Come from the 51st
All-wheel drive GAZ-63 is one of the first post-war Soviet cars. And a close relative of the GAZ-51 – the most massive truck in the history of the USSR.
The GAZ-63 series went into production in 1948, two years after the start of production of the basic rear-wheel drive truck. The four-wheel drive version was designed to be extremely simple, cheap and as uniform as possible with the GAZ-51.
Even the frame of the 51st has been minimally updated — mainly reinforced in the area where the transfer case is attached.
The carrying capacity of a four-wheel drive vehicle is one and a half to two tons, depending on the road surface. Empty weight – 3280 kg. Not a bad ratio even by today’s standards.
Same, only better
The engine is the same as other petrol cars. The in-line lower valve “six” with a working volume of 3.5 liters develops 70 horsepower. The compression ratio is 6.2. Therefore, the engine easily digested the worst gasoline.
The rear axle of the GAZ-63 is the same as that of the GAZ-51. Only the main pair is more “high torque” – 7.6 instead of 6.67.
In the cockpit, again, as in the 51st. Unless there are three additional levers on the floor: turning on the front axle, downshifting (razdatka with a low gear of 1.96) and operating the winch. The version with such a device had the GAZ-63A index.
Box – four-speed, but track, without synchronizers. Power steering, of course, no.
But the brakes are hydraulic. For the first time hydraulics appeared on a truck from the Gorky Plant on the GAZ-51. On the 63rd, the brakes are the same. There is no amplifier and only one cylinder on each wheel.
On the floor are the control levers for the transmission and the winch.
Moving everywhere
The maximum passport speed is 65 km/h. But this is somewhat flattering – the cruising speed of the GAZ-63 is 40-50 km / h.
But the patency of the 63rd is phenomenal! Ground clearance — 273mm. More than any of its US Lend-Lease counterparts. And when they designed the 63rd, they compared it to them.
The car’s center of gravity was high, as was the track — narrow, like the GAZ-51. As a result, the stability on rough terrain turned out to be mediocre, which was mainly complained about by the military. After all, very young drivers drove in the army.
On the other hand, the truck simply amazed with its all-terrain capabilities, moving confidently over the virgin snow half a meter high.
Radio stations were often installed on the GAZ-63. She was also in that car.
In terms of behavior and maneuverability in such conditions, the 63rd is a bit like a Niva. It’s easy to get used to a nimble short-wheelbase car: if you accelerate more in a corner, the car goes out, if you remove traction, it jumps into the corner with a slight skid.
True, on ice, such behavior can play a cruel joke on an inexperienced driver. But if you find a common language with the 63rd, its off-road capabilities are almost limitless.
The GAZ-63A version was equipped with a winch.
Highlight history
GAZ-63 was supplied to both the army and the national economy. The car was appreciated for its simplicity of design and power. It was well studied by drivers and repairmen in all corners of the Union. And the maximum unification with the GAZ-51 was a significant advantage.
They made the GAZ-63 for two decades – until 1968. But even in the capital, not to mention the periphery, the machines worked for many years, leaving a good memory of themselves.
- Another curious story about a Soviet truck produced for 50 years.
- “Drive” can now be read in Telegram.
Everything is ingenious and simple. We took the most massive model. Added several new units and assemblies. Minimal changes made to the design. The result was a GAZ-63 – a truck with excellent performance and phenomenal off-road capabilities.
How to turn a truck into an SUV – a good old recipe from the USSR