The first prototypes of the GAZ-66 were created in 1962 as a further development of the 1.2-ton GAZ-62 truck, produced in 1958-1962. and the successor to the 2-ton truck GAZ-63, produced in 1948-1968. Serial production of the GAZ-66 has been launched since July 1964. In 1968, the truck received a centralized tire pressure control system (66-01 and modifications). In 1966 he was awarded a gold medal at the exhibition "Modern Agricultural Machinery" in Moscow. In 1967 he was awarded a gold medal at the international fair of agricultural machinery in Leipzig. In April 1969, the GAZ-66 was the first of the Soviet cars to receive the State Quality Mark. The GAZ-66 was exported to all countries of the socialist camp.