Classic GAZ 69 Transformed with 6.4-Litre Hemi V8 by Truck Garage
St. Petersburg-based Truck Garage has reimagined the Soviet-era GAZ 69 off-roader, fitting it with a 465hp 6.4-litre V8 Hemi and modern off-road hardware.
Truck Garage, a tuning outfit based in St. Petersburg, has completed the first of a planned dozen GAZ 69 restomods, turning the Soviet-era off-roader into a high-powered, modernised machine. The project keeps the rugged silhouette of the original but swaps out its modest mechanicals for a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 producing 465hp (342kW), paired to an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
The GAZ 69, often called the "mountain goat" for its off-road prowess, originally served military and agricultural roles across the Soviet bloc. Truck Garage’s version is aimed at collectors and enthusiasts who want the classic look with contemporary performance. The chassis benefits from significant upgrades, including an ARB rear differential, Teraflex disc brakes at all four corners, adjustable coilover suspension, and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 35-inch off-road tyres. These modifications are intended to handle the extra power and improve capability on rough terrain.
Interior and customisation options
Inside, the restomod retains the GAZ 69’s utilitarian charm but adds 21st-century touches. Buyers get leather-trimmed, electrically adjustable seats and a retro-styled audio system with Bluetooth and iPhone connectivity. Truck Garage said the technical package will remain the same for all twelve units, but buyers can opt for smaller 5.7- or 6.1-litre V8s if preferred. There is also a choice between a classic hardtop or a retractable soft top, allowing some personalisation of the finished vehicle.
Pricing and market positioning
Truck Garage has set a starting price of about $57,770 for the GAZ 69 V8. This places it firmly in the collector restomod category, rather than as a rival to volume off-roaders. The company plans to build only twelve examples, with the first unit already completed and the remainder to follow the same technical specification unless a customer requests an alternative engine size or roof configuration.
While the GAZ 69 is best known in its original utilitarian form, this project shows the potential for classic Soviet vehicles to be reimagined for modern tastes. Truck Garage’s approach is in line with a broader trend of restomods that blend vintage style with current technology, though few have tackled a Russian classic with quite this level of ambition.
