When Americans think of early four-wheel-drive vehicles, Jeep often comes to mind. Models like the Willys Jeep Station Wagon (introduced in 1946) and later the Jeep Wagoneer (1963) helped shape the modern SUV market. However, the Soviet Union had already experimented with the idea before Jeep introduced a unibody 4WD passenger car. In 1955, GAZ produced the M-72, a version of its Pobeda sedan that became the world’s first mass-produced unibody four-wheel-drive passenger car. Unlike Jeep’s early body-on-frame utility vehicles, the M-72 blended passenger car comfort with off-road capability.

The GAZ-M20 Pobeda’s Origins

GAZ introduced the original M20 Pobeda (“Victory”) in 1946. The car featured a unibody structure, where the body and frame were one continuous piece. This design made the car lighter and stiffer than traditional body-on-frame vehicles. The Pobeda’s smooth, rounded lines set it apart from the more angular designs of the time. While most Pobedas were used by government agencies and taxi services, it marked a shift in Soviet automotive design.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., Willys-Overland produced the Willys Jeep Station Wagon, a body-on-frame vehicle with optional four-wheel drive. The model debuted in 1949 and aimed to combine passenger comfort with off-road capability. However, it did not feature a unibody design like the Pobeda.

Introduction of the M-72 Variant

In 1955, GAZ introduced the M-72, a modified Pobeda with a four-wheel-drive system adapted from the military GAZ-69. The M-72 aimed to combine the comfort of a passenger sedan with the ruggedness needed for Soviet roads. The car had increased ground clearance and a robust drivetrain for better performance on rough terrain.

At the same time, American manufacturers like Jeep had not yet introduced a unibody 4WD passenger car. The first major American counterpart to the M-72, the Jeep Wagoneer, didn’t arrive until 1963. It offered more luxury and refined features but still used a body-on-frame construction. Jeep would not introduce a mass-produced unibody 4WD passenger vehicle until the 1984 Cherokee XJ, similar to the Soviet M-72’s design.

Specs and Features Compared to Early Jeep Models

The GAZ-M72 was powered by a 2.1-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 52 horsepower. It came with a three-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer case, offering high and low gear ranges for better off-road capability. The suspension was modified to accommodate the 4WD system, and the vehicle had higher ground clearance than the standard Pobeda.

Now, let’s compare the M-72 to early Jeep models like the Willys Jeep Station Wagon, which debuted in 1949. The Willys Jeep Station Wagon had a 2.2-liter inline-four engine that produced 63 horsepower, slightly more than the M-72’s engine. It also offered a four-wheel-drive option with a 3-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer case. Both vehicles used similar drivetrain setups, but the M-72’s modifications were designed for Soviet road conditions, while the Jeep focused on American rural and military environments.

The Jeep Station Wagon could seat up to eight passengers, depending on the model, and featured a more utilitarian interior. The GAZ-M72, on the other hand, retained a more passenger-friendly design, with seating for five and a conventional sedan layout. The M-72 balanced practicality with comfort, while the Jeep focused more on durability and utility.

Both vehicles had rugged 4WD capabilities, but the M-72’s unibody design made it unique compared to Jeep’s body-on-frame setup. The unibody frame gave the M-72 a more compact, lighter feel, which helped with handling. On the other hand, the Jeep’s body-on-frame construction allowed for more flexibility in carrying heavier loads.

Market Presence and Pricing

GAZ produced the M-72 from 1955 to 1958, manufacturing around 4,677 units. It was primarily sold within the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries. At a price of 16,000 rubles in 1955, it was out of reach for most Soviet citizens. The average monthly wage at the time was around 800 rubles, so the M-72 was mostly allocated to government organizations and officials, with few available for private buyers.

In contrast, American 4WD vehicles, such as the Willys Jeep Station Wagon, were widely available to the public. The Jeep served both civilian and military needs and quickly became popular in the U.S. market. By the 1950s, demand for versatile 4WD vehicles was growing in the U.S., and manufacturers were increasingly offering options for civilian buyers.

Legacy and Impact

The GAZ-M72 represented an early attempt to combine off-road capability with passenger comfort in a unibody design. Though it had limited production and remained mostly within the Soviet Union, the M-72 foreshadowed future SUV trends.

Jeep, on the other hand, continued to develop its body-on-frame 4WD vehicles, culminating in the 1963 Jeep Wagoneer. This model was a more refined option in the 4WD market. However, it wasn’t until 1984, with the Jeep Cherokee XJ, that the U.S. automotive industry mass-produced a unibody 4WD passenger vehicle, similar to the Soviet M-72.

The M-72’s design influenced the SUV market, but its impact stayed mostly within the Soviet sphere. American manufacturers, particularly Jeep, continued refining 4WD vehicles. Eventually, they led the global rise of the modern SUV.

The 1955 GAZ-M20 Pobeda M-72 may have preceded Jeep in producing a unibody 4WD passenger car, but its influence remained contained to the Soviet Union. Jeep, meanwhile, continued to evolve with body-on-frame designs and eventually introduced the unibody Cherokee XJ. The two vehicles, developed in different political and economic systems, reflect the very different paths SUV industries took depending on their spot on the globe.