GAZ-12 ZIM
| ZIM-12 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | GAZ |
| Also called | GAZ-12 (1958-1960) |
| Production | 1950-1960 |
| Assembly | Soviet Union: Gorky |
| Designer | Andrey Lipgart |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury car |
| Body style | Sedan, phaeton and ambulance |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.5L GAZ-12 I6 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual with a hydrodynamic fluid coupling |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm (126.0 in) |
| Length | 5,530 mm (217.7 in) |
| Width | 1,900 mm (74.8 in) |
| Height | 1,660 mm (65.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 3,800–4,200 lb (1,700–1,900 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | GAZ-11-73 |
| Successor | GAZ-13 Chaika |
The ZIM-12 (Russian: ЗиМ-12) was a Soviet limousine produced by the Gorky Automotive Plant from 1950 till 1960. It was the first executive car produced by GAZ and the first one to have the famous leaping deer hood ornament. The car was built to serve mid-rank Soviet nomenklatura, but was also readily available as a taxi and ambulance. Unlike its successors, ZIM was the only Soviet executive class full-size car that was actually made available for private ownership. A total of 21,527 examples were built.
GAZ began the design process for what became the M12 in May 1948, when the Soviet government requested a six-passenger sedan for the niche between the ZIS-110 and the Pobeda, with a deadline of twenty-nine months to produce it. Due to the lack of time, head designer Andrei Lipgart was given a choice between copying an American product (a Buick) or developing an entirely new model. He chose the latter, despite high level support for simply badge engineering a Buick.
The M12 used a lengthened Pobeda monocoque chassis (with a 3,200 mm (130 in) wheelbase), and about half the drivetrain components of the GAZ-51 and -63 trucks, or the smaller Pobeda, including the 3,485 cc (212.7 cu in) inline six engine (producing 95 hp (71 kW; 96 PS), rather than the 70 hp (52 kW; 71 PS) in the truck), and the transmission. The ZIM's compression ratio was increased to 6.7:1, but it was still able to employ the 70 octane petrol (gasoline) common in the Soviet Union; this, plus an improved intake manifold and twin-choke (two-barrel) carburetor, was responsible for the increased power. The front suspension was by coil springs, with leaf springs at the rear, and hydraulic shock absorbers. It had drum brakes at all four corners. Despite lacking power steering, the 18.2:1 ratio steering box made turning fairly easy. It offered a standard three-band AM radio, at a time when radios were not standard on most American cars, even the most expensive ones.
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