GAZ-53

The GAZ-53 is a 3.5 tonne 4×2 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. 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 new truck range 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 typically located above the headlamps, with the exception of the introductory GAZ-53F. The ZIL has a horizontally slated grille and its flashers are located below the headlamps.