In the mid-1950s, Gorkovsky car factory began mass production of a medium-class car GAZ-21 "Volga" in order to replace the already outdated "Victory" by this time. Initially, the car was called GAZ-M21, since the plant bore the name of Molotov, but after the renaming of the plant, the letter “M” was abandoned in the name.

The first attempts to develop a car that was supposed to replace the Pobeda were made back in 1948 by specialists commissioned by the Ministry of the Automotive Industry. They proposed their own restyling version of the serial GAZ-M-20, resulting in the NAMI-Pobeda car, but this option was ultimately abandoned.

Specialists of the GAZ automobile plant began developing a new car in 1951, the first plaster model was called the GAZ-M21 Pobeda-2, outwardly it strongly resembled executive sedan GAZ-M12 "ZIM", but by that time it also began to become obsolete and a similar design was also abandoned. However, some technical solutions were still taken from Pobeda-2, for example, the passenger compartment moved forward a little, which, combined with a reduction in the size of the wheels from 16 to 15 ", made it possible to make it more spacious with the same wheelbase. It was decided to remove all the protruding to the salon of the arch rear wheels. In addition, according to terms of reference the new car was supposed to be more modern, dynamic and comfortable, with a new engine and automatic transmission gears.

Since 1952, parallel work has been carried out on two independent projects called GAZ-M-21 "Star" designer John Williams and GAZ-M-21 "Volga" Lev Eremeev (he was also the designer of the body of the "Seagull"). Models of both cars were ready in 1953, but Williams' Zvezda was abandoned in favor of Eremeev's Volga. The first running sample of the twenty-first "Volga" was made in 1954 by hand. In the same year, a car with a license plate gv00-08 started testing.

In 1954 and 1955, they assembled a number of prototypes that differed in design, they were installed different engines and gearboxes, some were equipped with a 3-speed manual, while others were equipped with an automatic hydromechanical 3-speed. These prototypes had a full set of chrome decor - a chrome grille, moldings, windshield and rear window, in mass production, chrome parts were an additional option.

Compared to previous domestic cars, the twenty-first Volga proved to be a dynamic, fast and comfortable car, it was more economical than its predecessor GAZ-M-20, and in terms of dynamics it was superior to the GAZ-12, which was of a higher class. "Volga" was adapted to domestic road conditions, and its durability and practicality surpassed foreign counterparts.

GAZ-M-21 can be divided into three series, but the plant did not use such a division. The first series includes serial production samples from 1956 to November 1958. Cars of the first series, produced in 56 and 57, were equipped with a modernized lower valve engine from Pobeda (GAZ-21B) with a power of 65 Horse power, since the new engine that was planned for the Volga was not yet ready. By the way, the same engine was installed on the UAZ-450 and export modifications of the GAZ-69.

Externally cars of the "first series" can be distinguished by a chrome grille, in the center of which a star flaunts, some prototypes had exactly the same star, and a branded deer flaunted on the hood. There were differences in the cabin, for example, the instrument panel was not trimmed with leatherette, etc. Some of the cars had a two-tone color of various combinations with three types of color separation. In total, about 30 thousand copies of cars of the so-called "first series" were produced.

For more than 14 years of production, many modifications and prototypes of the twenty-first Volga left the conveyor of the plant. The GAZ-21 Volga car was exported to such countries as Belgium, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Holland, Cyprus, England, Indonesia, Greece and the Middle East. Export models featured improved finishes. The Volga was also produced abroad, for example, by the Belgian company S.A. Scaldia-Volga, together with Sobimpex N.V. produced on the basis of car kits coming from the USSR, diesel versions GAZ-21 (M-21), and options diesel engines were different, with a volume of 1.6 to 2.3 liters and a power of 48 to 62 horsepower. In 1968, in parallel with the GAZ-21, the production of a new Volga model under the GAZ-24 index was launched, which completely replaced the current model in 1970.

Design and construction

New car GAZ-21 "Volga" received a load-bearing three-volume sedan-type body with a more comfortable and spacious interior. A new all-aluminum 4-cylinder engine, which was almost one and a half times more powerful than the Pobeda engine. Brake system with split front hydraulic cylinders brake pads and one common hydraulic cylinder for the rear pads, transmission parking brake.

