Russian beast: The ZIL E‑167's untold story of power and design
If you're planning a journey through the impenetrable Siberia, you'll need a reliable vehicle capable of overcoming any obstacle. With this in mind, the Russians designed the ZIL E-167, though it remained only at the prototype stage.
The ZIL E-167 was remarkable for its size: it measured 30 feet in length, stood 10 feet high, and weighed 15,400 pounds, making it a giant even on the drawing board. To power this mammoth machine, not one but two V8 engines, each with a capacity of 7 liters, were installed. In the 1960s, this translated to a modest power output of 167 horsepower for each engine.
The ZIL was unique not only because of its power. It could reach speeds of over 37 mph on good surfaces. It featured a tire pressure regulation system, a winch, and six fuel tanks with a total capacity of 238 gallons. While this may seem substantial, it only allowed the vehicle to cover about 373 miles, resulting in fuel consumption of around 1.6 mpg.
To handle muddy or snowy roads smoothly, the ZIL was equipped with very large wheels with a diameter of 70 inches, providing a ground clearance of 30 inches. The front and rear of its three axles were steerable, making maneuvering easier. It was so robust that it could simply push through if something blocked its path.
Testing showed the vehicle performed exceptionally well in difficult terrain; however, it faced one major issue—the transmissions struggled with effectively transferring power, leading to ongoing operational problems. The complexity lay in the system, as the two rear-placed engines independently powered the left and right side wheels (one engine per side). This setup required precise synchronization.
The vehicle was initially well-received and aimed to meet the needs of geologists, oil workers, and various scientists exploring the northern regions of Russia. The cabin was so spacious that occupants could sleep and live fairly comfortably while working.
Despite plans to produce two additional units, these intentions were never fulfilled. The video below, which is the first part of a story about this impressive machine, explains more about it.
