The three-axle GAZ-21 of 1937 is not just a car. This is a unique combination of history and innovation, a symbol of the engineering skill and creativity of Soviet designers. This experimental pickup truck, developed under the leadership of Vitaly Andreevich Grachev, was built using components and assemblies from GAZ-M1 and GAZ-AAA, becoming a kind of symbiosis of these models.
The main feature of the GAZ-21 is its triaxial design with a 6x4 wheel arrangement, providing increased cross-country ability. The cabin, clutch, and gearbox were borrowed from the GAZ-AA, and the front part, including the engine and axle, from the M-1. The specially designed frame and unique suspension only emphasized the innovation of this model.
Despite its outstanding characteristics, such as a load capacity of 950 kg and high ground clearance, the GAZ-21 also had a number of disadvantages, including the complexity of the transmission and bulky design. This ultimately led to the fact that, instead of continuing to develop three-axle models, GAZ concentrated on creating cars with two drive axles.
An interesting fact is that the GAZ-21 became the basis for the creation of the experimental armored car BA-21. However, due to design flaws and operational difficulties, the project was not put into mass production. Despite this, the experience gained during the development of the GAZ-21 certainly enriched the Soviet automotive industry and allowed the creation of subsequent successful models.
Thus, the three-axle GAZ-21 of 1937 is an important page in the history of the Soviet automobile industry, demonstrating the desire to innovate and improve the technologies of that time.