The Second World War made abundantly clear the huge advantage held by a truly mechanized military, and few machines demonstrated this as effectively as the humble Jeep. A light, four-wheel drive vehicle with a legendary reputation for durability, it was the envy of ally and enemy alike, immediately spawning imitations in both civilian and postwar military roles. The GAZ-69 was the Soviet Union’s entry into this field, and served as the Red Army’s principal light off-road transport through much of the Cold War. This example, located in Alanson, Michigan, is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,000, or best offer.

The GAZ-69 began development in 1946, entered service in 1953, and was in production until 1972. It was built to use the same engine and transmission as its wartime predecessor, the GAZ-67– a vehicle designed over a few days in 1943 that exhibits a few styling cues drawn from lend-lease Jeeps. The GAZ-69 quickly proved to be an amazingly capable, robust vehicle. The 2.1 liter inline-4 produced 55 hp at low compression, allowing for the use of low-octane fuel. Both engine and three-speed transmission, with low and high range, were simple and rugged. “Simple and rugged” is an apt description of the suspension as well, which consisted of straight axles and leaf springs, front and rear.

This example is a four-door GAZ-69A and appears to be in pristine– if dusty– condition. Built in 1969, it boasts many upgrades from the original model. The engine now produces 65 hp, likely due to a later 2.4 L unit. This would allow for a theoretical top speed of 62 mph; although this is a bit slow for the highway, it should be fine for around-town driving. Accompanying documents indicate a variety of recent maintenance, and the “billy goat” (козлик) also comes with an assortment of spare parts.

This car could definitely appeal to a collector of militaria or any automobile enthusiast with a passion for the unusual. While its lack of safety equipment should immediately quash any thoughts of modern off-road events, it is perfectly capable of handling terrain that would leave many modern vehicles hopelessly mired, if not damaged beyond repair. It would be particularly interesting to see it displayed alongside a Korean or Vietnam-era Jeep, inviting a frank comparison between the two vehicles. It should be noted that parts may be difficult to come by: although over 600,000 examples were produced by the Soviets, and the Romanian company ARO made a civilian model until 1975, there aren’t likely to be too many of these in Western Europe, to say nothing of North America. Care should be taken, therefore, to avoid abusing this little communist ride, lest the new owner find himself suddenly in the red.