On this day: Production of the first GAZ-M20 Pobeda cars began

In 1946, the Pobeda was the first Soviet automobile to have turn signals, two electric windshield wipers, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, an electric heater, and a factory-installed AM radio. 

Many Pobeda cars were used by government organizations, including the state-owned taxicab parks (there were no private taxis in the Soviet Union). The car’s price was twice the average annual wage of 800 rubles, yet there were long queues to buy it. In 1954-55, demand exceeded production, and the Pobeda had the first chance for the Soviet automobile industry to export and compete with Western manufacturers.

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