MAZ-500
Production of the first batches of the MAZ-500 began in 1961. Mass production was launched in 1963. The model had a cabover cabin. It was the first truck in the USSR where the cab had to be raised to service the engine.
On the “five hundredth” Yaroslavl V6 diesel engines with a capacity of 180 horsepower were installed. These engines are known for their reliability. Later trucks were equipped with V8 diesels that could develop power up to 270 hp.
Early MAZ-500.
Until the appearance of KAMAZ trucks, the MAZ-500 cab was considered a real comfort standard. These trucks were popular with truck drivers who switched to them from ZIL tractors.
In total, more than 330 thousand “five hundredths” were manufactured. They were exported in small batches to the countries of the socialist camp and Finland.
ZIL-157
The release of ZIL-157 was launched in Moscow in 1958. In 1982, the last trucks rolled off the assembly line. “Cleaters” were produced in Novouralsk from 1977 to 1991. A total of 950,000 trucks were produced. This takes into account 200 thousand previous models ZIL-157 – ZIS-151, in which the rear axles were with saddle wheels.
The ZIL-157 was nicknamed “Cleaver” because of the peculiar shape of the cabin.
Despite the appearance of more modern vehicles in the army and national economy, experienced drivers still preferred the ZIL-157. The car was distinguished by phenomenal off-road capabilities and simplicity of design. The “cleavers” were not the most powerful six-cylinder engines from 104 to 110 hp. As a result, the truck had a relatively economical fuel consumption.
The release of ZIL-157 was also launched in China. The FAW plant produced a four-wheel drive truck with a simplified body structure. In China, the “cleaver” was called Jiefang-CA30.
ZIL-130
ZIL-130 was produced all the time in the amount of 3.4 million vehicles in several dozen modifications. The continuation of the 130th was ZIL-431410. Truck production began in 1964 and lasted until 1995. Drivers liked the car for its dynamism. Factory engineers considered the engine for the ZIL-130 to be 150 horsepower. too powerful.
In operation, the “one hundred and thirty” were reliable and durable. Having received a new car, it was enough to tighten the nuts and bolts.
ZIL-130 was exported to many countries of the world, and even to some developing countries for free. However, from the 1970s domestic trucks began to lack worthy diesel engines. This had consequences for export deliveries. At the same time, state-owned enterprises in the Soviet Union practically did not count the cost of fuel.
ZIL-130 was also exported to Finland, where the design of the cabin was changed for fire engines on the basis of the “one hundred and thirtieth”. ZIL-130 with the right rudder was on display in Cyprus. However, this is already a remake of local specialists.
URAL-375
The production of URAL-375 started in 1961 and lasted until 1993. It was a three-axle truck with a locking differential in the center. The car had high off-road ability – it was called “SUV from Miass”.
The URAL-375 was equipped with a V8 engine with a capacity of 180 hp. and a capacity of 7 litres. With these parameters, off-road fuel consumption was up to 50 liters per 100 km. The unit is designed for AI-93 gasoline. High fuel consumption was not taken into account as the cars were made for the military. And there, as you know, they paid no attention to it.
The Urals was in service with many Warsaw Pact countries. Trucks were delivered to Iraq and Iran.