The large city bus LiAZ-677 is one of the largest in Soviet history.
It became serial in 1968.
The first prototype was assembled in 1962 and an experimental batch of 11 vehicles was assembled in 1967.
This bus was strikingly different not only from its predecessor ZIL-158 of 1957, production of which was transferred from ZIL to Likino-Dulyovo in 1959, but also from cars from Lviv.
LiAZ‑677 could even be compared with imported counterparts. In some ways he was not far behind them.
Body structure
The LiAZ‑677 with a length of 10,450 mm and a wheelbase of 5,150 mm retained the classic layout of its predecessor ZIL‑158. The engine was in the front, next to the driver, to the right of the engine was a radiator, the drive wheels were behind.
Engine and transmission
The LiAZ‑677 transmission was controlled using a steering column controller. In addition to neutral, automatic mode and reverse, by moving the lever to the PP position, it was possible to fix the first gear. The so-called automatic neutral position was engaged by a separate rocker switch, mainly to save fuel, when the driver released the accelerator pedal. When pressed, the machine enters normal mode automatically.
delay
stylistics
The German rear-engined Mercedes-Benz O321 remained a classic of the large bus genre in Europe during the 1960s. But in terms of style, it was clearly outdated by then. It has been produced since 1954 and discontinued in 1970.
History with biography
LiAZ-677 of the late sixties is a completely modern city bus: with a light body, automatic transmission, comfortable suspension. The main drawback is a huge gluttonous gasoline engine. But in the USSR gasoline was cheap and it was not possible to find a suitable diesel for the bus.
The latest version of the LiAZ-677M was made until 1996, when not only a gasoline engine, but also a high floor, a classic layout and a cramped interior, by the standards of modern times, made the car frankly outdated.
Inexpensive LiAZs were overhauled and assembled from car kits by several small companies. Including, by the way, with YaMZ‑236 diesel engines.
In total, the Likinsky plant made 194,197 turnkey buses and car kits.
- A story about the best buses of the USSR, both serial and experimental, can be found here.
- “Drive” can now be read in Telegram
Spoiler alert: the design of this bus, developed in the 1960s, was progressive even against the background of Mercedes.
The bus is from the USSR: LiAZ-677 compared with Western counterparts