Soviet trucks that our country can be proud of. Many of these cars still drive on the streets of Russia.
The first ten copies of the AMO-F-15 took part in a demonstration on Red Square dedicated to the anniversary of the Revolution. And three of them a few days later were sent on a test rally along Russian off-road roads. The trucks showed their best performance during this long run, so the plant began their mass production. In total, between 1924 and 1931, 6,285 AMO units rolled off the assembly line.
GAZ-AA - the legendary “lorry”
This vehicle received its nickname “lorry” (and also “half-truck”) due to the 1.5-ton payload for which this truck was designed. Initially, GAZ-AA was created on the basis of the Ford Model AA, but then it was modernized several times, eventually becoming an independent vehicle.
GAZ-AA was produced from 1932 to 1950, eventually becoming one of the most popular trucks in the history of the USSR (985 thousand copies). The finest hour of the “lorry” came during the Second World War - this unpretentious, simple, but reliable truck became the main “horse” of the Red Army. Including during the breakthrough of the Siege of Leningrad, when relatively light gas trucks transported food in large quantities to the besieged city across the ice of Lake Ladoga.
ZiS-5 – three-tonka
Another legendary participant in the Great Patriotic War was the ZiS-5 truck (aka “three-tonka”, aka “Zakhar”, aka “Zakhar Ivanovich”).
Serial production of the ZiS-5 began in 1933. In fact, this truck became the successor to the AMO-3. It was assembled entirely from domestic components, and during the war its design was simplified as much as possible - in harsh years, quantity was more important than quality. By the way, the legendary “Katyusha” was also created on the basis of this truck, albeit slightly modernized (officially called ZiS-6).
GAZ-51 – truck for virgin lands
The first copy of the GAZ-51 truck was created and shown to the public back in 1940, but the war prevented its mass production. So serial production began only in 1946, when the country needed equipment for post-war reconstruction.
Having become the country's most popular truck in the fifties, the GAZ-51 was actively used in the development of the Virgin Lands - the untouched fertile steppes in northern Kazakhstan. For the participants in this “great march” it became one of the symbols of the new era, the growth of the economic power of the USSR in those years.
A successful design and a fairly low price turned the GAZ-51 into an export product that the Soviet Union supplied abroad. Moreover, not only to the countries of the Eastern bloc, but also to capitalist states.
ZiS-150 - a successful “clone” of an American truck
Externally, the domestic ZiS-150 truck is very similar to the American International Harvester K-7, but it cannot be considered a “clone”. In fact, this American car only had a cabin - during the war, Soviet representatives were able to negotiate with the United States on the supply of body stamping presses. The technical basis of the new product is local development and production.
At first, the body of the ZiS-150 was made partly of wood - the war-ravaged country did not have enough metal. However, over time this flaw was corrected. The truck was produced between 1947 and 1957. A total of 771,883 units of this car were produced.
ZIL-130 – universal truck
ZIL-130 is probably the most versatile truck of domestic production. On the basis of this vehicle, over its half-century history, not only trucks themselves were created, but also dump trucks, tractors, fire trucks, snow removal vehicles, garbage trucks, etc. The secret of this versatility is a successful design that allows you to change the purpose of the vehicle without changing its technical part, a relatively low production cost and reliability that allows you to operate the truck for decades.
Trucks are still produced on the ZIL-130 chassis. True, now they are called AMUR. However, hundreds of thousands of Soviet-made ZILs are still driving on the roads of Russia and other countries. In total, more than three million copies of this truck were produced.
GAZ-66 – cargo SUV
GAZ-66 was created to travel through the most extreme conditions, where no other vehicle can pass. Four driven wheels allow the car to drive on mud, rough terrain, rocks, rocks and other unpleasant surfaces. This is the reason why the GAZ-66 has become perhaps the main army truck.
What about the Soviet and Russian armies! Even Jean-Claude Van Damme's character in the action movie The Expendables 2 drove a GAZ-66! Isn't this truly global recognition?
Ural-375 – six-axle SUV
Ural-375 is another all-wheel drive truck that was widely used not only for civilian, but also for military needs. Three drive axles and huge wheels, as well as a large load capacity, made it possible to transport not only people and cargo, but even Grad multiple launch rocket systems on the worst roads and in the absence of them. However, significant technical shortcomings, for example, an unreliable but costly gasoline engine, as well as problems in the braking system, led to the fact that already in 1982 the Ministry of Defense began to replace this truck with the Ural-4320.
In the civilian sector, the Ural-375 truck, produced until 1992, is still used in the oil and geological exploration industries.
KrAZ-255 – Ukrainian hero
KrAZ-255 is a real legend of the Ukrainian and Soviet automotive industry. During its existence (since 1967), it received from the people, probably, more nicknames than any other domestic car, for example, “laptezhnik”, “bast shoe” and even “lunokhod”. There are legends about the towing power and all-terrain capability of this truck. It is believed that this car can pull seven wagons loaded with coal directly along the sleepers.
Another interesting fact is that some KrAZ-255 models can be fueled not only with gasoline, but also with kerosene. Partly because of this, it was used as a tractor at airfields. However, being a driver of this truck is a real torment (just look at the lack of power steering!). No wonder his other nickname is “cannibal.”
In principle, the KamAZ brand itself can be called the “main Soviet truck”! After all, since the mid-seventies, it was these vehicles that took over a significant part of civil cargo transportation in the country. And the first model produced by the plant in Naberezhnye Chelny in 1976 was the KamAZ-5320.
KamAZ-5320 did not have a sleeping place in the cab, which later became a signature element of this brand, but it was a reliable and powerful truck. In subsequent models, such a constructive addition appeared that turned the truck not just into a car, but into a real house on wheels.
