GAZ-53
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Single source|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = GAZ-53
| aka = {{ubl | GAZ-52 }}
| image = Red GAZ-53.jpg
| caption = GAZ-53
| production = 1961–1993
| class = Truck
| related =
| layout = Front engine layout
| engine = {{ubl|3.5L GAZ-51 I6 (1961-1964, after that only on GAZ-52 variant)|4.3L ZMZ-53 V8 (1964-1993)}}
| predecessor = GAZ-51
| successor = GAZ-3307
| transmission = 4-speed manual
| wheelbase = {{convert|3700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|6395|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|2379|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|2190-2219|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|2989-3260|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| manufacturer = GAZ
| body_style = 2-door standard cab
4-door double cab (fire engines only)
}}
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
File:Steering wheel of a GAZ-52 GAZ-53 truck.JPG
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.[https://gaz24.info/wp/dvygately-v8-zmz-konstrukcyja-harakterystyky-ystoryja-razrabotky/ Двигатели V8 ЗМЗ конструкция, характеристики, история разработки] The ZMZ-53 produces 120 hp SAE Gross at 3200 rpm, giving the GAZ-53 a top speed of {{Convert|90|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}. 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.
06 - Obelisk of Victory Minsk 1964.jpg|Initial front with headlights up (until 1964)
Vychegodsky_%2805%29.JPG|Main front with headlights below (1964-1984)
Bóbrka,_Muzeum_Przemysłu,_026.jpg|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.{{cite web | url = http://gaz53.ru/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20190920193529/http://gaz53.ru/ | archivedate = 2019-09-20 | title = ГАЗ 53 | trans-title = GAZ-53 | work = АвтоКлуб ГАЗ 53 | language = ru }} 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.
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. These engines had either {{convert|80|or|100|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}.{{citation | ref = LOK90 | title = Lastauto Omnibus Katalog 1990 |trans-title=Truck and bus catalog | language = German | volume = 19 | id = 81531/89001 | publisher = Motor-Presse-Verlag GmbH und Co. KG |date=July 1989 | page = 50 | editor-first = Rainer | editor-last = Rex }} Madara built about 3,000 trucks per year throughout the 1980s, which met the needs of the local market.
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|GAZ-52/GAZ-53}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120331063649/http://gaz53.com/ AutoClub GAZ-53/52]
{{GAZ timeline 1960-present}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaz-53}}