Later, after the preparation of the new overhead valve engine ZMZ-21 was completed, the old Volga engine was abandoned. New engine with a volume of 2445 cm3 developed a power of 70 horsepower, and maximum speed the car was 130 km / h.

First 1959 to 1962 produced the so-called "second series". As part of the modernization, the front wheel arches of the car were increased, because of this, the shape of the wings changed. The design of the front end resembled the front end of one of the prototypes with 16 vertical slots in the radiator grille, for which it was nicknamed the shark mouth, and a new hood lock appeared. Reflectors appeared in the glass of the rear lights, the license plate light changed, the upper part of the instrument panel initially became flocked, and later covered with leatherette. The receiver has become more richly decorated. The branded deer on the latest samples of the "second series" was replaced by a safety "drop". There were other minor changes as well.

By 1960, there was a modernization of components and assemblies. "Volga" received a new modern wiring, now the mass was not "plus" but "minus". They removed the centralized lubrication of the chassis, strengthened the body. Cars of the "second series" were produced about 140 thousand copies.

The next modernization of the car conditionally "third series" took place in 1962, the cars completely changed external design, the radiator grille changed again, now it consisted of 37 vertical struts (it was nicknamed "whalebone"). Bumpers are divided into two halves and do not have "fangs". The branded deer and molding disappeared from the hood.

A slightly modified ZMZ-21A engine was installed on the "third series", which developed a power of 75 horsepower. Lever shock absorbers were replaced by telescopic ones, the gearbox remained only mechanical, interior trim was carried out with new, more durable materials. There were other minor changes as well. The release of the twenty-first Volga continued until July 15, 1970, last car left the conveyor of the GAZ-21US plant with improved design. In total, about 447 thousand cars of the "third series" were produced, it was the most massive version of the GAZ-21 Volga sedan.

Modifications

base model sedan model 1956 with a 3-speed automatic hydromechanical transmission.

Taxi car. Car production: "First series" from 1957 to 1958, "second series" from 1959 to 1962.

Tropical version of the GAZ-M-21A model.

1956 base sedan with manual transmission and hydraulic clutch.

Tropical (Southern) version of the previous modification.

The base sedan of the 1957 model year with a lower-valve "Pobedovsky" engine.

Tropical modification of the M-21G model

Export version of the 1957 model with a manual transmission.

Tropical version of the previous modification

Export version of the 1957 model with an automatic hydromechanical gearbox.

Southern version of the previous modification.

The base sedan of the "second series" of the 1959 model. Years of production, including transitional model from 1958 to 1962.

Export version of the "second series".

Tropical version of the GAZ-M-21K model

Vehicle set for export to Belgium, model 1959.

Basic sedan of the "third series" of the 1962 model.

GAZ-M-21M, GAZ-M-21MYu

Export version of the 1962 "third series" sedan and its tropical version.

In the 1950s, at the Gorky Automobile Plant, there was a need to develop a new “middle class” car that would adequately replace the GAZ M-20 Pobeda on the conveyor. Work on the creation of the machine started in 1952, and in the spring of 1954 experienced prototypes saw the light.

The first conditionally serial GAZ-21 Volga (until 1965 known as the GAZ-M21) were released in October 1956, but the full-fledged production of the sedan, which surpassed its predecessor in all respects, was launched by Gorky only in April 1957.

At the end of 1958, the car underwent modernization (the so-called "second series") - it was updated in appearance, mostly in the front, and slightly improved mechanical "stuffing".

In 1962, the four-door was again finalized (“third series”), having changed mainly from the outside, after which it was produced until July 1970, when it finally gave way to the GAZ-24 model.

And now the GAZ-21 Volga looks elegant, emphatically expressive and quite dynamic, and when it appeared on the market, it was a real breakthrough in terms of design, especially for Soviet car industry. Smooth and streamlined front end, flavored with chrome, a harmonious silhouette with convex strokes on the sidewalls and rounded rear fenders, upturned stern with vertical lights and a "brilliant" bumper - no doubt, but the car is really handsome.

