Gaz Chaika

Two generations of the Chaika were built in the former Soviet Union. The Mark 1 Chaika, the GAZ M13, debuted in 1958. The convertible was produced in 1961 and 1962 for official parades. Production continued until 1981, with a total of 3179 units built. The M13 was powered by a 195 hp 5.5-liter V8. The model was offered as a sedan (GAZ 13), limousine (GAZ 13A), and the four-door convertible (GAZ 13B) with an electric convertible top.

The RAF in Riga produced the GAZ 13A Universal, a station wagon, in the 1960s. It was built as the GAZ 13C ambulance and also as a hearse. Few of this model were made, making it the rarest variant. The Chaika limousine version was available only to the Soviet government and could not be purchased by ordinary citizens. However, citizens were allowed to rent a Chaika for a wedding. Chaikas were used by Soviet ambassadors and the Communist Party in East Germany, Korea, Bulgaria, Hungary, Mongolia, and Finland, and Fidel Castro received one from President Nikita Khrushchev, who himself preferred his Chaika to his ZIL. Due to their size and powerful V8, Chaikas were also ordered by the KGB. The top speed of the Chaika was around 159 km/h.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–hPaQz15IU

Most Chaikas were saloons. The M13B was built for only two years, 1961 and 1962. The GAZ 13 was discontinued in 1981. The M14 debuted in 1977 and would remain in production until 1988. Enthusiasts see the 1955-1956 US Packards as the inspiration for the early Chaika styling.

Second generation Chaika

The vintage 1950s-style M13 was succeeded by the more modern Chaika M14 in 1977, although production of both versions overlapped for several years. The M14 was more modernly equipped but was essentially built on the drivetrain and chassis of the older model. The M14 engine was a modernized 5.5-liter with a power output of 220 hp. A seven-seater, with special sound insulation, it was over 6 meters long and weighed 2,600 kg.

In 1984, a four-door convertible also appeared: the 14-95. The Chaika M14 remained in production until 1988, after which the brand ceased to exist. By order of Mikhail Gorbachev, the blueprints and tools were destroyed as part of his “fight against privileges” campaign under perestroika.