GAZ-66 "Shishiga" remains one of the most recognizable army trucks of the USSR and Russia. The vehicle was created for harsh conditions: swamps, taiga, mountains, and snowy virgin land. Production started in 1964 at the Gorky Automobile Plant, and the model quickly occupied the niche of a universal all-terrain vehicle.
Why the GAZ-66 Became a Legend
The main advantage is the 4×4 all-wheel drive and successful weight distribution. The cab is located above the front axle, so the "Shishiga" confidently storms climbs and does not dig into the mud. A ground clearance of 315 mm and a low gear allow the truck to go where ordinary equipment gives up.
Technical Features
Under the hood is a 4.25-liter V8 gasoline engine with a capacity of 120 horsepower. The engine pulls steadily, and it is repaired directly in the field.
The gearbox is a 4-speed manual with a transfer case. The GAZ-66 accelerates to 90 km/h, but its element is not the highway, but rough terrain.
Where the "Shishiga" Serves Today
GAZ-66 continues to be used in the army, geological exploration, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the forestry industry. The car is valued for its endurance and simplicity. Kung bodies, radio stations, drilling rigs, and mobile workshops are installed on the basis of the truck.
However, in combat conditions, the survival rate for the GAZ-66 driver was extremely low. In trucks with the engine in the engine compartment, the main mass of fragments hits this part, and the driver in the cab has better protection.
Why the GAZ-66 Is Still Loved
The "Shishiga" combines reliability, cross-country ability, and unpretentiousness. Drivers note that the truck starts in frosts down to −40 °C and is not afraid of overloading. That is why it has long become a symbol of real Russian off-road.
Also, staff cars, degassing chambers, fuel tankers, ambulances, and pontoon parks were produced on the basis of the GAZ-66.