GAZ-13 Seagull - Soviet high-flying "bird"

The Soviet auto industry has never pleased drivers with diversity. But until about the mid-1960s, the cars produced in the USSR were beautiful, with their own character and charisma.


And these are not just words - in the same Europe, GAZ-21 Volga and Muscovites of various models were bought, bringing currency to the manufacturing country.

Of course, Soviet cars for ordinary people were budget, but GAZ cars, and even more so ZIS / ZIL, always stood out against this background. But they were not intended for ordinary citizens - only for the worthy.



But the GAZ-13 Chaika, the most beautiful Soviet car, was available only to officials. Although in the table of ranks he tacitly stood for ZIL.

The story of

Soviet leaders loved the American auto industry. For example, Stalin drove a Packard. Even after the appearance of the ZiS-110, which was created “based on” the Packard 180, the leader did not change his habits.

Khrushchev also drove an American Cadillac Fleetwood 75. So the general trend in the development of premium cars is understandable.
There is nothing surprising in this - the best luxury cars in the world were produced in the USA. The Soviet Union tried to overtake the eternal enemy / partner and sometimes an outright enemy.



But after 10 years, the ZIM / GAZ-12 car was hopelessly outdated. Of course, in the USSR it looked luxurious, but compared to the new American models, it was far from perfect.



Just at that time, the famous "Khrushchev thaw" came - relations between the powerful world powers improved. But the confrontation did not go away - the USSR had to prove that it was no worse than its overseas neighbor.

It was necessary to urgently produce new models of executive cars - after all, they were seen by ambassadors and diplomats coming to the Soviet Union.

In the USA, they bought several Packard Patrician and Caribbean - they were supposed to be equal to the designers and artists (designers) working for GAZ and ZIL. So there were new Soviet car models for high-ranking officials.

Technical features of the GAZ-13

The main "fathers" for Chaika were the designers Prosvirin, Yumashev and the artist Lebedev. The new car turned out to be completely different from the GAZ-12, but the obvious resemblance to the Packards was visible a mile away.



First of all, the designers abandoned the supporting structure in favor of the frame. The body was attached to it through rubber spacers - thus getting rid of rigidity.

GAZ-13 Chaika has become a modern car, having received a number of innovations:

• ? Push-button automatic transmission
  
• ? power steering
  
• ? Vacuum brake booster
  
• ? Tubeless tires
  
• ? Automatic windows and antenna
  

Compared to the European auto industry, which had only recently recovered from the effects of the war, the GAZ-13 looked luxurious. It could be put on the same line with limousines from the USA.



The engine turned out to be 4,89 liters and produced 180 hp. With. After testing, the engine was redone. The working volume was increased to 5,5, power - up to 195 liters. With.



Especially for those who are sure that the designers simply copied the Chrysler engine. The Soviet motor was with an aluminum block, not a cast iron block. This required a different cooling system at least, apart from other features.

First modifications

The prototype GAZ-13 Chaika was presented to the party elite in the summer of 1957. He received an unusual coloring - a cherry bottom and a cream top. The model passed all the tests, several more samples joined it.

Serial production began in 1959.

Initially, cars were assembled piece by piece. All of them were painted only in black - GAZ-13 Chaika had to look serious.



The deputies of the highest government elite were the first to receive a limousine. Then the diplomatic corps in Moscow. The ambassadors of countries friendly to the USSR in their homeland also traveled on Chaikas, at least by hook or by crook they tried to beg for these cars.

Model updates

The first modernization of the GAZ-13 Chaika took place in 1962.

Changes were minimal:

• ? Carburetor K-114
  
• ? Caps with other design
  
• ? New trim
  

In the 1970s, the car was repeatedly updated, but only in small things. For example, the brakes became dual-circuit, new seat belts and a shortwave radio appeared.

GAZ-13 Chaika was originally an ideal car, so it did not need major modifications. This allowed him to hold out on the assembly line for 22 years.

Variety of model range

Although it is believed that the Soviet car was produced in only one body type (sedan), in fact, there were still factory station wagons, convertibles and limousines.



GAZ-13S is a specific model, commissioned by the Ministry of Health. Station wagons were intended for medical workers who served the party elite and their families.

It is noteworthy that Chaika was not remade at the Gorky Automobile Plant, but was sent to the RAF. There the car was equipped for medical purposes.

The weight of the GAZ-13S, which was called the "Black Doctor" increased from 2,66 to 3 tons, because of which the rear suspension had to be strengthened.
It is believed that 20 station wagons were produced, of which 12 have survived.

GAZ-13B Chaika convertibles were produced at the Gorky Automobile Plant. They were collected only from 1961 to 1962. The cars were intended for "high" guests and officials of the USSR visiting the Crimea and the Caucasus.

The GAZ-13A is considered the rarest factory model. This is Seagull in the performance of a limousine, although from the outside it was no different from a sedan. The only difference is inside - a special partition in the cabin that separates passengers from the driver.

End of career

In 1977, the production of a new car began, which replaced the GAZ-13 - this is the GAZ-14. But the outdated model continued to be produced for several more years.

Around this time, ordinary people could also join such cars, although for this it was necessary to get married or get married. Decommissioned GAZ-13 Chaika was given to the registry office, where they worked as wedding limousines.



In the first half of the 1980s, the GAZ-13 Chaika was gradually replaced by a new model, the GAZ-14. This was the sunset of the career of the most beautiful Soviet passenger car.

Now it’s not difficult to buy a GAZ-13 Chaika - there are 15-20 sedan copies on sale. All cars, as a rule, are carefully restored, at least rotten options have not been found for a long time.

The minimum price for a GAZ-13 Chaika starts at 3,5 million rubles. For the most expensive car they ask for 16 million rubles.

But when buying a GAZ-13 Chaika, you need to understand that this is a profitable investment. If you keep the car, then the price will only increase over the years.

A ride on Chaika is a return to the Soviet era with its indescribable flavor. The car is a real time capsule that can return to childhood! Isn't it worth 3,5 million rubles?