GAZ-61

The GAZ-61 was a Soviet four-wheel drive passenger car produced by GAZ (Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod) between 1941 and 1945. It is considered to be the world's first comfortable passenger car with a four-wheel drive system suitable for off-road use and towing.

Developed from the GAZ-M1 (a licensed copy of the Ford Model B) and utilising components from the GAZ-64 military vehicle, the GAZ-61 was designed for military and high-ranking government officials who required a vehicle capable of traversing difficult terrain.

The GAZ-61 was produced in limited numbers due to the outbreak of World War II. It was powered by a 3.5-liter inline-six gasoline engine. Two main variants were produced: the GAZ-61-73, a four-door sedan, and the GAZ-61-417, a two-door phaeton. The GAZ-61-73 is the more common and well-known variant.

The vehicle's ruggedness and ability to navigate challenging environments made it a valuable asset to the Soviet military, particularly in staff transport and reconnaissance roles. After the war, the GAZ-61 served as a basis for further development of all-wheel-drive vehicles in the Soviet Union.