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 engine design, body and interior design and was used as a passenger car, police car, KGB of the USSR and of course a taxi (remember the plot of “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 divided into three periods or three production series. Original title there were cars 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 edition” series (1965-1970); this remarkable design element shining in the sun was no longer there for safety reasons. Although he looked very stylish.

Main modifications of the GAZ 21 Volga.

In the period from 1956 to 1965, quite a lot of modifications of the car were produced, and they differed quite a lot. The cars of the first production until 1957 were equipped with a modified engine from the car " Victory"(power 65 hp), a total of 1,100 such machines were manufactured. Car GAZ-M21G in addition to the engine from “ Victory", received rear axle with shortened axle shafts from the car “ ZIM" The “trick” of all cars of the first series is the connection of the positive power supply wire to the car body. A model was produced for taxis GAZ-M21B, where cheaper interior trim was used. Since 1957, Volgas have been equipped with the ZMZ-21 engine, which was specially designed for GAZ 21 vehicles.

The ZMZ-21 engine was distinguished by a number of progressive solutions; it provided a power of 70 hp, was overhead valve and almost entirely aluminum. Thus, already with the ZMZ-21 engine, the production car was named GAZ-M21V, the taxi car began to be called GAZ-M21A, export modification received the name GAZ-M21D. The export version of the GAZ-M21D was equipped with a manual transmission and a forced engine developing thrust up to 80 hp. The export modification of the GAZ-M21E featured an installed automatic transmission and also had an 80 hp engine.

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

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

From 1962 to 1970, “third series” cars were produced. In total, about 470 thousand cars were manufactured. The “third series” cars had a radiator grille made of 37 chrome-plated vertical plates. The deer figurine finally disappeared from the hood, and the total number of chrome decorative elements was reduced. IN production model a 75 hp engine began to be used, shock absorbers became telescopic, and the body lines changed slightly. They became 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 is a taxi car, the front seats are divided. Passenger front seat To the right of the driver it is foldable, and additional luggage can be placed in its place.

Brief characteristics of the GAZ 21 car.

• Number seats(with driver) - 5;
• Dimensions (length*width*height) in meters - 4.77*1.80*1.62;
• The “third series” of cars 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;
• Track rear wheels- 1.42 meters;
• Ground 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 dial in the interior.

Of course, now the owners GAZ 21 cars They are rarely used for everyday 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 prized by collectors.

For designers Gorky Automobile Plant managed to create the dream car of many Soviet people. Even today, 45 years after the last one left the assembly line GAZ 21 cars, the impeccable design of this car stops the eye and attracts attention. It’s a pity, of course, that for most Soviet people this car remained a dream forever.

Date of publication: 23-12-2015, 21:41

Don't be a snob... Repost!

Thick, humid air with the spicy taste of low-octane gasoline flows into the slightly open rotary vents. Miniature windshield wipers, creaking, dart before your eyes, clearing droplets from narrow embrasures. Heating rear window no, it completely fogged up. And it’s useless to look to the right, the gaze finds emptiness instead side mirror. On the left there is it, the size of a smartphone screen - it shows a piece of road.

But it’s chilly and damp outside, but inside the Volga it’s warm and cozy, like sitting behind a samovar at your grandmother’s. Drowning in a soft sofa, you don’t want to fuss: we move slowly, with dignity. Even though I can only guess what is happening around me, others see me perfectly well. On the cloudy streets of Yaroslavl, the sky-blue GAZ-21R is the center of a good mood, the center of attraction of attention and good (I hope) envy.

Volgas of the third series were almost never painted in two colors. Only the taxi roofs were made in contrasting colors - red or yellow.

Half a million for the people

A dream car: both today and yesterday... By 1962, the Volga had become truly “people's”. GAZ abandoned decisions that had not been tested by Soviet realities. By the so-called third production series, the beautiful but traumatic deer on the hood and fangs from the bumpers disappeared from the 21st. The electrical wiring was connected to ground with a minus, which reduced electrochemical corrosion. The automatic transmission and capricious centralized system 21-point lubrication: comfort for car enthusiasts Soviet Union They preferred maintainability. But the engine slightly increased in power, the paint and the body itself improved in quality, the lever shock absorbers were replaced with more efficient telescopic ones.

Each series of 21 Volgas has its own radiator grille. At first it was a crossbar with a large star, from 1958 it was a “shark mouth”, and from 1962 it was a “whalebone”, painted in body color, like the lower part of the bumpers. Improved versions featured generous chrome trim

And the Volga flourished: if the cars of the first and second series from 1956 to 1962 were made in total about 170,000, then the third lasted on the assembly line until 1970 and sold almost half a million copies - 470,000 pieces! Even the relatively affordable “Zaporozhets” and “Muscovites” of that time could not boast of such success.

