GAZ-14, known as "The Seagull", soviet car executive class, produced at the Gorky plant in the period from 1977 to 1988. In just 11 years of production, 1,120 copies were made. Its predecessor is the GAZ-13 Seagull, which for a long time was considered the best representative car in the USSR and was used as a vehicle for government agencies and the country's top party leadership.

Development of the new "Seagull" began in 1967, with a clear tendency to emulate the style of American cars of that time. However, limousines and Cadillacs from the United States, although they were distinguished by excellent design, had a number of disadvantages, such as high fuel consumption or too wide dimensions. As a result, the external parameters of the second generation "Seagull" were somewhat similar to American models, but were more modest. Nevertheless, for the USSR, the GAZ-14 "Chaika" became a real breakthrough in the passenger car industry.

The car was created on the GAZ-13 chassis, but the body was planned for a completely different configuration. The developers immediately ran into layout issues. The engine turned out to be too high, the hood had to be raised more than 8 centimeters, and in combination with the low-set roof there was a visual disparity in proportions. I had to work on the exterior.

In 1971, the first prototype of the car was assembled, the wheelbase of which was 200 millimeters longer. The engine was positioned lower, and gradually the body acquired the design outlines. In 1975, several prototypes passed road tests, and a year later the car was accepted by the state commission and recommended for serial production.

GAZ-14: technical characteristics

Body type - four-door sedan, type - limousine, capacity - 7 seats. Maximum vehicle speed - 175 km / h, volume fuel tank - 100 liters.

Dimensional and weight parameters:

• body length - 6 114 mm;
• height - 1 525 mm;
• width - 2020 mm;
• ground clearance (clearance) - 210 mm;
• wheelbase - 3 450 mm;
• rear track - 1,580 mm;
• car weight - 2 605 kg;
• gross weight - 3 165 kg.

Power point

The engine for the new car was taken from the predecessor GAZ-13, but it was radically modernized. By changing the valve timing, replacing the intake manifold and other measures, it was possible to increase the power from 195 to 220 hp. This significantly improved the dynamic performance of the GAZ-14 "Chaika", increased the speed and throttle response of the car.

Engine characteristics:

• model ZMZ-13;
• type carburetor, gasoline;
• working volume of cylinders - 5526 cubic meters cm;
• number of cylinders - 8;
• cylinder diameter - 100 mm;
• v-shaped arrangement;
• piston stroke - 88 mm;
• hydraulic valve drive;
• compression ratio - 8.5;
• power 220 hp;
• gasoline consumption in the city - 29 liters per 100 km;
• fuel consumption in mixed mode - 24 liters per 100 km;
• cooling - antifreeze, antifreeze;
• recommended fuel - AI-95 "Extra" gasoline;

The GAZ-14 engine was equipped with an electronic ignition system, which made it possible to save up to 15% of fuel.

Transmission

The car was installed automatic transmission gear, based on the American Fordomatic. The transmission turned out to be quite efficient, three-stage, with two modes T (engine braking) and one P (parking mode). The box is equipped with a double clutch, which interacts with a Ravinier-type gearbox that regulates the first and reverse gears.

The second gear is engaged in the usual way. The third, straight line, begins to work after both clutch mechanisms are engaged and the band brakes are removed.

In addition to the planetary gearbox, the torque converter plays a separate role in the gearbox, which provides an extended ratio range of gear ratios.

Chassis

The front suspension of the GAZ-14 was redesigned, the pivots and threaded bushings that regulate wheel alignment were replaced with rounded fist with ball bearings. Double wishbones were attached to the beam by means of rubber-metal hinges. The rear suspension, dependent, on parabolic, low-leaf springs, did not need improvement, but the hydraulic shock absorbers were replaced with more modern ones.

Today leaf spring suspension considered an anachronism, and at that time it was the most effective remedy to achieve comfort. The smooth rocking of the car made the passengers of the Soviet limousine feel calm and relaxed.

