Perhaps, the UralZIS-355M embodies a chapter of Soviet automotive history. This UralZIS vehicle stands as a reminder of a time when functionality and durability were paramount. Let’s delve into the story of this truck. We will uncover its origins and its impact on Soviet industry.
The UralZIS-355M emerged from the Ural Automotive Plant. This plant was initially founded during World War II. It served as a relocated production site for the ZIS plant in Moscow. The relocation was done to protect it from German attacks. Initially, the plant focused on producing ZIS-5 trucks. After the war, the plant was renamed UralZIS. It continued producing these trucks with minor modifications.
In the mid-1950s, a new numbering system led to renaming the vehicles UralZIS-355. The end of 1957 or the beginning of 1958 marked a significant turning point. Major changes to the bodywork and technology resulted in the UralZIS-355M. The M signified modernized.
Production of the UralZIS-355M continued until 1965. In 1961, the name was simplified to Ural-355M. This change accommodated de-Stalinization. Throughout its production run, the truck saw only minor technical alterations. Around 192500 units were manufactured.
As the Soviet auto industry specialized, medium-weight truck production shifted to Moscow’s Zavod imeni Likhachyova. Despite the large production numbers, the UralZIS-355M is a rare sight today. Only about 20 are known to exist in the former Soviet Union.
Following the discontinuation of the Ural-355M, the UralAZ plant shifted its focus. It specialized in all-terrain three-axle vehicles. Examples include the Ural-375 and the Ural-4320.
The UralZIS-355M featured an inline six-cylinder four-stroke petrol engine. This engine, the UralZIS-353A, produced 70 kW of power. Its displacement was 5550 cm3. The engine delivered a maximum torque of 31.5 kpm or 309 Nm. It had a compression ratio of 6:1. The fuel tank held 110 liters. Fuel consumption varied significantly. It ranged from 24 to 45 liters per 100 km. This depended heavily on road conditions and speed. The truck employed a 4×2 layout.
The UralZIS-355M measured 6290 mm in length. Its width was 2280 mm. The height reached 2080 mm. The wheelbase spanned 3824 mm. It had a front track of 1611 mm and a rear track of 1675 mm. The ground clearance was 262 mm. It needed a turning circle of 16.6 m. The tires were size 8.25-20″. It could carry a payload of 3500 kg. The empty weight was 3360 kg. The permissible total weight was 7050 kg.
The story of the UralZIS-355M reflects the industrial history. It also reveals the shifts in Soviet automotive manufacturing. The UralZIS-355M embodies resilience and adaptation during a transformative period. This UralZIS-355M, although rare today, remains a significant piece of Soviet automotive heritage.