About GAZ-13 “Chaika”

[alarin]

GAZ-13 “Chaika” (which means “gull” in Russian) was a Soviet luxury vehicle produced in 1958-1981. This automobile was designed under the influence of Packard models (Caribbean and Patrician). The design of “Chaika” has got Grand-prix at Brussels World Expo in 1958.


The most popular modification was 4-door limousine with 3 rows of seats. 2nd row could fold away when not in use. There was also a model with divider separating the driver from the rear passenger compartment made for special orders.


GAZ-13B – convertible had soft roof which could be folded away by the driver via hydraulic actuators.


GAZ-13S (station wagon ambulance) with divider and stretcher was produced for medical care of top government officials.


Some cars were re-equipped for camera operators.


“Chaikas” were available only to the soviet government, and could not be purchased by the average citizens. They were issued to top professionals, scientists, academics, and other VIPs. Also they were used on parades.


In 70-s first fashion show arrived to Moscow from Paris. “Chaika” was sent up to meet Pierre Cardin and he highly rated the design of the car.

All “Chaikas” were black those days. There were only two exceptions: white one was made as a present to Valentina Tereshkova – first woman in space.


The red one was owned by the chief of Moscow fire department. Discharged from the government service, restored “Chaikas” were used as wedding limos. The rent of such a car for a day had a price tag of around half of the average monthly income of a Soviet engineer.


“Chaika” had 5,5L V8 195 hp engine with 3-speed push-button automatic transmission which could drive 5700 pounds vehicle to 120 mph! It had length of 220, width of 80 and height of 63 inches.

“Chaika” has got rating 77 of 100 on bubbalon.com, it’s pretty cool! How would you rate it?