MAZ-500
Production of the initial batches of the MAZ-500 began in 1961, and mass manufacturing followed in 1963. The truck featured a cabover layout, and it marked a milestone as the first Soviet truck whose serviceable engine lay beneath a cab that had to be raised for access.
Equipped with the Yaroslavl V6 diesel engine producing 180 horsepower, the MAZ-500 earned a reputation for reliability. Later variants shifted to V8 diesel power, delivering up to 270 hp for improved performance.
Early MAZ-500 models.
Before KAMAZ trucks appeared, the MAZ-500 cab was widely regarded as a standard of comfort in its class. The trucks gained popularity among drivers who transitioned from ZIL tractors in search of a more comfortable ride and easier daily operation.
In total, more than 330,000 units of the five hundred were built. They found buyers in socialist bloc nations and in Finland, where limited export batches helped expand the model’s footprint.
ZIL-157
The ZIL-157 began production in Moscow in 1958 and continued until 1982, with the final trucks rolling off the line. In the late 1970s, the Novouralsk plant produced the Cleaters from 1977 to 1991, contributing to a total of 950,000 ZIL trucks. This figure includes 200,000 predecessors, the ZIL-157 and ZIS-151, which featured rear saddled wheels on their axles.
The ZIL-157 earned the nickname Cleaver because of the distinctive cabin silhouette.
Despite newer, more modern designs entering military and civil service, many seasoned drivers preferred the ZIL-157 for its remarkable off‑road capabilities and straightforward engineering. The six‑cylinder engines ranged from 104 to 110 hp, which kept fuel consumption relatively modest for its class.
During its production run, the ZIL-157 was also exported to China. The FAW plant produced a four‑wheel drive variant with a simplified body, where the truck was known as Jiefang-CA30 in the local market.
ZIL-130
The ZIL-130 was produced continuously in around 3.4 million units across dozens of configurations. Its successor was the ZIL-431410, with truck production spanning from 1964 to 1995. The engine was rated about 150 horsepower, though some engineers considered this value too robust for certain uses.
Reliability and durability characterized the ZIL-130 in operation. When new, many fleets simply re‑tightened fasteners and normal wear items, keeping the truck on the road for long periods.
The ZIL-130 achieved wide international reach, with deliveries to many nations and assistance to developing countries during certain periods. However, from the 1970s onward, domestic diesel engines faced shortages that affected export volumes. In the Soviet system, fuel costs were often not the primary concern for state enterprises.
Finland imported ZIL-130 and adapted the cabin for fire‑engine applications, forming the base for local variants. A right‑hand drive example of the ZIL‑130 was shown in Cyprus; this was a regional modification rather than a factory standard.
URAL-375
The URAL-375 entered production in 1961 and ran through 1993 as a sturdy, three‑axle vehicle with a central locking differential. Renowned for its off‑road capabilities, the URAL-375 earned the nickname SUV from Miass for its rugged performance.
Powered by a V8 engine delivering 180 hp from a seven‑liter displacement, fuel consumption could reach up to 50 liters per 100 km when driven off‑road. The engine was designed to run on AI‑93 gasoline. In military use, fuel efficiency was less of a priority than reliability and reach.
The Urals served in numerous Warsaw Pact armies and were supplied to the Middle East, including Iraq and Iran, where their all‑terrain ability was highly valued.