It was essentially a GAZ-M1 with a higher stance and
all-wheel drive (one of the world's first all-wheel drive passenger cars). It could climb angles up to 38 degrees and cross water up to deep. The first version, produced from 1940 until 1941, was a five-seat four-door
phaeton. It was powered by a six-cylinder four-stroke engine with and a top speed of . Many supreme commanders of the
Red Army headquarters used this car in 1941. In 1941, the updated GAZ-61-73 was introduced. It became a five-seat, four-door six-light saloon with the same engine, but now rated at a top speed of . The GAZ-61 was produced not only in civilian black but also in blue and Russian 4BO green, together with the typical cross-country tread tires. == References ==