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ZIL-130 is a Soviet/Russian heavy-duty cargo truck developed and produced by the Moscow-based Zavod imeni Likhacheva (ZIL) automaker, serving as a successor to the older ZIL-164 model. It became one of the most widely used cargo trucks in the USSR and post-Soviet Russia, with extensive civilian and military applications.
Key moments
1958First prototypes built
1962-09Limited 15-unit test batch produced
1963Small-scale production launched (714 units)
1964-10Full mass production commenced at ZIL plant
1974-061,000,000th unit rolled off production line
1982-052,000,000th unit completed
1994Original ZIL production ceased; production moved to UralAZ plant
2014Final units produced at UralAZ
Historical and Industrial Significance
ZIL-130 was a landmark model for Soviet automotive manufacturing, known for its durability, reliable V8 carbureted engine, and relatively low operating costs. It was exported widely across the Eastern Bloc and other developing markets, including China where over 300,000 units were imported starting in the 1970s to support domestic logistics and heavy cargo transport. The model's long production run (over 50 years total) reflected its adaptability to evolving operational needs, with multiple incremental upgrades to engine performance, load capacity, and maintenance intervals over its lifecycle.
Cultural and Practical Legacy
Beyond industrial use, the ZIL-130 became a cultural icon in several countries, appearing in media and remaining in active service in rural and industrial areas long after official production ended. Its simple, robust design made it easy to repair and maintain even in under-resourced environments, contributing to its lasting popularity.
engine
6.0L ZIL-130 V8
transmission
5-speed manual
wheelbase
3800 mm
length
6675 mm
width
2500 mm
height
2400 mm
weight
4300 kg
related
ZIL-131 ZIL-133
The ZIL-130 is a Soviet/Russian 5-6-ton truck produced by ZIL in Moscow, Russia. The first prototype was built in 1956. Production began in 1962, while mass production started in 1964.In total, ZIL built 3,380,000 trucks up to 1994, making it one of the most numerous cargo trucks in the USSR and Russia.In 1995, production was moved to the now-defunct Ural Motor Plant (UamZ, its trucks were known as UamZ-43140).
History
ZIL started working on a replacement for the ZIL-164, right after De-Stalinization took place. The first prototype was built some months later and had an all-new cabin, as well as a wider, wraparound windshield.
The new model retained little from its predecessor, with a new V8 engine (displacing 6.0 liters) and a more reinforced frame.The newer truck was slightly shorter in wheelbase than the ZIL-164 truck.[1]Mass-production started in 1964 under the ZIL-130 name, and soon the ZIL-164 was discontinued in favor of its more modern successor.
The ZIL-130 received the latest features adopted by the global car industry of the 1950s while not being based on any foreign model and having a unique chassis, cabin and other parts.[1] In 1965, production of the 6x6 ZIL-131 variant intended for the military started and then the 6x4 ZIL-133 also followed; both of these were heavily based on the standard 4x2 ZIL-130 truck.
Since 1986, in accordance with the branch standard OST 37.001-269-83, the ZIL-130 series received new indexes: ZIL-431410 (ZIL-130), ZIL-431510 (ZIL-130Г), ZIL-441510 (ZIL-130В1), ZIL-431810 (ZIL-138), ZIL-431610 (ZIL-138А), etc.
In 1986, ZIL introduced the newer ZIL-4331, but production of the ZIL-130 continued even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, eventually ending in 1995, when the design tooling was sold to UamZ and production there of a rebadged and slightly improved ZIL-130 would continue until 2012 as the UamZ-43140 and then as the AMUR-531350. The most notable difference between the UamZ/AMUR versions and the standard ZIL-130 was that the truck now used the cab from the ZIL-131 and was also available with a 4-cylinder MMZ D-240 engine, apart from the old V8.
Like the broadly similar 3.5 ton GAZ-53, the ZIL-130 was also available in a 4-door double cab configuration, but only in fire engine forms.
Modifications
Over the course of production, there were two modernizations of the ZIL-130 in 1966 and 1977. After 1977, the radiator enclosure was changed.
ZIL-130 Prototype 1956
ZIL-130 Prototype 1962
ZIL-130-66 – modification 1966
ZIL-130-76 – modification 1976
ZIL-130-80 – modification 1980
ZIL-130AN – version powered by ZIL-157 engine
ZIL-130B2 – chassis for ZIL-MMZ-554 and ZIL-MMZ-554M
ZIL-130D1 – ZIL-130D with single-speed rear axle for ZIL-MMZ-555 and ZIL-MMZ-4502
ZIL-133D1E – chassis for ZIL-MMZ-555E, export version for temperate climates
ZIL-130D1T – chassis for ZIL-MMZ-555T, export version for tropical climates
ZIL-130D1Sh
ZIL-130D2 – dump/tractor version for ZIL-MMZ-555A and ZIL-MMZ-45022
ZIL-130D3 – chassis for dump truck
ZIL-130E (1965) – export version for temperate climates
ZIL-130F – prototype version powered by a ZIL-130F engine
ZIL-130GU – prototype long wheelbase version with reinforced frame and suspension
ZIL-130L – prototype version powered by a ZIL-120VK I6 engine with trailer towing equipment removed
ZIL-130AL – two-speed rear axle
ZIL-130BL – dump truck chassis
ZIL-130DL – short wheelbase tractor
ZIL-130GL – long wheelbase version
ZIL-130VL – tractor-trailer version
ZIL-130M – prototype version powered by a ZMZ-41 V8 engine with trailer towing equipment removed
ZIL-130GM – prototype long wheelbase version
ZIL-130N – prototype version with hydraulic system with pump and PTO (for MMZ-812 grain trailer)
ZIL-130SHM – prototype version powered by a Steyr diesel engine
ZIL-130V – prototype tractor-trailer version with a two-speed rear axle
ZIL-130VT – prototype tractor-trailer version with reinforced two-speed rear axle
ZIL-130V1S – prototype tractor-trailer version for northern regions; produced in a small series
ZIL-130V2 – prototype tractor-trailer version with 3800 mm wheelbase
ZIL-E130 – prototype version with aluminum frame
ZIL-136 – prototype diesel version
ZIL-E138AV – prototype version powered by compressed gas
ZIL-138AB – prototype dual-fuel (CNG and A-76 gasoline) version with trailer towing equipment (for ZIL-MMZ-45054); later redesignated as ZIL-496110 and entered production in 1987
ZIL-138IB – prototype dual-fuel (CNG and AI-93 gasoline) version with trailer towing equipment (for ZIL-MMZ-45054)