"Twenty-first" in length extends to 4810-4830 mm, has a width of 1800 mm, and does not exceed 1610 mm in height. The wheelbase indicator and the clearance under the “belly” of the three-volume vehicle are 2700 mm and 190 mm, respectively. The curb weight of the machine varies from 1450 to 1490 kg, depending on the modification.

The interior of the GAZ-21 "Volga" leaves an exceptionally pleasant impression, not only with its design, but also with the quality of workmanship. Inside the sedan there is a classic atmosphere - a large "wheel" with a thin and "flat rim", original by today's standards dashboard with a translucent speedometer sphere and auxiliary indicators, a minimalist dashboard, which flaunts a radio, analog clock and various switches.

The main "trump card" of the car is the internal space: two solid sofas are installed in front and behind (which is why the four-door is considered six-seater) with soft filler, and in the first case - also with adjustments in length and back angle.
In addition, the front seat can be moved almost to the steering column, and the backrest can be folded back, thereby obtaining a huge bed.

The trunk of the GAZ-21 "Volga" is able to accommodate up to 400 liters of luggage, while the compartment has quite a good shape. True, a good share of the volume is “eaten up” by a full-size spare tire.

Specifications. The “21st” is driven by an overhead-valve gasoline “aspirated” ZMZ-12 / 12A with a volume of 2.5 liters (2445 cubic centimeters) with an aluminum cylinder head, four in-line “pots”, an 8-valve timing, carburetor injection, intake manifold rectangular section, contact ignition system and liquid cooling.
Its return varies from 65 to 80 horsepower at 4000 rpm and from 170 to 180 Nm of torque, which is generated at 2200 rpm.

On the vast majority of cars, the engine is docked with a 3-speed “mechanics” and a rear-wheel drive transmission, however, on some modifications, a 3-band hydromechanical “automatic” is used.

The original Volga accelerates to the first “hundred” in no less than 25 seconds, reaches a maximum speed of 120-130 km / h, and it “destroys” 13-13.5 liters of fuel in a combined cycle of movement.

GAZ-21 has an all-metal load-bearing body with subframes at the ends, and power unit it is located longitudinally in the frontal part. On the front axle of the car, an independent pivot suspension was used on transverse levers, which are connected by threaded bushings, and springs, while a dependent system with longitudinal springs and telescopic shock absorbers (before 1962 - lever) was installed at the rear.
The sedan is equipped with a steering mechanism of the "globoid worm" type with a double-ridged roller and gear ratio 18.2. On all wheels of the Soviet passenger car, drum brake devices are enclosed.

In addition to the basic one, there are other modifications of the Volga of the original incarnation:

• GAZ-21T- a car for a taxi service, devoid of a number of equipment, but endowed with a taximeter and a "beacon". In addition, it has a split front seat and a folding front passenger seat, freeing up space for carrying luggage.
• GAZ-22- a five-door station wagon, which was mass-produced from 1962 to 1970 in various versions: a “civilian” general-purpose model, an aircraft escort vehicle, “ ambulance" other. Such a "Volga" is found with a 5- or 7-seater convertible interior and a spacious cargo compartment.

• GAZ-23- this is a "police catch-up", the production of which was carried out in small batches from 1962 to 1970, and it was used by the KGB and other special services. Such cars were painted mainly black, and under their hood they had Gas engine V8 volume of 5.5 liters from the "Seagull", which generated 195 "horses" and was combined with a 3-speed automatic transmission.

• GAZ-21S- An export version of the Volga, which featured improved interior trim and richer equipment compared to the standard model.

Among the advantages of the Soviet sedan are: elegant appearance, roomy and comfortable interior, reliable body structure, durable and energy-intensive suspension, exclusivity on the roads, high maintainability, ample opportunities for tuning and much more.
But it also has some shortcomings: weak engines, serious problems with ergonomics, low level of safety, high cost and difficulty in finding original spare parts and accessories.

Prices. In 2017, you can buy a Volga GAZ-21 in Russia at a price of 100 thousand rubles - but this will turn out to be such an instance for which the Bulgarian is crying. While the cost of perfectly restored cars (especially the first series) exceeds one million rubles.

