The order to create a unique truck to operate in harsh and cold Siberia came in 1961. A few details were given to the team at Zavod imeni Likhachyova (ZiL) to produce this gigantic 6x6 truck that could seat 14 passengers as well as carry a payload of 3-4 tons. A minimum ground clearance of 750mm had to be maintained and the wheel diameter could not be less than 1700mm.

The layout of this All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) code-named E167 with three axles that were evenly distributed on the wheelbase helped the vehicle to move over ice easily as the tyres used were from another tractor cab, MAZ 529E.

This experimental truck was used for nearly two years and was also sent to Siberia to help in one of the pipeline construction projects. Orders were expected from the Ministry to produce more, but unfortunately, they did not get issued, and the only vehicle that remained in automotive history is this one.