GAZ-64
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = GAZ-64
| image = GAZ-64-bw.jpg
| caption = A 1941 GAZ-64
| manufacturer = GAZ
| production = {{unbulleted list|1941–1942|646 produced}}
| predecessor = GAZ-61
| successor = {{unbulleted list|GAZ-67|GAZ-67B}}
| body_style = jeep
| layout = F4 layout
| engine = 3.3L GAZ M1 I4
| related = BA-64
| assembly = Soviet Union: Gorky, Ulyanovsk
}}
The GAZ-64 was a 4x4 vehicle made by GAZ (Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod, translated as Gorky Automobile Plant, which originally was a cooperation between Ford and the Soviet Union), succeeding the earlier GAZ-61. Its design was led by Vitaliy Grachev. The design process was exceptionally quick, taking only a few weeks.
Design
The curb weigh of the car was {{convert|1200|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}. It was powered by a 3285 cc, inline-4 engine giving {{Convert |50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and a top speed of {{convert|100|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}.Thompson, p. 31.Pročko (2005) It was produced using existing commercially available parts.Jeeps 1941–45 By Steven J. Zaloga. pp. 38–39 As such, it was based on a shortened GAZ-61 chassis, while the engine came from the GAZ-MM truck.{{cite web |title=ГАЗ-64 – первый советский легковой внедорожник |url=https://stoneforest.ru/look/cars/gaz-64/ |access-date=3 February 2025}}{{cite web |title=Первый советский джип |url=https://dzen.ru/a/Y80mR05UknXLkQhv |website=Dzen.ru |access-date=3 February 2025}}
Development
The GAZ-64 was developed from a requirement developed during the 1939-1940 war between the Soviet Union and Finland. Although it appears outwardly similar to the American Bantam / Willys jeep, it was developed using parts already commercially available in the Soviet Union, and built in a plant that was originally set up with Ford.
It was designed to replace the earlier GAZ-61, which was totally reconstructed in a very short period (3 February – 25 March 1941) under the leadership of Vitaly Grachev to create a 4×4 jeep, which was named the GAZ-64. During WWII, it was succeeded by the more successful GAZ-67 and GAZ-67B. The GAZ-64 and GAZ-67 formed the basis for the BA-64 armoured cars.
= Production =
646 GAZ-64s were made between March 1941 and summer 1942 by the GAZ or Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod company. The name translates as the Gorky automobile plant, and the factory was originally a cooperation between the company Ford and the Soviet Union.
Due to the availability of American made jeeps provided by the American Lend-Lease program, the majority of wartime production of the GAZ-64 was dedicated to the BA-64 armored cars. Due to GAZ-64 (and GAZ-67(B) from 1943/1944) production being tied to BA-64 production, only around 2,500 regular units were produced during the war. Post-war production increased greatly, and more than 90,000 GAZ-67Bs were produced by the time production ended in 1953.
References
= Citations =
{{reflist}}
= Bibliography =
- Pročko, Evgenij (2005). GAZ-64/67, GAZ-61/AR-NATI (4x4). Militaria. {{ISBN|978-83721-922-71}}
- Thompson, Andy (2008) Cars of the Soviet Union: The Definitive History. Haynes Publishing. {{ISBN|1-84425-483-6}}
External links
{{Commons category|GAZ-64}}
- [http://zebrano-model.com/1_72_Scale_Military_Auto/GAZ-64/ Ad for a 1/72 model of the GAZ-64 armored car] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528224218/http://zebrano-model.com/1_72_Scale_Military_Auto/GAZ-64/ |date=28 May 2015 }}
- [http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=341 Military Factory article]