Sales market: Russia.

"Twenty-first" Volga (GAZ-21) has become a landmark car Soviet era and to this day remains one of the best examples of the domestic automotive industry. Of course, during the development, the designers took into account the rich experience of foreign manufacturers, in particular, the influence of the American design school of the 50s is very noticeable. car received load-bearing body with a powerful front subframe, it was distinguished by a pronouncedly dynamic silhouette, high smoothness, and, most importantly, a level of comfort previously inaccessible to domestic models. The car was exported to 75 countries of the world. The very first GAZ-M 21G cars, belonging to the so-called "1st series", which is also called the "Volga with a star" (for the emblem on the radiator lining), rolled out of the gates of the experimental workshop on October 10, 1956. In total, until the end of 1956, only five copies were produced. Mass production began only the following year.

In addition to the impeccable exterior, the Volga also attracted with its interior. The front sofa (you can’t say it any other way) with a reclined back turned the salon into a real bedroom. In those years, not much attention was paid to the interior lining, so painted metal in the cabin was considered commonplace, and there is a minimum of plastic, but it has a pleasant “live” color that imitates ivory, and natural ingredients were used in its manufacture: gelatin, bone flour and lactic acid. A mandatory attribute was chrome trim, a large round clock with the inscription "Made in the USSR." The shift knob was on the steering column. There was a radio receiver with two ranges of LW and MW (long and medium waves) and a memory of stations implemented using mechanics; to power the radio tubes, a power supply was used that converts D.C. on-board network with a voltage of 12V to alternating 200V. In the taxi version, a meter was installed instead of a radio, and the front seat was divided into two parts for the driver and passenger, while the passenger part could be folded to form a luggage area. In total, about 30 thousand cars of the 1st series were produced.

During 1957, the Volga was produced with a modernized "Pobedovsky" engine in the GAZ-21B modification, which had a larger working volume due to the cylinder diameter increased to 88 mm, and with a compression ratio increased to 7.0 (2.4 l., 65 l. sec at 3800 rpm, torque 158 Nm at 1800 rpm). The engine was aggregated only with a three-speed manual gearbox. In the summer of 1957, preparations for the production of a modern overhead valve engine of the ZMZ-21A model were completed at the automobile plant, and approximately from July the conveyor switches to equipping cars with a new engine. These cars had a power reserve of 70 "horses", and the maximum speed was increased from 120 to 130 km / h. By order and for the first time for a domestic car, an automatic hydraulic system could be installed on the GAZ-21 Volga. mechanical box gears.

The design features of the car included rear axle with a continuous one-piece cast crankcase, created on the basis of the ZIM GAZ-M-12 bridge by shortening the axle shafts and their casings. Before that, on the very first cars produced, a noisy rear axle with spiral bevel gears was installed, which was a modernized GAZ-69 rear axle. Lever shock absorbers and pivot front suspension were considered archaic solutions even at that time, but the latter is more reliable and resistant to heavy loads than the ball-bearing design. Interestingly, the car from the factory was equipped with a centralized lubrication system for front suspension units using special tubes and hoses that delivered lubricant to all injection points - it was enough to press the rod of a special pump. It is recommended to do this after the passage deep puddles and every 100-200 km. The car received a clutch hydraulic drive from an outboard pedal, tricycle cardan shaft. The brake system included one circuit and drum brakes, while the front ones have separate brake pad hydraulic cylinders, while in rear brakes both pads are driven by one common cylinder. Parking brake transmission, with an exhaust lever under the instrument panel. car received wheel disks 15" tires and 6.70-15" (170-380) tires with an outer diameter of 72 cm.

The safety of the GAZ-21 was given no more attention than any other domestic car that time. Volga received an automatic turn signal switch, but, for example, a windshield washer appeared only on cars of the next release. The car did not have seat belts - only some export modifications had places for their installation.

GAZ-21 - legendary car, which is of considerable interest as an object for restoration. The cars of the first series, which are considered the rarest, are especially valued. Considering the presence of both restored copies in a more or less authentic form, and those that have undergone all kinds of tuning, as well as thoroughly worn out cars that require significant investments, the price range is very large.