Brake system

The GAZ-14 car was modernized in almost all directions. The improvement affected and brake systemwhich had to meet the highest technical requirements and ensure the safety of the machine. The front wheels were fitted with licensed Lucas-Girling, ventilated discs with a double caliper. Rear brakes left the same, drum type, with automatically adjustable shoe clearance. The handbrake was connected only to the rear wheels.

The GAZ-14 brake system is dual-circuit, with a diagonal action, the front left wheel is connected by a pipeline with the right rear wheel, and the left rear wheel is connected with the right front one. A special load sensor is installed on the car, which regulates the intensity of braking of the rear axle. With an increase in the weight of the machine, a valve is triggered, opening the forward flow of hydraulics into the brake cylinders of the rear wheels, and their coefficient of action in this case reaches 100%.

Interior

Much attention was paid to equipping the internal space of the GAZ-14, since the car was intended to transport not only Soviet leaders, but also foreign guests. The numerous servos installed throughout the cabin attracted attention. Automation, electric lifts, touch switches - all this worked to improve the comfort of the cabin, which was equipped with two autonomous heaters, a sophisticated and efficient ventilation system, automatic air intake dampers and built-in air conditioning, providing a multilayer distribution of the cooling zone.

The saloon contained a stereo radio receiver of the Riga plant "Radiotekhnika", a cassette set-top box "Vilma" and four compact speakers providing stereo sound. At that time, all this equipment was considered the height of achievements and was perceived as ultra-modern equipment.

They tried to make the GAZ-14 salon as safe as possible, even the upholstery of the seats and doors was used from thickened velor, which could serve as a shock absorber to soften the impact in the event of an accident.

Chronology of production

The serial production of the Soviet GAZ-14 limousine could only be called conditionally. The car was assembled not on a conveyor belt, but in special workshops, by hand assembly on stocks. About a hundred cars were produced by this method per year. Each machine passed critical tests and received a numbered certificate, which included all the engineers and workers involved in the assembly.

In 1988, by order of the famous politician M. Gorbachev, GAZ-14 was discontinued. The production of the car was stopped, all documentation was destroyed. The unique machine has sunk into oblivion.

Nevertheless, in 2008, the car was awarded the title of a cultural and technical object of the former USSR.

GAZ-14, the price of which ranges from 650,000 to 2,400,000 rubles, can be purchased at specialized car dealerships in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

And the creation of collections of domestic and foreign classic cars;

In 1957 Gorkovsky car factory developed new model passenger car executive class with the factory index GAZ 13 and the name "Chaika". This car was created using many of the latest technological solutions for the Soviet auto industry and replaced the outdated by that time design of the GAZ-12 "ZIM".

Among the innovative technical solutions, it is worth noting, first of all, the two-row V-shaped eight-cylinder engine, the displacement of which was 5.5 liters, and the power of an impressive 195 hp. With this engine, a car with a total weight of about three tons easily accelerated to 160 km / h and consumed 20 liters of gasoline per hundred kilometers.

The power unit turned out to be so successful that, with minor changes, it was used both on trucks and on armored personnel carriers. Among the new products and an automatic transmission (located on the steering wheel), and power steering, and vacuum brake booster. In total, from 1959 to 1981, a little more than 3100 cars saw the light, including several special modifications: GAZ-13S - an ambulance station wagon and GAZ-13B - a convertible. The heir to the GAZ 13 model is the GAZ 14. The car was also not massive and was assembled by hand. In total, from 1976 to 1989, 1,120 GAZ-14 vehicles of all modifications were assembled.

Video about one of the GAZ 13 "Chaika", which visited the workshop of the company:

We present to your attention a list of GAZ 13 restoration work performed by Antique Automobiles, when carrying out repair and restoration work with GAZ 13 "Chaika" and GAZ 14 "Chaika" cars. From this data you can get an idea of \u200b\u200bthe scope of work. To draw up a detailed estimate, an inspection of your vehicle, troubleshooting and diagnostics of car systems, as well as coordination technical specifications... As a result of these preliminary actions, you will receive an estimate and a visual schedule of work.

