GAZ-53
The GAZ-53 is a 3.5 tonne 4x2 truck produced by GAZ between 1961 and 1993. Introduced first as GAZ-53F, it was joined by the virtually identical 2.5-ton GAZ-52 in 1962, which was produced until 1989.
| GAZ-53 | |
|---|---|
GAZ-53 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | GAZ |
| Also called |
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| Production | 1961–1993 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Truck |
| Body style | 2-door standard cab 4-door double cab (fire engines only) |
| Layout | Front engine layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | GAZ-51 |
| Successor | GAZon |
The GAZ-52 and GAZ-53 trucks are distinguished by different lighting systems, wheel rims and tonnage (payload): the GAZ-52 was able to carry up to 2.5 tonnes of cargo, whereas the GAZ-53A could carry up to 4 tonnes. From 1961 to 1975 the GAZ-53 was produced along with its predecessor, the GAZ-51.
Given the long production run of GAZ-52/53 and their variants, the series is a common sight in Eastern Europe. They should not be mistaken for the broadly similar 5-6 ton ZIL-130, which is also usually painted light blue with a white grille. The GAZ grille is fluted vertically, and the direction indicators are located above the headlamps. The ZIL has flashers below the headlamps and its grille is horizontally slated.