Read completely

As you may have guessed, we will talk about the most elegant, attractive and prestigious car model that has been available to Soviet citizens since 1956. This car was produced in various variations of the engine design, body design and interior and was used as a car, a police car, the KGB of the USSR and, of course, a taxi (remember the plot “taxi to Dubrovka”). This car had a sedan body and was mass-produced at the Gorky Automobile Plant. Did you guess his name?

That's right, it's a car GAZ 21 "Volga". The entire history of the production of this car can be conditionally divided into three periods or three production series. The original name of the car was GAZ-M21(the plant was named after Molotov), ​​then the letter “M” disappeared. Who remembers the signature deer on the hood? By the way, the deer also completely disappeared in the “third issue” series (1965-1970), this remarkable design element shining in the sun was gone for security reasons. Although he looked very stylish.

The main modifications of the GAZ 21 Volga car.

In the period from 1956 to 1965, a lot of modifications of the car were produced, and they differed quite a lot. The cars of the first releases until 1957 were equipped with a modified engine from the car " Victory”(power 65 hp), a total of 1100 of these machines were manufactured. Car GAZ-M21G in addition to the engine from “ victories", received a rear axle with shortened axle shafts from the car" ZIM". The "chip" of all cars of the first series is the connection of the positive power wire to the car body. For a taxi, a model was produced GAZ-M21B where cheaper trim was used. Since 1957, the Volga has been equipped with the ZMZ-21 engine, which was specially designed for GAZ 21 cars.

The ZMZ-21 engine was distinguished by a number of progressive solutions, it provided 70 hp, was an overhead valve and almost entirely aluminum. Thus, already with the ZMZ-21 engine, the production car was named GAZ-M21V, the taxi car became known as GAZ-M21A, the export modification was named GAZ-M21D. In the export version of the GAZ-M21D, a manual gearbox (KP) and an uprated engine developing thrust up to 80 hp were installed. The export modification of the GAZ-M21E was distinguished by the installed automatic gearbox and also had an 80 hp engine.

The period of production of the “second series” of GAZ 21 cars is considered to be from 1959 to 1962, and about 160 thousand cars have already been produced during that time. The manufacturer gradually made changes to the design and they mainly concerned the design of the body, increasing wheel arches front fenders, changing the polarity of the wiring. The car body in cars since 1960 is already connected to the common wire (minus) of the power supply. This made it possible to reduce metal corrosion and reduce current losses due to the design. The base model became known as the GAZ-M21I and new modifications appeared, such as the GAZ-M21U with leather trim (luxury modification) and the GAZ-M21K export version, sometimes in a two-tone body version and with additional decorative chrome body elements.

The power of the GAZ-M21U engine was 75-80 hp.

From 1962 to 1970, cars of the “third series” of production were produced. In total, about 470 thousand cars were manufactured. The machines of the “third series” had a radiator grill of 37 chrome vertical plates. The deer figurine completely disappeared from the hood, the total number of chrome-plated decorative elements was reduced. V production model the 75 hp engine began to be used, the shock absorbers became telescopic, the body lines slightly changed. They have become more harmonious.

The main models of the third series are:

• "Volga" GAZ-M21L - 4-door sedan, mass production.
• Volga GAZ-M21U - luxury modification, improved interior trim and moldings on the wings.
• "Volga" GAZ-M21T - a car for a taxi, the front seats are separated. Passenger front seat to the right of the driver is foldable, and additional luggage can be placed in its place.

Brief description of the GAZ 21 car.

• Number seats(together with the driver) - 5;
• Dimensions (length * width * height) in meters - 4.77 * 1.80 * 1.62;
• The "third series" of machines had a length of 4.83 meters. The height is determined without load.
• Base (distance between axles) - 2.7 meters;
• Front wheel track - 1.41 meters;
• Rear wheel track - 1.42 meters;
• Clearance - 190 mm;
• Fuel type - AI-72 gasoline;
• Fuel consumption per 100 km - from 9 to 13.5 liters;
• Tri-band tube radio with illuminated scale in the cabin.