The list of works performed by the company "Antique Automobiles" during the restoration of GAZ 13 vehicles:

1. Complete disassembly of the car
2. Troubleshooting, diagnostics of parts, assemblies, assemblies, assembly units
3. Washing and cleaning of parts, assemblies, units, assembly units
4. Cleaning and restoration works of body and body parts
5. Car frame repair and restoration
6. Overhaul and restoration of the engine
7. Engine bench tests
8. Overhaul and restoration of the gearbox
9. Overhaul and restoration of the chassis
10. Overhaul and restoration of transmission
11. Overhaul and restoration of control mechanisms
12. Repair and restoration of electrical equipment
13. Repair and restoration (restoration) of the interior of the salon
14. Repair and restoration of awnings, cabriolet mechanisms
15. Electroplating refurbishment of kits
16. Complete painting of assembly units
17. Full painting of the body and body parts
18. Vehicle assembly
19. Car anti-corrosion treatment
20. Adjustment and tuning of all car systems
21. Car break-in

For all work performed, warranty... Further technical and post-warranty maintenance of vehicles is carried out.

It is possible to reduce the cost of restoring the GAZ 13 "Chaika" car in several ways:

1. The first place should be given to the competent choice of the original object for restoration. The number of standard hours of reinforcement, tin-welding and slipway works largely depends on the condition of the car. The completeness of the machine also plays a significant role. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the condition of the chrome parts. We are ready to select a car or offer ready-made options.
2. Instead of tinning parts when repairing the Chaika's body, you can use modern German protective compounds for galvanizing parts. The galvanized car body will be reliably protected from rust and corrosion for a long time.
3. Due to the fact that the number of GAZ 13 and GAZ 14 "Chaika" cars is very limited, and the popularity of this car is great - today there is a rush and high prices for spare parts for the car. In the process of work, we created our own spare parts warehouse and exchange fund. Thanks to this, it is possible to abandon the services of intermediaries and resellers, and our principals, in turn, get the opportunity to complete the car with the necessary parts with significant savings.

The design of the interior space and the interior of the passenger compartment plays an important role in the restoration of the GAZ 13 car. many Chaika cars are being repaired in order to replenish the fleet of rental and rental cars, the finishing of the car is an important issue. Whether you want an original factory interior or want an individual one, we will always find a suitable option:

Restoration work for GAZ 13:

GAZ 13A for sale -a car with an installed internal partition between the driver's and passenger compartments was produced by special orders of the USSR Ministry of Defense. The limousine with the GAZ-13A index was produced in vanishingly small volumes (according to factory data, no more than 12 units). The car has gone through a full cycle of repair work, run-in and ready for use. The car has a guarantee.

Feedback on the restoration and repair of the GAZ 13 "Chaika" car in the company's workshop:

Antique Automobiles Company: the car of your dreams is our job!
You can get acquainted with other completed works on this page.
You can get advice on the repair and restoration of your car by phone:

If the owner personal car in the Soviet Union they asked what kind of car he would like to have, then the majority answered - "Seagull"! Why did this automobile brand attract the eyes of Soviet people. The first, perhaps, was that it was impossible to acquire such a car for personal use (and what is impossible - that is what you most want). The second was that all appearance "Seagulls" indicated the solidity and very high status of its owner. Another point was that the huge fuel consumption did not frighten anyone in Soviet times - the fuel cost a mere penny.

The first model was the GAZ-13 "Chaika" (1959-1981).

Although the official start of the production of cars of this brand is considered to be 1959, the prototype was made two years earlier. And this happened just a year after the American executive class car of the Packard brand, which served as a prototype for the Soviet Seagull, was released.

GAZ-13 "Chaika"

Why such a rush in design decisions was needed is best judged by the events preceding the appearance of the new car. Its predecessor, the Soviet ZIM-12, which was produced for a little over 10 years and was also a copy of the American car industry, quickly lost its novelty.

The thing is that the copy is always late for the original, sometimes by several years. In addition, during the war, when there was no time for engineering research and new designs, the industry of all countries worked exclusively for military needs. When the world began to recover from the war, more and more new ideas and technical solutions began to be introduced in the global automotive industry, as in industry in general.

Do you like The Seagull?

