GAZ-61

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

GAZ-61-73
GAZ-61-73

GAZ-61 was a four wheel drive car from GAZ first introduced in 1938, but production didn't really start until 1940. It was made by putting the GAZ M2 body on a four wheel drive chassis. Designed by V. A. Gratchev. It was possibly the world's first all-wheel drive passenger car. It could climb angles up to 38 degrees and cross water up to 72 cm depth.

The first version made between 1940 and 1941 was 5-seated 4-door phaeton. It was powered by a 3485 cc 6-cyl 4-stroke giving 85 hp giving a top speed of 100 km/h. Many supreme commanders of the Red Army headquarters used this car in 1941.

In 1941 the updated GAZ-61-73 was introduced. It was now a 5-seat, 4-door 6-light saloon. It had the same engine, but was now rated at a top speed of 107 km/h.