Still, Volga remained in short supply. Moreover, it is for a wealthy audience. Half a century later, history repeats itself: the GAZ-21 is a collectible rarity, which collectors of antique cars are hunting for throughout the country. Our colleague Roman, who has had the 21st in his soul since childhood, spent three years searching. I studied the proposals in the capital region and neighboring regions, but came across rubbish - so gradually I reached all the way to the Urals. A 1965 GAZ-21R was accidentally discovered in a nuclear military camp near Yuryuzan, Chelyabinsk region. The Volga had a somewhat shabby appearance, but the body and original units were not rotten. The garage storage and care of the owner had an effect: the car served one family all its life. Having paid 150,000 rubles, Roman left for Moscow on his own!

The standard generator can barely cope with the load, so battery charging must be constantly monitored

"Home" restoration

Along the way we had to replace the radiator and the brake lights failed. Although it was clear - without full course rejuvenation is indispensable. Roman’s father-in-law, Viktor Sergeevich, joined the restoration process: an old-school car enthusiast, the son of a front-line driver, an engineer. The "Volga" was scattered to pieces in ordinary garages, sorted out and repainted, also "on the knee", as in ancient times, when the concept was officially dealership thought only by science fiction writers. And the result, as you can see, is brilliant!

Viktor Sergeevich says he dealt with the hardware relatively quickly - V "Volga» there is a huge margin of safety. And still, restoring thick metal and adjusting parts took a lot of time. There was even more fuss with the seats, as well as small things like seals/gaskets and fittings. Plastic based on organic components was destroyed before our eyes, the rubber bands dried out and leaked... The quality of new-made seals is often worthless, original parts As a rule, speculators trade at far from “chocolate” prices. Therefore, assembly required time and special care.

Under the hood they give away the 21st century modern battery and the Zhiguli washer reservoir: the original aluminum one is leaky, it will have to be soldered

A separate problem is setting up numerous systems. For example, we managed to work out the carburetor and gear shift rods, but the original “lever” clutch had to be replaced with a UAZ one with a diaphragm spring, brake cylinders take from GAZ-24, with automatic gap adjustment. But otherwise, after a two-year restoration, the Volga remained the same GAZ-21R that rolled off the assembly line 52 years ago. Even the original narrow ones have been preserved bias tires with the Made in USSR mark.

Diesel gasoline

There were options to apply improvements to the Volga like electronic ignition, generator alternating current, making the operation of the rare model easier, but Roman, by a strong-willed decision, abandoned the “collective farm”. And for good reason! It is worth a lot to touch the lovingly recreated life of a driver of those times. Unlock the massive door with a small key. Slam it tightly, otherwise it won’t work, but not loudly. Stay silent for a second, listening to the “tube” ticking of the standard clock on the front panel. And only then turn on the ignition, start the starter, hearing the rumbling of the ZMZ 2.45-liter lower engine “four” under the hood.

The engine is quite modern for its time - with aluminum block, "wet" cast iron sleeves, top arrangement of valves. The power output is modest - 75 forces, but the low-speed unit is not lacking in strength: it develops maximum thrust (170 N∙m) already at 2200 rpm, like a diesel engine. I'm trying to turn on the first one, but it doesn't budge - the lever resists. Start with the second one, advises Viktor Sergeevich. And the Volga easily flows into the flow! Once, it’s time to turn on the third one and... That’s all. More gears No. Now it’s clear why the experienced ones joked: In the morning you turn on the third one and drive all day. The direct step is really enough in most situations. The GAZ-21R easily maintains 60-70 km/h, but beyond that the acceleration becomes sluggish and the noise becomes intrusive.

The salon does not like “sunbathing”. An experienced “Volgar” in the parking lot covered at least the hemisphere of the speedometer with a cloth

Pobeda shared the gearbox with the Volga, and the roots of the unit go back to the pre-war GAZ-A. They say this is the most reliable unit of the GAZ-21. And it’s easy to operate, even if the steering column lever instead of the floor one requires some habit: the first one is towards you and down, the second one is upward and away from you, the third one is opposite downwards. But the effort is minimal, and the clarity is exemplary. Difficulties with the first and rear occur due to the fact that they do not have synchronizers.

We'll sleep in the car

Since the gearbox lever was hidden under the steering wheel, it was possible to place a sofa in front. And even though five seats are announced for the Volga, in fact the interior can accommodate six - inside the sedan is very spacious and homey. I unscrewed a couple of screws, moved the seat forward, reclined the back - I got a luxurious sleeping area, in no time and without tools. So the footage of a tourist overnight stay from the film “Three Plus Two” is not at all a director’s imagination.

on the 21st even in the Monte Carlo Rally drove), however, rather not because of the deep rolls, but because of the heavy steering wheel. You can’t turn it around at all, you have to move at least a little. Therefore where modern model unfolds in two or three steps, Volga requires five or six. Plus the nuances of visibility - you should turn your head with the skill of a fighter pilot in air combat. Otherwise, everything is at hand, except that you sit close to the thin steering wheel.

