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In 1938, the GAZ GL-1 emerged as a remarkable endeavor by the Gorky Automobile Plant to elevate the speed bar for Russian cars. Tasked with this challenge, engineer Evgenii Agitov worked on the GAZ-M1 as the donor vehicle, which initially featured a four-cylinder, 3.3-liter engine producing 50 hp. With aspirations to break records, the engine was tuned, modifications were made to the body for reduced resistance, and unnecessary components were removed, resulting in a car weighing exactly one tonne. Eventually, in October 1938, GAZ test driver Arkady Nikolaev achieved a new Soviet Union record of 148 km/h with the GAZ GL-1.
Inspired by its success, Evgenii Agitov and his team continued refining the car, leading to the creation of a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder engine with increased power and better aerodynamics. By September 22, 1940, the GAZ GL-1 reached a remarkable speed of 161.9 km/h, significantly improving the Soviet record. The GL-1's advancements paved the way for more powerful engines in various vehicles, leaving an indelible mark on the Soviet automotive landscape. While plans for a third-generation GL-1 were thwarted by World War II, a faithful replica crafted by enthusiasts is now on display at a museum in Moscow, preserving the legacy of this groundbreaking Soviet speed icon.
