The BA-64 was the most successful armored cars produced by the USSR, and produced in greater numbers than any other vehicle of its kind despite its somewhat late introduction. The BA-64 had its origins with captured German SdKfz 221s which sufficiently impressed Soviet authorities to incorporate some of its design features, particularly its angled hull. The chassis of the new vehicle would be based on the GAZ-64 jeep and the result was a vehicle with a generally good combination of features despite some limitations to its off-road performance as well as its light armament which consisted of only one 7.62-mm DT machine gun. The introduction of the GAZ-67 enabled designers to switch to the newer chassis which was wider and improved the vehicle's off-road performance and its ability to carry a greater variety of armament (including captured German guns). The BA-64 entered service in 1942 in the Don Front and participated in the Battle of Stalingrad, but erratic production meant that it was not available in large numbers until the following year. It remained in Soviet service until 1953 by which time it had been replaced by the BTR-40 with most surplus vehicles being donated to Soviet client states where they remained in service for longer notably with North Korea where some remained active in the 2010s.

The original BA-64 was based on the GAZ-64 and accounted for the earliest batches before production switched to the BA-64B which was based on the wider GAZ-67 chassis along with a number of mechanical improvements as well additional firing ports. Some vehicles were armed with a 12.7-mm DShK machine gun and were designated BA-64D while those carrying a 7.62-mm SG-43 machine gun were known as the BA-64B SG-43. An anti-tank variant armed with a PTRS-41 anti-tank rifle was known as the BA-64 PTRS. Various prototypes for railroad vehicles, half-tracks, APCs, and command vehicles but did not enter production. Plans for a version based on the GAZ-69 jeep were also shelved.