GAZ-M-72 was built from 1955 – 1958
The GAZ-M-20 prototype (2wd 5 seat passenger car) was first built in 1944 by GAZ in the Soviet Union and production didn’t begin until 1946. The GAZ-M-20 was also known as “Pobeda” which meant victory. Starting in 1955 they combined the chassis of a GAZ-69 and the body of the GAZ-M-20 to build the 4wd GAZ-M-72. Production of this vehicle was from 1955 – 1958 and a total of 4667 units were produced.
So the question is, was this really the first SUV? Russian references credit these as possibly being the first comfortable off-road vehicle with a closed unitized body(statement from Wikipedia). If you consider the 2wd prototype in 1944 as being the first SUV I think that statement might be valid. But we can’t forget the Willys Wagon which was first produced in 1946 (same as this GAZ-M-20) and then the 4wd Willys Wagon was introduced in 1949, six years earlier than the GAZ-M-72. Here is a link to the Willys/Jeep timeline.
This is a GAZ-M-72 with larger tires. Photo via retronaut.co
Engine (M-20)
Formula 4 cylinder gasoline
Displacement 2,12 liters
Perfomance 55hp@3600 rpm
Compression ratio 6.2:1
Gearbox 3+1 x 2
Fuel tank 55 liters
Fuel type A-72
Fuel consumption 14 liters/100 km
Top speed 90 km/h
Measures
Lenght 4665 mm
Width 1895 mm
Height 1790 mm
Wheel base 2712 mm
Ground clearance 210 mm
Tyre size 6,50-16
Weights
Curb weight 1665 kg
Gross weight 2040 kg
photos and info via oldrussiancars.com and Wikipedia