YESNO

Although the designers of ZIM took into account the latest trends, but, after a few years, he began to stand out against the background of foreign "colleagues" and not for the better. The need has ripened to create a new, more modern soviet car executive class. It became the GAZ-13, which received the name "Chaika".

In fact, it all started back in the mid 50s. Then, as a modern modification of ZIM, the GAZ-12V was presented. At the same time, a new brand appeared - "The Seagull" (by the way, the silhouette of a bird was in the front of the car, in the form of a decorative part of the radiator).

Inside the GAZ-12V

Having come to the final conclusion that the hopelessly outdated executive car can no longer be restored in accordance with modern requirements, a large group of designers, designers, engineers and testers of the GAZ plant was entrusted with the creation of a completely new model.

Brand new executive car

Although the working name was eventually retained, the final version differed not only from the outdated ZIM, but also from prototypes, especially in details. Firstly, the Chaika received a noticeably more powerful engine - a V-shaped "eight" instead of an in-line "six". Secondly, the cylinder blocks, pistons and some other parts of the chassis were made of lightweight, but rather wear-resistant aluminum alloy. At the time, it was more than a progressive solution. The hydromechanical automatic gearbox became another significant difference from its predecessors in terms of the comfort of driving a huge car (however, after that it began to be installed on the serial GAZ-21 Volga).

GAZ-21 "Volga"

Another difference was the use of a frame separate from the body structure, followed by attachment to it at sixteen points, using special rubber gaskets with the effect of damping vibration from engine operation. This played a very important role in the fact that, despite the large parameters and the increase in engine power, the new car hardly differed from its less powerful predecessor in terms of dry weight.

Expert opinion

Isaac Yakovich Zelder

Additional structural elements are also worth mentioning the power steering, vacuum brake booster and electric power windows.

If we dwell on the design of the new car in more detail, then Eremeev could hardly be accused of outright plagiarism. There was no direct resemblance to any particular foreign car. Of course, a lot was borrowed from Packard, but there were also elements of similarity with others. american cars large class... In fairness, it can be noted that they themselves often "borrowed" from each other some successful engineering solutions. The fact that Lev Eremeev was actually a talented designer confirms his participation in the creation of an even higher class car - ZIL-111 for the country's top leadership.

It can be summed up by the fact that, despite the appearance of the "Seagull" in the clearly American style of "big car", the technical stuffing of the car was a complete development of Soviet designers. In addition to this, there are design points hinting at a relationship with other GAZ models.

After the experimental samples were tested, numbers close to 21 thousand kilometers appeared on their speedometers. From that time on, it was possible to judge that the new car was successful, which was confirmed by the automobile exhibition in Brussels. At the Expo-58 held there, the new model received an honorary diploma of the Grand Prix, which confirmed the already international high assessment of the designed Soviet car.

The official release of "The Seagull" was launched in January 1959. And, if we talk about this model, it continued over the next 22 years. After that, there were many exhibitions, both in the countries of the socialist camp, and in Switzerland, the United States and even Mexico. Each of them invariably noted the high level of performance of the Soviet car.

Since 1961, two modifications of the car were presented with the bodies "convertible" and "limousine". The base car model was also modified the following year. By this time, the output had reached one and a half hundred pieces per year and remained at this level until the end of production.

The innovative solutions used in the design of the "Chaika", eventually migrated to the middle class cars - "Volga" of various models. For example, in the much later GAZ-24, similar to the "Chaika", brake boosters, telescopic shock absorbers and other structural units were used.

Gas-13 "Chaika"

Despite the advanced design and new design solutions, as well as positive reviews from foreign experts, time passed inexorably and the appearance and filling of "Chaika" began to become outdated. The question arose about replacing the model. It was the new GAZ-14, which was launched in 1977.

The last modification of the government car GAZ-14 "Chaika" (1977-1988).

A hand-assembled car, which was produced for 11 years, almost before the collapse of the Union at the Gorky Automobile Plant, a total of 1114 cars were produced, that is, about a hundred units per year.

