LuAZ-969 Volyn Auto Legends of the USSR

The conceptual predecessors of the LuAZ-969 off-roader were the NAMI-049 Ogonyok jeep and the NAMI-049A Tselina, modified at ZAZ. Various government agencies, the public and especially the military were interested in the vehicle, since the condition and extent of the road network, particularly in rural areas, left much to be desired. Work on military and civilian versions began simultaneously in 1958. NAMI chief designer A. A. Lipgart initiated the civilian version of the 969.

The first batch of civilian LuAZ-969s rolled off the line in 1966. The vehicle had an open all-metal body and selectable rear-wheel drive. The first 50 front-wheel-drive ZAZ-969V vehicles were assembled in December 1966. They can be regarded as the first Soviet series-production front-wheel-drive cars. The 4×2 version remained in production until 1970, when the Melitopol Engine Plant established production of rear-axle final drives. Ground clearance was 284 mm, giving the LuAZ-969 generous approach and departure angles.

In 1975, the vehicle received a new 40 PS engine and the designation LuAZ-969A. Top speed rose to 85 km/h, with fuel consumption of 9 litres per 100 km. It could be distinguished from its predecessor by IV-167 tyres, a spare wheel on the tailgate and a pair of side windows in the canvas top. By 1979, 54,130 had been built, after which the LuAZ-969M entered production.