While living in Warsaw, Poland, and working in Central/Eastern Europe, I became intrigued by the looks of the Russian GAZ 69 vehicles I saw roaming around. Enlisting the aid of local GAZ enthusiast, Andrzej Zielinski, I was able to purchase a 1961 GAZ69M, former Polish military vehicle in fair condition.
Also through my friend Andrzej, I have been fortunate enough to hook up with several members of the Warsaw Wertep Klub. They are a group of amateur 4WD aficionados which enjoy participating in rallies and informal caravan trips across Central Europe. The majority of members vehicles are GAZ 67 and 69s plus a few later model Russian UAZs and Polish Tarpons.
I have enclosed some pictures taken at the recent annual
off-road rally held June 18 at Wesola, Poland, about
25km Southeast of Warsaw. The rally was organized into
a two-day affair comprised of a number of events which
included vehicle inspection, timed performance driving trails,
obstacle courses (water bogs, sand dune climbing), overnight
camping, and a bonfire awards ceremony.
It was great fun for this accidental 4WD tourist.
- Jack Walter
Go to the 4WD Destinations or Military Vehicles pages