Work on the creation of the second generation "Seagull" was started 10 years before its serial production. The new car had to travel such a long way because not everything went smoothly. Using the chassis from the old model as a base, the designers eventually came to the conclusion that "new wine is not poured into old wineskins."

Expert opinion

Alexander Nikolaevich Rumyantsev

Inventor, owner of many patents, candidate of technical sciences, professor at St. Petersburg Technical University.

The new changes that were planned for the GAZ-14 significantly violated the visual proportions (the chassis from the old model had inappropriate parameters). Everything went so far that the required legroom for passengers in the cabin has decreased. Considering that the car belonged to the high class, this was absolutely unacceptable. The question arose about changing the chassis to a more elongated version.

In 1971, a prototype of such a chassis was released with a base extended by 200 mm and the location of the power apparatus closer to the ground. It is interesting that Stanislav Volkov became the designer of the new car, who, at one time, created the unique look of the popularly beloved GAZelle. However, until the middle of the decade, they still could not decide on the design option for the new GAZ-14.

GAZ-14 "Chaika"

For 1975, tests of prototypes of the car were assigned in different road conditions, including on the mountain roads of the Crimea and the Caucasus. A year later, after eliminating the shortcomings that surfaced during the testing process, a state commission was appointed. The tests carried out by her showed that the car is ready for delivery to the production conveyor. Although, the first car was already ready as a gift for the 70th anniversary of Leonid I. Brezhnev, in December 1976.

It so happened that the desire to get a car no worse than that of the Americans led to the fact that it was lost for more than ten years. During this time, he could become morally obsolete, but, into the hands of our producers, he played a certain "stagnation" in the American automotive industry... In the 70s, updating the appearance of models was extremely slow. This was facilitated by the crisis in production, and the fact that in the previous decade, updates were carried out too quickly.

Although the new "Chaika" in technical terms was just a well-revised variation of the first model, its larger dimensions and "stuffing" took it to a higher subclass of automobile classification, very close to the flagship - a top-class ZIL car.

The changes compared to the previous model were all in the "+": a lower height improved aerodynamics and stability at high speeds, the increased length gave additional solidity, a two-carburetor power system and others technical improvements increased engine power by 25 liters. from. up to 220 l. with., the front and rear suspension... All these changes made the new car more attractive in appearance, improved it driving performance and reduced the number of lubrication operations with the bearing unit by 6 times. The interior of the car has also been positively changed. A sophisticated heating and ventilation mechanism was installed in the cabin, which made it possible to create an individual microclimate for the user in accordance with personal requirements.

The salon was provided with the latest in Russian musical technology - a radiotekhnika stereo receiver and a Vilma cassette attachment (sometimes tape recorders made in the GDR were used). All of this could be driven by a remote control located in the left rear armrest.

Modern tuning of the salon "Chaika"

Seventeen miniature electric motors scattered around the car provided heated windows in the cold season, a headlamp cleaner and other additional amenities. Special glasses did not let ultraviolet radiation into the cabin.

Special attention was paid to sound insulation and passive safety... It was provided with rear foglights and three-point seat belts.

Time of release and closing of production

The new "Chaika", like its predecessor, was a hand-assembled car and was produced by a special organization on the territory of GAZ - Small Series Automobile Production (PAMS). The painstaking work of experienced workers (each of them underwent a special check), which included several stages of assembly and disassembly of the future car, was done manually on stocks. After that, many kilometers of tests were carried out, according to the results of which, the new car was sent to its owner.

In 1985, a new modification was prepared with better system engine cooling and more comfortable seating in the cabin. He received the GAZ-14-02 index. In addition to it, there was also a version of the GAZ-14-05 phaeton, made in the amount of 15 pieces and the GAZ-RAF-3920 ambulance, of which only 5 copies were made. At the same time, one car of each of the options was sent to a friend Soviet Union Fidel Castro.

GAZ-RAF-3920

The last modification in the late 80s was the GAZ-14-07. Despite the excellent performance and improvements in accordance with the requirements of the time, it was never allowed for production.

Expert opinion

Isaac Yakovich Zelder

Soviet astrophysicist, physical chemist, doctor of physical and mathematical sciences, Academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences, designer, engineer. Hero of Socialist Labor of the USSR.

