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Behind the iron curtain, Soviet engineers and designers dared to dream big, concocting a captivating array of concept cars and prototypes that pushed the boundaries of imagination and innovation. From hovercars to snow machines and futuristic supercars, the Soviet Union's automotive industry harbored an arsenal of wild creations that remained hidden from the world for decades. Let's dive into the forgotten realm of the wildest Soviet concept cars and prototypes that redefined automotive possibilities and still leave us in awe today.
1934 GAZ A-Aero
In the 1930s, as cars were reaching higher speeds, the need to study aerodynamics became evident. In the Soviet Union, remarkable progress was made in 1934 when the first domestic streamlined car, the experimental GAZ-A-Aero, was developed by designer Alexei Osipovich Nikitin. The project was initiated by the automobile department of the Military Academy of Mechanization and Motorization of the Red Army (VAMM RKKA) in collaboration with other organizations. Extensive theoretical studies and wind tunnel tests resulted in four streamlined body designs that were applied to the GAZ-A chassis to create the GAZ-A-Aero prototype. The new streamlined body showcased curved steel sheets on a wooden frame, teardrop-shaped wing coverings, and a V-shaped windshield. The GAZ-A-Aero demonstrated significant advantages over the standard GAZ-A model, with higher speeds, better dynamics, and improved fuel efficiency. Despite limitations due to the chassis design, the GAZ-A-Aero proved the benefits of streamlined bodies in increasing performance. This pioneering work set the foundation for future advancements in automotive aerodynamics and contributed to the development of modern streamlined cars in the post-war era.
1938 GAZ GL-1
In 1938, the GAZ GL-1 emerged as a remarkable endeavor by the Gorky Automobile Plant to elevate the speed bar for Russian cars. Tasked with this challenge, engineer Evgenii Agitov worked on the GAZ-M1 as the donor vehicle, which initially featured a four-cylinder, 3.3-liter engine producing 50 hp. With aspirations to break records, the engine was tuned, modifications were made to the body for reduced resistance, and unnecessary components were removed, resulting in a car weighing exactly one tonne. Eventually, in October 1938, GAZ test driver Arkady Nikolaev achieved a new Soviet Union record of 148 km/h with the GAZ GL-1.
Inspired by its success, Evgenii Agitov and his team continued refining the car, leading to the creation of a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder engine with increased power and better aerodynamics. By September 22, 1940, the GAZ GL-1 reached a remarkable speed of 161.9 km/h, significantly improving the Soviet record. The GL-1's advancements paved the way for more powerful engines in various vehicles, leaving an indelible mark on the Soviet automotive landscape. While plans for a third-generation GL-1 were thwarted by World War II, a faithful replica crafted by enthusiasts is now on display at a museum in Moscow, preserving the legacy of this groundbreaking Soviet speed icon.
1950 GAZ M-20 "Pobeda-Sport"
In 1950, the GAZ M-20 "Pobeda-Sport" made its mark in the Soviet sports scene when it appeared in the Torpedo Gorky sports club. A few homemade modifications were made to the cars, and it was during a test by Michael Metelev on the "Pobeda-Sports" N 11 that new speed records were established, reaching an impressive 161.211 km/h at a distance of 100 km. The pursuit of excellence continued, and in 1951, several enhancements were introduced, such as equipping three vehicles with rotary blowers "Rutz" and replacing carburetors for increased power and higher speeds. Another variant with an experimental four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine followed, showcasing the determination to push the limits of performance. Although the GAZ M-20 "Pobeda-Sport" was successful, it also laid the groundwork for future advancements, as these experiences proved invaluable in the development of other vehicles and even jet engines, leaving a lasting impact on the Soviet automotive and engineering landscape. The "Pobeda-Sports" went on to win three championships of the USSR, solidifying its position as the first truly successful domestic sports car in Soviet history.
1951 GAZ Torpedo (SG-2)
The SG-2 racing car, known as "Torpedo-GAZ," emerged in 1951 as an evolution from the "Victory sports" model designed by A.A. Smolin. Crafted with aviation techniques, its tear-shaped aluminum body replaced the original "Victory" design. Constructed with dural profiles and aluminum sheets, the car featured a bearing aluminum body. Its specifications included a 4x2 wheel formula weighing 1100 kg, a 2700 mm wheelbase, and dimensions of 6250 mm (length), 2070 mm (width), and 1200 mm (height). Powered by an M-20 4-cylinder carbureted engine with a volume supercharger, it boasted 2487 cm³ displacement, 105 hp at 4000 rpm, a top speed of 118.7mph (191 km/h), and accelerated from 0 to 1000m in 33.7 seconds.
1951 ZIS-112/1
In 1951, Russian automaker ZIS unveiled the ZIS-112/1 Concept Car, dubbed the "Cyclops." Designed by Valentine Rostkov, this two-seater prototype drew inspiration from the 1951 GM LeSabre concept car. It featured a removable hardtop and was powered by a 140hp V-8 engine from the ZIS-110, later upgraded to a potent 186hp V-8 experimental engine with four carburetors. The ZIS-112/1 participated in national competitions, undergoing modifications to enhance performance, including a shortened length and reduced weight from its original 6-meter frame. This revolutionary concept car symbolized Russian ingenuity and futuristic design, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive industry.
1953 GAZ Armored SnowMachine Prototype
Very little is known about the 1953 GAZ Armored SnowMachine Prototype. What's visibly known is that it shares many similar traits to the RF-8 (GAZ-98) Aerosled of WWII, which was designed in 1941 and used from 1942-1943. The main difference being the armored snow machine is enclosed vs. open, has track vs. being self-propelled and could tackle tougher snow terrains vs. flats. Below are images and a summary of the RF-8 (GAZ-98) Aerosled.
The RF-8 (GAZ-98) is a self-propelled sleigh powered by an internal combustion engine and equipped with a pushing propeller engine. It was designed for travel on snow and ice, initially developed by the OKB of the NKRF and later produced by GAZ "Bus Plant" (GZA). It went through modifications, becoming the RF-8-GAZ-98, also known as GAZ-98 and 743-98. These snowmobiles played a crucial role in World War II, particularly in 1942-1943, being utilized for tasks such as reconnaissance, guarding, transportation of troops and weapons, and patrol services in snowy terrains. The design and utilization of these vehicles were essential for traversing Russia's vast snowy landscapes during wartime.