The GAZ M-20 "Pobeda" marks a significant anniversary in 2025: 85 years since the appearance of the first sketch, and 80 years since the demonstration of the first prototype to the leadership of the USSR. The history of this car reflects the country's post-war ambitions, when the domestic automotive industry had to not only catch up with, but also surpass foreign counterparts, becoming a symbol of a new era of industrialization.
The creation of the "Pobeda" was greatly delayed due to World War II. Only in 1943, the People's Commissariat of Medium Industry approved the release of a post-war model range, including the GAZ M-20. The car was immediately conceived as modern and practical, combining economy and technical innovations, capable of meeting the needs of Soviet citizens.
Initially, it was planned to equip the car with a 6-cylinder engine, but at the insistence of Joseph Stalin, a 4-cylinder engine with a volume of 2.1 liters and a power of 50 hp was chosen. This design allowed reducing fuel consumption by five liters, which was of great importance in the post-war economy.
During the tests, the "Pobeda" was compared with the captured Opel Kapitan. The results showed the advantage of the Soviet model: the suspension was more reliable, and the handling was better. These tests confirmed that the GAZ M-20 could compete with Western cars in terms of technical and operational characteristics.
Over the years of production, the car underwent several visual changes. In total, three series are distinguished: the first with small horizontal lamellas, the second with a two-story grille, and the third with larger beams. Even details like the rear sofa were adjusted to real operating conditions — the cushion became thinner so that passengers in papakhas or hats felt comfortable; Stalin personally conducted the check.
Operating the "Pobeda" required certain skills. The car used a foot starter, and switching between high and low beams was done with the foot via the clutch pedal. The handbrake had an unusual location, and starting the engine and controlling it required skill from the driver, which made the car a unique challenge for the driver.
The price of the car at the start of production was 16 thousand rubles, while the average salary of a teacher barely reached 700 rubles. Despite the high cost and lack of infrastructure — a shortage of gas stations and workshops — the demand was huge: by January 1955, about 50 thousand people were waiting for their "Pobeda". The car was produced until May 31, 1958, and the licensed version Warszawa was produced in Poland from 1951 to 1973, extending the legend of the "Pobeda" beyond the USSR.
This car became a symbol of the era and an example of engineering progress. The GAZ M-20 "Pobeda" not only combined the advanced technologies of its time, but also created a unique image of a Soviet car, which remained in the memory of several generations.