Times have changed and, in connection with the country's course towards democratization and the fight against privileges, the car brand was recognized as a "machine for the party apparatus" and, on Gorbachev's personal order, was discontinued. For the impossibility of its restoration, all technical documentation was also destroyed. So the car was destroyed, which had great potential and many technical innovations.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, GAZ tried to restore the production of such unique cars, but due to the complete lack of technical documentation, such an event turned out to be economically unjustified. He had to be abandoned.

Serial car GAZ-13 "Chaika" (1959-1981).
The history of "Chaika" began in the second half of 1955, when the GAZ-12 "Chaika" car was created, which was made on the basis of "ZIM" and looked very much like it.
After some time (approximately, at the end of 1955 - beginning of 1956), the American Packard Executive Patrician and Packard Caribien were purchased for US, and the designers of GAZ and ZIL, together with US, began to study these samples. Apparently, the study of these particular machines led to a great similarity of the later ZIL-111 and GAZ-13 "Chaika" with "Packards".
In 1956, two full-scale models of "The Seagulls" were made. These two mock-ups were markedly different in design from subsequent prototypes.
Around 1957, two running prototypes were made - they differed not only in appearance (moldings around the wheel arches, a frame windshield, taillights, front sidelights), but also with motors (volume 4.9 liters versus 5.5 liters). At the same time, they were presented at a closed exhibition in NAMI. One prototype was selected and their small-scale production for a test run began. Judging by the numbers of the cars from the tests, at least 9 cars were produced. They were different in appearance - all had a combined two-tone color in various combinations.

