Miguel Sánchez
The ZIS-5 is a truck of Soviet origin that is essential for the development of the industrial mobile fleet in Spain. Imported in large quantities by the Republican government, it became a key piece for the transport of materials and troops during the Civil War. In addition, also It was the platform chosen in the manufacture of armored vehicles by Russian technicians in the Naval Union of Levante. However, due to his popular ingenuity he was not known by his name but by his nickname. Three Communist Brothers. A reference to the Cyrillic script on its hood emblem, which visually resembled the initials 3HC.
Despite war destruction, thousands of these trucks survived the war. In this way, most of them were distributed between public institutions and private companies favored by the new regime in the face of the reconstruction of infrastructures. However, over the years Eduardo Barreiros managed to get hold of about two thousand units to equip them with self-made engines. Thus, in Spain ZIS-5 trucks could be seen in service until well into the fifties.
A clear example of the reliability and simplicity of the model, manufactured since 1941 in the city of Ulyanovsk. Located on the banks of the Volga about 900 kilometers east of Moscow. A safe location to Several automobile factories were transferred before the Nazi advance towards the Soviet capital, thus ensuring in the rear the metallurgical production of war material. The beginning of UAZ. Which continues to manufacture its passenger cars and SUVs in the same plant created during World War II. A harsh military history responsible for imbuing models such as the UAZ 452 with character.
UAZ 452, THE VAN TO ENTER THE TAIGA
When UAZ was born in 1941 due to the dispersion of the factories located on the outskirts of Moscow, it did so with a temporary vocation. However, over time it ends up establishing itself as a brand that, in fact, continues to be one of the references in the Russian market. In this way, during the fifties it took over the production of the GAZ-69. The iconic light off-roader created in the manner of a Soviet Jeep with which both the Red Army and a multitude of revolutionary governments were equipped, among which the Cuban led by Fidel Castro stands out.
A previous step to the manufacture of your own designs. A fact that came in 1958 with the presentation of the UAZ 450. A van with off-road capabilities of which the Soviet Ministry of Defense would be the main client. However, due to its good performance in poorly accessible terrain it was also in high demand as a medical vehicle. And even as transport in mining or forestry operations in isolated regions of the taiga. In fact, its versatility of uses made it so successful that in 1961 the UAZ 451 was launched.
An improved version in which the lines of the bodywork were refined a little more, accompanied by a new production line with which to cover the wide demand. At this point it was thought to mount 4 × 4 traction in all the unitsyes Idea for which the UAZ 1965 was born in 452. The most famous and canonical version in this saga. Still produced with almost no notable changes in the same facilities that saw it born in the fifties and sixties. Factory to which has recently been added a assembly line in Chile.
SLOW BUT SAFE
Reviewing the specifications of the UAZ 452, these prevent its homologation in Europe and the United States due to problems with safety and emissions. However, these are also not markets where UAZ has ever wanted to enter massively. far from it, the natural terrain of this vehicle has always been the Russian forest environment. Therefore, the UAZ 452 is not intended for recreational road trips as Volkswagen designed the T1, T2 and T3. On the contrary, the fate of this Russian model has always been much harsher and more practical than the desires for leisure and consumption of the German middle class.
In this way, in the UAZ 452 everything is directed to march slowly through inaccessible terrain. And it does. Since it has an angle of attack of 27º at the entrance and 30º at the exit. In addition, despite its great height and ground clearance, it is capable of not tipping over even when experiencing strong oscillations on uneven terrain. The 2.700cc and 128CV gasoline engine is installed between the front seats in a longitudinal position, positioning the driving position just above the front axle. Despite the decades that have passed, the poise displayed by the UAZ 452 on the most challenging terrain remains remarkable.
A most useful quality, especially if we add the ease it offers when fine-tuning its mechanics. And it is that, being designed to be used in almost inaccessible places, this vehicle was designed with the idea of can be fixed with just a hammer and a few other tools. A triumph of simplicity even more spartan than the one mounted on the Lada Niva. All this to make the UAZ 452 not only one of the most interesting classic models for any Soviet automotive fan. But also one of the very few classics still in production. 57 years already.
Pictures: UAZ
