By September 1937, when the mileage of the tested pickup was a little less than 5 thousand km, the car had to be sent for overhaul to completely replace the frame. It was this structural element that could not withstand extreme loads.
even had a pair of wheels mounted to the chassis to prevent high centering
http://carakoom.com/blog/gaz-m21-1937-goda--simbioz-gazm1-i-gazaaa
That is a very cool truck...
ReplyDeleteNot really surprising that the frame failed, it was basically a Model A Ford updated with a new front end from the GAZ M-1. There was also a 6 wheel version of M-1 sedan. It too was just a prototype but eventually became successful as a 4X4 GAZ 61 sedan.
ReplyDeleteThe linked article gives a good explanation as to why the Soviets seemed to be so fascinated with six wheeled vehicles-supposedly they couldn't get the right joints to make a proper 4X4! This I find odd, because the Soviet Union was not beneath simply ripping off a patent from time to time. Their testing seems extreme, but it had a purpose, virtually every truck was registered to the Army, which meant that in a time of emergency the government could recall as many trucks as it needed to get its job done-unfortunately for farmers, etc. who might have needed the trucks for spring planting, or harvest. Conversely, trucks that were sitting in Army depots and armories could be re-directed to be used by farmers if the harvest required it. The end result were some ferociously tough and capable 6x6 trucks.
ReplyDeletelooks like a 37 Ford. copied from american cars , as all commie nations do, to this day.
ReplyDelete