The length of the test run was approximately 21,000 km along the roads of Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus mountains. The cars had a gilded grille (judging by the color photographs) and a bonnet decoration in the form of a stylized gull bird.
In January 1958, an experimental prototype "E-2" of a turquoise-milk color with a gilded grille and gilded letters "CHAYKA" on the hood was sent to the EXPO-58 World Exhibition in Brussels, which was held from April to October. The "Brussels" specimen also had a gull-shaped bonnet decoration.
Officially, the GAZ-13 "Chaika" began to leave the gates of the car factory on January 16, 1959, but in the fall of 1958, the first seagulls of black and two-color colors were on the stocks at the same time. The first cars differed from the mass subsequent series by the location of the CHAYKA inscription on the rear of the car, an additional warning lamp on the dashboard, and a few other little things.
In the next few years, GAZ-13 was repeatedly exhibited at various international automobile and industrial exhibitions - Brno, Budapest, Geneva, New York. In New York, at an exhibition in 1959, a monochrome Seagull was presented (most likely black), but with a characteristic interior from a two-tone Seagull (with a "checkerboard" texture of a pattern of scarlet fabric upholstery). For several years, the two-color burgundy-beige Seagull was exhibited at the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (now VDNKh) in the Mechanical Engineering pavilion.
In 1961, a version with a convertible body was manufactured at the Gorky Automobile Plant on the basis of the GAZ-13. Along with the GAZ-13B convertible, a modification of the GAZ-13A with a limousine body was produced (the differences were in the presence of a partition in the cabin). Today, about 10 surviving convertibles and one limousine with a partition are known.
In 1961, an attempt was made to restyle the GAZ-13. Judging by the well-known photograph (it is noteworthy that the rear photo has not yet been found), the changes affected the front end - a four-headlight lighting system appeared and the grille was changed to a strip one, front bumper also changed. The front end has acquired a more modern shape, but the body sidewalls have remained unchanged. At least one running sample was built. But these changes did not go into the series, and "Chaika" in the previous design was produced in an amount of about 150 pieces per year until the very end of production. In total, approximately 3179 vehicles were manufactured. The only known photograph of the four-head Chaika has the following inscription: "October 15, 1961 Moscow: The car shown here on October 14 is the new Chaika passenger car. The car is one of two upgraded versions Soviet "Volga" and "Chaika", which the Gorky plant produced this year. The rear part has been reconstructed (possibly meaning rear axle - ??) and the number of gears increased to 4. The fenders and hood have also been redesigned. The new car is a gift from the plant for the 22nd Congress of the Communist Party, which will begin on October 17. "In the Soviet press, this photograph appeared in the magazine" Automobile Transport "in July 1962.
In 1962 basic modification GAZ-13 has been slightly updated technically - a new K-114 carburetor has appeared instead of K-113, a new receiver with an additional volume control in the left armrest of the rear sofa, new wheel disks with other caps. The upholstery material has been changed to a more "greatcoat" gray-green color.
In the early 70s, a stationary side mirror appeared on the left door of Chaika (on the front pillar of the door frame). It had its own design - shape and leg. Before that, there was only a rear-view salon from the mirrors.
At the end of the 70s, when the production of the GAZ-14 "Chaika" began in parallel, the 13th model underwent changes in the cabin - the brass mesh disappeared from the dashboard, instead of it there was upholstery "under a tree", and the materials of sofas and door cards replaced with velor, which was used in the design of the GAZ-14 - mustard color. Also, there was already a third version of the radio receiver - a transistor with a short-wave range (accordingly, the transformer unit disappeared from under the dashboard on the right side). It is this, one of the last, "Seagulls" that stands in the museum of the Gorky Automobile Plant.
In addition to the well-known modifications and, on the basis of the GAZ-13, various filming vehicles were produced. It is known about several more semi-phaetons, where the front part of the roof (above the first row of seats) was rigid, and the rear had a convertible top with the same door frames from the standard sedan - it is possible that these were also options for filming machines. It is even known about the existence of a railway trolley on the GAZ-13 meringue. You can also recall a funny version, which was the combined parts of the GAZ-13 and ZIM cars, popularly called the "osobyk". The reasons for its appearance were that the party-Soviet nomenklatura had a strict "table of ranks." And if ZIM was appointed to the official by his position, then it was very imprudent to drive the "Chaika". But I wanted to! The savvy military found a way out - at one of the military factories, by order of the generals, a batch of "Seagulls" with body iron from ZIMs was manufactured. The car combined the comfort and dynamics of a representative car and the external democracy of the car of middle managers. The exact number of such vehicles is unknown.
There is a known fact, so to speak, of "inappropriate" use of "Chaika" - contrary to nomenclature rules, "Chaika" was at the disposal of the Chief of the Moscow Fire Department. At the same time, it was painted red and equipped with special communication - photo1, photo2.
The "semi-pickup" based on the GAZ-13 deserves special attention. Only four of these machines were built. All of them were sent for export: two to the PRC, and the other two were presented by N.S. Khrushchev to the then GDR chief Walter Ulbricht. The car is perceived as a strange hybrid of an American road cruiser from the 50s with a pickup, but it was used only on the most solemn occasions - during state visits, May Day visits and October holidays. The wireless microphone integrated into the handrail allows you to transmit the necessary commands to the stands.
One of the unusual alterations is in the Baltics in the Kirss collection - this is an open hearse based on the Chaika sedan.
A kind of alteration (or rather a prototype) can be called the first running copy of the GAZ-14 "Chaika" in 1974, which was based on the units of the 13th model.
Heads of ministries and departments, first secretaries of republican communist parties, ambassadors of the USSR in foreign countries drove to GAZ-13. A lot of GAZ-13 cars were served by the Moscow diplomatic corps: the ambassadors of the GDR, Bulgaria, Hungary, Mongolia, North Korea, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Finland. One "Seagull" was even operated by the US Embassy. The case when a new car fell into private hands can be counted on one hand: for example, the writer Mikhail Sholokhov and ballerina Galina Ulanova received the "Seagull". Cars that had served their time in ministries and had undergone two major overhauls were transferred to Intourist, as well as to wedding palaces and registry offices, where they served as wedding cars (photo1, photo2) - such cars could be repainted in white, or could remain in their traditional black.

