This is a Soviet GAZ-69, the vehicle on which the Aro M-461 is based. The original design dates from WWII, when the Soviet military needed a small, versatile, and extremely rugged general purpose vehicle--basically, a Soviet Jeep.
Since conditions in Russia were much more harsh than in the U.S. or Europe, the resulting design was actually far sturdier and more capable off-road than the Willy's Jeep. Ground clearance and the ability to ford small streams were essential design elements.
Here's a photo of a GAZ-69 easily fording a river. The ruggedness of this vehicle--and its Romanian twin--has become legendary, especially in Eastern Europe and the developing Third World.
This is the Aro IMS-57, the first version of this vehicle produced in Romania. This was manufacturer under license from the USSR and virtually a carbon copy of the GAZ.
From 1957-1959, a total of 914 Aro IMS-57s were produced. Since then, this style has continued to be called "IMS" by Romanians.
From 1959-1964, an updated version was produced, called the M-59. These had a more powerful engine and electric wipers.
The final and best version was the M-461, produced from 1964-1975. During this period, a total of 80,233 were manufactured, of which 46,549 were exported around the developing world, from China to Colombia.
The Aro M-461 quickly became loved and admired by off-road enthusiasts worldwide. AROs won international competitions in 1970 (the Forests' Rally in Belgium) and 1973 (the Sons of Beaches competition in Oregon).
This photo and the previous one were taken at greuling off-road competitions in the Czech Republic.
In Romania, the number of these vehicles still on the road--and off--is truly impressive. Indeed, they are still more highly regarded for serious work, and play, than modern SUVs.
Because they are so used--and abused--finding any examples in excellent condition is difficult. However, generally those that were owned by the military are in better overall condition, especially when it comes to rust.
The most common style is the open troop carrier, with two bucket seats up front and two bench seats in the rear (this is the style I have). This photo shows a civilian example in decent condition, though the top on this is not original.
Many peasant owners have opted to weld a metal top in place of the removable canvas.