Come from the 51st
The all‑wheel‑drive GAZ-63 stands among the earliest postwar Soviet models. It shares a close heritage with the GAZ-51, the era’s most massive truck for the USSR.
Production of the GAZ-63 family began in 1948, two years after the basic rear‑wheel drive truck first rolled off the line. The four‑wheel drive version was built to be exceptionally simple, inexpensive, and as uniform as possible with the GAZ-51.
Even the frame of the 51st received only minor updates, mainly a reinforced section where the transfer case attaches.
The payload for a four‑wheel drive version ranged from one and a half to two tons depending on the road surface. The empty weight stood at 3280 kg. By today’s standards, that ratio remains respectable.
Same, only better
The engine mirrors the regular petrol lineup. The inline, three‑and‑a‑half liter six‑cylinder develops 70 horsepower, with a compression ratio of 6.2, allowing it to run on even low‑octane fuels without trouble.
The rear axle matches the GAZ‑51’s, but the main pair is stronger to deliver higher torque at 7.6 compared with 6.67.
Inside the cockpit, the layout mirrors the 51st, except for three extra floor levers for engaging the front axle, downshifting via a low gear of 1.96, and operating the winch. The version with this equipment carried the GAZ-63A index.
The transmission is four‑speed and tracks without synchronizers. Power steering is absent, as expected for the era.
Hydraulic brakes marked a first for a Gorky Plant truck with the GAZ-51; the 63rd retained the same braking system, with no power assist and a single cylinder per wheel.
On the floor sit the levers for the transmission and the winch.
Moving everywhere
The stated top speed is 65 km/h, though the cruising pace typically sits at 40 to 50 km/h.
What stands out is the vehicle’s remarkable off‑road ability. Ground clearance measures 273 mm, higher than any of the US Lend‑Lease counterparts, a point the designers considered in development.
The center of gravity is relatively high and the track narrow, similar to the GAZ-51, which affected stability on rough terrain and drew some military critique. That said, many young drivers took command of the truck in military settings with ease.
Conversely, the truck impressed with its capability to traverse virgin snow up to half a meter deep with ease.
Radio installations were common on the GAZ-63, and the vehicle carried its share of communications gear.
In terms of handling in challenging conditions, the 63rd behaves a bit like a nimble, short‑wheelbase vehicle. Pushing into a corner too aggressively can cause the rear to slide, while losing traction nudges the vehicle into the turn with a touch of skidding.
On icy surfaces that trick can be risky for inexperienced drivers. Yet with proper familiarity, the 63rd’s off‑road prowess becomes nearly limitless.
The GAZ-63A variant featured a winch for extra utility.
Highlight history
The GAZ-63 served both the military and the national economy. It earned praise for its straightforward design and enduring power, and drivers and repair technicians across the Union could rely on its unification with the GAZ-51 as a major advantage.
The model remained in production for two decades, until 1968. Even in the capital and far beyond, these machines worked for many years and left a lasting impression.
- Another curious tale about a Soviet truck that stayed in service for five decades.
- Notices about the vehicle now circulate on messaging platforms like Telegram.