Notes:
Varieties of the sedan GAZ-13 "Chaika"... It is known about two modifications of the sedan, different from the basic factory version - a communication and escort vehicle (it was distinguished by an additional antenna on the roof and special communication equipment of the "Rosa" type installed in the trunk on special brackets), and a pusher vehicle (in the escort cortege it was in front of the column, had a reinforced front end, intended for emergency push possible cars on the way). For the second modification, the information has not been documented.
Accidents... It is officially known about two cases of "Seagull" getting into an accident during the Soviet era. Both happened in the 70s. Both accidents were fatal. In one accident, Mosherov, a member of the Politburo of the CPSU Central Committee, died, in another, one of the ministers of the GDR.

All information above is given using materials by Nikolai Kovtun, published in the auto-conference "Auto.ru"

The first prototype of the future GAZ-13 "Chaika" car was built in 1955 on the basis of the representative GAZ-12 "ZIM" car, this prototype received the GAZ-12V index, but was already called "The Seagull". The prototype was already equipped with a radiator grill, on which there was a decorative detail in the form of a bird's wing. GAZ-12V "Chaika" was produced in at least two copies, which externally differed slightly, the main difference was in the engines, the volume of which was 4.9 and 5.5 liters.

However, it was decided to stop all work on the modernization of ZIM into a new model, whatever one may say, and its body, by the standards of those years, is already outdated. It was decided to start the development of "The Seagull" from scratch; Lev Eremeev became the designer of the new GAZ-13 body. In 1956, the first running prototypes were created, which outwardly already resembled production carbut were still significantly different in detail.

Initially, the GAZ-13 "Chaika" car was produced in a 4-door sedan-type body, the cabin of which could accommodate 7 passengers. In 1961, a modification appeared with a 6-seater cabriolet type body (another name is "phaeton"), this is a model that was designated as GAZ-13B, had a folding awning with an electrohydraulic drive, it did not have door glass frames, and the side windows themselves had a light metal edging. In the same year, a special order began to produce the GAZ-13A limousine, this car was equipped with a partition between the driver and the passenger compartment.

In 1978, the GAZ-13 "Chaika" car was discontinued, although some of its modifications continued to be produced in small batches.

Design and construction

The new GAZ-13 "Chaika" car received a completely new 8-cylinder V-shaped engine of a progressive design, the cylinder block, heads, pistons and the exhaust manifold were made of aluminum alloy. In those days, aluminum engine parts were extremely rare, for example, America began to produce the first aluminum engines only in the early 60s, but they did not gain much popularity.

In addition to the new engine, GAZ-13 received a fully automatic hydromechanical gearbox. The choice of the transmission range was carried out using a 4-button block located on the left side dashboard... The designations of the buttons were as follows: "N" - neutral, "D" - movement, "T" - braking, "ZX" - reverse. Also "Chaika" received a new 4-chamber carburetor and power steering, it was the first car of the Gorky Automobile Plant of such equipment.

The body of the "Chaika" in comparison with the GAZ-12 in its design was no longer load-bearing; for the "Chaika" the designers used a separate lightweight frame of the original design, to which the body was attached at 16 points through vibration-insulating rubber gaskets. Thanks to this decision, the mass of the car was almost at the level of the GAZ-12, despite the fact that its geometric dimensions increased, and the rigidity and durability of the body has increased significantly.

In 1962, the GAZ-13 car underwent modernization, its carburetor changed, new rims and a radio with autosearch and an electric antenna appeared, and the interior trim material changed.

Modifications

Base sedan with four-door closed body with three rows of seats without internal partition

The limousine, which was produced on special orders, mainly by the Ministry of Defense. Cars were produced with an installed internal partition between the driver and the passenger compartment. At the moment, only one copy of the GAZ-13A with a limousine body has survived.

A car with an open body type "phaeton" ("convertible). The soft top was raised and lowered by an electro-hydraulic system controlled from the driver's seat. In total, about 20 copies of" Chaeks "without a roof were made.

Manufactured by the RAF plant in 1973 - 1982, the sanitary wagon was assembled by hand. The car was equipped with a partition in the back and a stretcher. In just 9 years, about 20 station wagons were produced.

Photos

GAZ-13 (ZMZ-13); GAZ-13D (ZMZ-13D)