UAZ-469B

Development of the UAZ-469 off-roader at the Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant was overseen by chief designer P. I. Muzyukin, with L. A. Startsev appointed lead project designer. The first running prototypes, with independent double-wishbone suspension and longitudinal torsion bars, appeared in 1960.

Reliability and cross-country performance problems led to changes in 1961: the vehicle received geared axles with conventional leaf-spring suspension.

In 1962 UAZ body designer A. M. Rakhmanov presented the final body design, and the UAZ-469 successfully passed state acceptance trials in 1964. Series production was repeatedly delayed by shortages of powerful 75 hp engines, which the Ulyanovsk Engine Plant could supply in sufficient numbers only from 1969, and by funding delays from the Soviet Ministry of the Automotive Industry.