The first industrial batch of LiAZ-677 in the amount of eleven pieces was assembled in 1967. The car entered production in 1968 and was produced in Likino-Dulyovo near Moscow until 1996.
The bus replaced the clearly outdated ZIL-158, production of which was transferred to the Moscow region in the late 1950s.
LiAZ-677 was new and even revolutionary in many respects.
Will take the company away
The city of LiAZ-677 became the main one. He had only two steps behind the back door to lower the accumulation platform (by the way, the first in Soviet buses). And there was a climb along the way.
The suburban modification LiAZ-677MB has no platform, and the floor in the cabin is flat. Both behind and in front of three steps.
Another fundamental difference: in a city car there was one seat on the left. So it turned out to be a huge capacity. In the suburbs, the seats were arranged symmetrically. Seats – 35. Maximum capacity according to the passport – 87 passengers.
This bus has been converted into a city bus, but will be restored to its original form over time. The city cars also had two counters and plastic pockets on the doors for used tickets. A suitable one is designed to work with a conductor.
The passenger bus has 25 seats. The total passport capacity is 110 seats. But in rush hour, many more climbed.
Too much gas, too few gears
To the driver’s right was the trouble and joy of the LiAZ-677 – the ZIL-375 engine. Joy because this engine is a 7-liter version of the V8 ZIL-130. Powerful enough (180 hp) and at the same time reliable and thoroughly studied by the keepers of our country.
And the problem is that the control consumption of a petrol engine was first indicated at 45 liters, then reduced to 40 liters per 100 km. In reality, it even reached 50-55 l/100 km.
However, the fuel consumption of state institutions, including bus depots, was of little concern at the time. And the passenger too: he paid a total of 5 kopecks and made no effort. Five boxes of matches or three glasses of soda. True, two without syrup.
But most importantly – the LiAZ-677 has a two-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the positions A – automatic, N – neutral, ZX – reverse, the gear selector has a position PP – forced first gear. It was recommended to turn it on for long climbs.
This unit has been developed by US for a long time together with the factory in Lvov. In 1963-1965, several dozen manholes with machine guns were made. But they have not taken root on Lviv cars. And on LiAZs the machine was put in series.
In a weak spot
With good suspension, the car’s handling is very soft and comfortable. And if the cylinders failed, the bus would even sway or roll sideways. Especially in curves, but sometimes on a straight line.
Favorite “cattle truck”
Now the 677th is often referred to as the “moon rover”. This is a nickname from the new era. And in the 1970s there was the nickname of a driver “cattle truck”. Nothing offensive – just sarcasm: after all, the drivers themselves were passengers of such cars. Admittedly, the sarcasm is a bit biting – manly.
LiAZ has become an integral part of the urban landscapes of the USSR, as well as suburban highways. Let it be busy at times, yet he is close, dear, and desired. In the winter they warmed up in it, in the summer it somehow blew out of the windows.
We even got to know LiAZs. I know for myself!
Now I don’t feel like climbing into the LiAZ that’s stuffed to the eyeballs of my childhood. But in the era you live in, you don’t choose the buses of your time. But somehow the LiAZ-677 is one of the most iconic cars of my life and not just of my life.
“Behind the wheel” can also be read in Telegram.
Zaporozhets, Zhiguli, Moskvich, especially the Volga, were only for the elite. The rest traveled by another means of transport – the LiAZ-677 bus.