Of course now the owners cars GAZ 21 rarely used for daily driving. Although in small settlements there are such people. Today it is already a collectible and quite expensive car. Cars with genuine factory parts and interior elements are especially valued by collectors.

The designers of the Gorky Automobile Plant managed to create the dream car of many Soviet people. Even today, 45 years after the last cars GAZ 21, the impeccable design of this machine catches the eye and attracts attention. It is a pity, of course, that for most Soviet people this car has remained a dream forever.

Publication date: 23-12-2015, 21:41

Don't be a snob... Repost!

The car "Volga" GAZ-21, as well as "Victory", has long been a legend. This is a car from the times of espionage passions and fashionable, but forbidden in those years, rock and roll. Remember the movie "Beware of the Car"? Its main character, Yuri Detochkin, stole exactly the 21st Volga ...

November 21, 1953 designer Alexander Mikhailovich Nevzorovand designer Lev Eremeev began to develop a project for a new Soviet car GAZ-21,and the following year, its first prototypes were assembled ..

To be precise, the factory index of the model was originally designated GAZ-M-21, and only later (since 1965) as GAZ-21. They were equipped with an experimental overhead valve engine with a hemispherical combustion chamber and a camshaft chain drive (it proved to be not so hot as it did not go into mass production).

Two transmissions were developed for the new car - automatic and manual. Both were three-tiered. The main gear at first was not hypoid, as on models released after 1957, but conical. The car had an independent front suspension with linkage hydraulic shock absorbers. Rear, common, independent on longitudinal semi-elliptical springs. Tires 6.70-15. A chrome-plated deer soared from the hood of the car.

A wide molding went from it in the center of the hood to the windshield. Radiator cover with 10 vertical holes. Rear lights included parking lights, brake and direction indicators - three in one red diffuser and a lantern reversing in steel chrome frame.

"Volga" began to equip a tri-band radio as standard equipment. The exception was taxi modifications - 21A (later 21T). In a taxi, instead of a solid front sofa, they put two separate chairs. There was no cigarette lighter in these modifications. Large round clocks with the inscription "Made in the USSR" were installed on all versions of the car.

On May 3, 1955, state tests of three samples of the Volga began - two with automatic transmission and one with a mechanical one. Part of the test was the Moscow-Crimea run and back. The Ogonyok magazine wrote in July: “A few tens of kilometers from Simferopol, on the territory of the state farm“ Path to Communism ”, in a thick thicket of bushes lies an abandoned clay road. It seemed unnatural to see a beautiful car, born for high speeds, floundering in deep ruts of flimsy mud "Scattering columns of water, he jumps over swollen ditches, climbs out of the sucking sand. The Volga must pass where the Pobeda passed, and tests have shown that it even surpasses its predecessor in cross-country ability."

I hope you remember the chase scene...

The production of the GAZ-21 on the conveyor was timed to coincide with the World Festival of Youth and Students, which was held in Moscow in the summer of 1957. On the Volga of the first issue, the front lining was made in the same style as on the Pobeda of the last series (1955-1958) - three horizontal chrome bars. The upper beam was laid along the hood, and the lower one was closed along the edges with direction indicators. The composition was crowned with a five-pointed star. A motorist who did not particularly distinguish between modifications said so: "Volga with a star".

The appearance of this lining on the machines of the first series is a separate story. Marshal Zhukov did not like the design of the front of the car at the obligatory demonstration of experimental cars in the Kremlin. An urgent directive was given to the plant from Moscow: to redo it. Remade. The marshal's star could not fail to please. In 1958, when the commander fell into disgrace, a new directive came - to remake. By that time, about 31 thousand "Volg with a star".

The car received its own engine only in 1957. It was an overhead valve motor. In 1962, the Volga became the car of the 60s. For this, there were enough cosmetic changes. The body itself remains the same. But its silhouette has lost the heaviness of previous modifications. The fangs are gone from the bumpers. The bumpers themselves have become more elegant. Now only their upper part was covered with chrome, and the lower part, the apron, was painted in body color. Front bumper in terms of acquired wedge-shaped. Instead of 16 wide holes, 36 narrow holes appeared in the radiator lining. In driver's slang it was called "whalebone".

