Given the long production run of GAZ-52/53 and their variants, the series is a common sight in Eastern Europe.

They should not be mistaken for the broadly similar 5-6 ton ZIL-130, which is also usually painted light blue with a white grille.

The GAZ grille is fluted vertically, and the direction indicators are typically located above the headlamps, with the exception of the introductory GAZ-53F.

It featured the brand-new 4254 cc light-alloy V8 ZMZ-53 engine, which was a modified version of the one used in the GAZ-13 Chaika, with a reduced compression ratio and smaller 2 barrel carburetor.

[1] The ZMZ-53 produces 120 hp SAE Gross at 3200 rpm, giving the GAZ-53 a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph).