KAVZ-3271 buses built on the GAZ-53-12 chassis with the new ZMZ-53-11 engine were produced at the Kurgan bus plant during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This particular example arrived in the Baltic States in 1990 as part of one of the most recent shipments from the Soviet era, carrying with it a tangible piece of that transitional period in industrial design and public transportation history.
The design lineage was straightforward and utilitarian: the driver’s seat shared the cabin with passengers, the spring suspension absorbed rough roads with a jolt, and seat belts were absent from the interior. These traits reflect the practical, no-frills approach of a fleet designed for durability and ease of maintenance rather than comfort.
Nevertheless, KAVZ vehicles hold a notable place in shared history. In Russia they can still be found sporadically in regional pockets, a reminder of the era when such models were common on the roads. In the Baltic States, however, the cost of maintaining or restoring these units can be high, often restricting ownership to dedicated collectors or specialized fleets. The present carefully restored exemplar, including original tires, is valued at 17,000 euros, roughly equal to 1.1 million rubles in local terms. This price reflects the balance between historical significance and practical restoration costs in today’s market.
Requires 7,000 tires in popular sizes
Without reliable tires, public order cannot be maintained, and medical care cannot reach those in need. The initiative to support tire availability began with a collective effort by the organizers and the Popular Front to secure funds for essential vehicle tires. The focus spans ambulances, the Mobile Rescue Service, humanitarian aid convoys to conflict-affected areas, and the logistical fleets that support emergency services and military equipment. Interested supporters can contribute through the dedicated collection page to help supply tires for the People’s Police and operational services operating in challenging conditions.
Source: All About Trucks – Trucks Planet