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 4254cc 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 90km/h (56mph). 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 100PS (59 or 74kW).[3] Madara built about 3,000 trucks per year throughout the 1980s, which met the needs of the local market.[2]
↑ 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
Wikimedia Commons has media related to GAZ-52/GAZ-53.
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