With the cladding, new marker lights were integrated into the sidewall of the wing. The rear lights lost their steel casing, they, together with the reflector, were cast from plastic. A new license plate light on the trunk takes the form of a soaring seagull.

A longitudinal molding and a deer figurine were no longer installed on the hood, which caused serious injuries when hitting pedestrians, but more often became a victim of vandalism. The new emblem on the hood was borrowed from the Seagull. The only difference is that her chrome frame had two horizontal wings. The pomposity of past years has been replaced by lightness and swiftness. The car visually began to be perceived as completely new. About the deer and "reindeer breeders" a little more in detail:

The famous deer that adorned the hood of the Volga in the first and second series was not used in the final series, which is explained not only by concerns about pedestrian safety. He became a real magnet for thieves who plucked deer from cars. Therefore, due to its high cost and, most importantly, injury risk, already at the end of the fifties, the deer figurine was no longer put on export cars and taxis, replacing it with a “drop” - a safety streamlined figure of an elongated shape.

In 1962, all decorations were removed from the hood of the Volga - a deer with a stand, a drop, and a two-piece longitudinal molding. There is evidence that the traffic police sometimes forced the owners of the first or second issues to remove deer during the technical inspection.

There is another reason: during the rain, streams of water, hitting a deer, flew straight to windshield, which made it difficult to see while driving. But the owners of the GAZ-21 still planted deer on the hoods of their cars. They bought them at auto parts stores.

The front suspension was also changed - instead of lever shock absorbers (Pobedov's scheme), they began to install telescopic ones. The suspension has become stiffer. fabric upholstery the ceiling was replaced with a washable one made of artificial leather. The basic model received the designation 21L - this is exactly what Detochkin will steal from Dima Semitsvetov "Beware of the car").

In the same 1962 the lineup replenished with a 5-seater station wagon GAZ-22 with a horizontally divided back door. With the rear sofa folded down, the car could carry bulky goods weighing 400 kg. On its basis, an ambulance was produced - GAZ-22B.

In 1965, Eldar Ryazanov filmed Beware of the Car. And at the same time, the Gorky plant carried out the last modernization of 21 models. Spars were reinforced in the car, more efficient heater and windshield wipers were installed. The front wheel hubs began to be equipped with roller bearings instead of ball bearings. The base model with a 75-horsepower engine received an index of 21P, a taxi - 21T, a station wagon - 22V, an ambulance - 22D. The top models were 21US and 21C. The price of the most expensive export modification 21С (85 hp) was equal to 6455 rubles in 1965. A car with a two-tone body cost as much as 270 rubles more.

The last Volga left the assembly line on July 15, 1970. This car of modification 21US with body number 334312, painted in anthracite color, took a place in the exposition of the factory museum. In total, from 1956 to 1970, 638875 GAZ-21 and GAZ-22 cars were produced.

GAZ-21 right-hand drive:

Yes, there were even such models. True, it was all in vain. Even the right-hand drive and the absence of a star on the grill did not make the Volga popular in England, and in the West, in general. The Belgian importer Scaldia Volga even experimented and installed economical diesel engines from Peugeot and Rover under the hoods of the GAZ-21, but this did not add popularity to the car either.

The point, in many respects, was that the Volga was somewhat large and voracious for Western countries. And its advantages such as smoothness and comfortable ride on bad roads, they were not particularly appreciated there, since there were no problems with this. But on the other hand, its obvious advantages were appreciated by people from the closest Scandinavian countries in terms of climate, as well as from Greece, which was “famous” for its bad roads.

GAZ-21, slightly modified by the Italian automobile studio Ghia. The biggest changes were made to the radiator grille. It is unlikely that the Italians will take up the revision of modern Russian cars, and "Volga" at that time even received such an honor:

Generally speaking, the Volga, despite the rather pleasant reviews, has not achieved much popularity in the west. The reasons were very different. One of them was the much-disliked star on the grille, which hinted at the origin of the car. Not all Western countries treated the USSR well in those years, since they saw a communist threat in it.
On this with technical side in the style of "gallop across Europe" after watching the videos, we'll finish.
And we will talk about three separate copies and artistic creativity in the next part.

TO BE CONTINUED...