Model "A" Pick-ups With Rails On The Bed

[Will Ziegler in LI NY]

Originally Posted by WTSHNN

The first two pics are GAZ's.
The third is a Deluxe Pickup (66-A)
The last is a AA Service Car (229-A).

-Tim

How can you tell they are GAZ's?

Not questioning you, but trying to learn.

[John Butts in CT]

Originally Posted by Will Ziegler in LI NY

How can you tell they are GAZ's?

Not questioning you, but trying to learn.

Aside to Tim..., if you can add or correct anything, please do...

I've been researching GAZ images ever since Russia and the former Soviet Republics became accessible online. Thousands of images of vehicles from the '30's and WWII are now available. The history of how the successors to our beloved A's and AA's helped win WWII is fascinating.

After examining many, many GAZ images, here are some clues to identifying these two pickups. One or more of the following is/are visible in both images:

(1) Top front of GAZ radiator shell is straight across the bottom, with no "widow's peak."

(2) GAZ Cowl bands were SOMETIMES bright on cars, but generally painted or omitted on trucks, including the deluxe pickup.

(3) GAZ stanchions and rails on deluxe pickup beds were painted, not bright.

(4) GAZ deluxe pickups lacked cowl lamps.

Add some some clues that are not GAZ specific: The square rear license plate is typical of Moscow, and the girls' dresses are, to my eye, more typical of the USSR than any urban area elsewhere.

Lastly, consider the source. I first came across the "artillery wheel" pickup on a Czech website. The "young people with truck" image is from a Russian site.

Several of us Fordbarners have posted GAZ images on the "Commercial Vehicles" thread.

Perhaps it's time for a GAZ thread?