Surprisingly, the brakes, which also do not have a power booster, require strength, but not violence - the Volga suppresses speed confidently, the pedal gets heavier adequately. But the clutch threw up a surprise. While the engine was threshing Idling During filming, the hydraulic drive cylinders apparently became heated and the left pedal began to stick. You remove your foot, the clutch does not engage and it is impossible to move off smoothly. The engine was turned off, the car cooled down, everything returned to normal by itself.

That’s why we’ll adjust the running-in,” Viktor Sergeevich noted philosophically. This is the main thing that should not be forgotten: an old timer is not only pride, prestige and pleasure. Historical technology requires attention regularly. You need to be prepared for this both morally and financially. By the way, about money. Restoration at home cost approximately 500 thousand rubles. Is it a lot or a little? For comparison, the service asked for 1,200,000 for the work alone. What if I had to re-chrome body parts- another plus 300-400 thousand, excluding the cost of parts. So draw your own conclusions - even a child’s dream has a price. And, alas, a lot...

GAZ-M21 is a Volga brand car that was produced for 14 years from 1956. The development of the car, which was later renamed GAZ-21, began back in 1951. This happened because the previous model was very outdated and was not suitable to the standards and requirements of drivers. Even then, the design idea was created, and it was adhered to all the time while the car was susceptible to the installation of new modifications. At that time, aviation and rocket motifs became popular, so the GAZ-M21 interface, the photo of which is below, immediately amazed and attracted the attention of buyers due to its discreet, but at the same time interesting and elegant appearance.

Design

If we take into account the general design elements of those years, we can say for sure that the car did not have any standout accessories. But it looked fresh, interesting and attractive. Unfortunately, the Volga's interior quickly became lackluster as trends changed every year. By 1958, the design of the GAZ-M21 car was outdated and required updating.

Was modified in the 60s, then it acquired European appearance. The model began to have a more conservative, strict and official appearance. Which was decisive when purchasing this option for the needs of the government.

Features in technical tuning

Car GAZ-M21, specifications which are described a little below, had necessary tuning for driving on the roads of the USSR. The elements of the car were somewhat reminiscent American models. The salon was designed for 5-6 people. This is due to the fact that the sofa in the second row has impressive dimensions. The engine installed on cars has 4 cylinders and is paired with automatic transmission transmission By the way, the latter was borrowed from the American Ford company. The body had characteristics“Victory”, the suspension is also taken from this car. The first one was resistant to corrosion, especially rigid and hard, which ensured safe movement.

Prototypes of the GAZ-M21 car

The first prototype of the car had a cherry color scheme. He, together with two other models, which were also the predecessors of the car under review, went for testing. Only one car was equipped with an automatic transmission, the rest - manual. In terms of external features, they were also slightly different - a different radiator grille, bumper, body, some decorative elements in the cabin, etc.

Prototype number four was constructed in the spring of 1955. He did not go on a test run. During the same period, this model and two others received a different grille.

Start of production

The very first versions went into production in 1956. During this period, five copies were released.

The model was tested for quite a long time and, perhaps, in extreme conditions. The car covered 29 thousand km. He drove along the roads of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and the Caucasus. The final stage of testing was carried out in Moscow. During this period it was revealed sufficient quantity malfunctions, but most were eliminated almost immediately. Those that were not eliminated immediately remained with it until the end of the model's release, or after some time they succumbed to modernization.

Initial release

The GAZ-M21 car was in pre-production production for two years. Several prototypes were released to the public, differing from each other in appearance and internal parameters. They were not at all similar to the finally formed series. Their distinctive feature was the chrome plated set. However, over time it began to be provided as additional equipment and, accordingly, for some money. As unique features One can note the appearance of the “front” and rear doors, which is uncharacteristic of other cars.

Generations (or editions)

Collectors have special designations different issues"Volga". There are three series - 1957, 1959 and 1962. Tuning GAZ-M21 different generations was similar, so it is almost impossible to understand by external signs which modification this or that car belongs to. This is primarily due to the fact that a large number of models had “non-native” units installed.

Also the main difference is the gutters. They are a small part that surrounds the roof. These devices are used to prevent water from entering the interior.

Episode No. 1

The first series of GAZ-M21, the photo of which is below, was produced for two years, from 1956 to 1958. among the people this model better known as “with a star.” In the first year of production, only five cars rolled off the assembly line. Large-scale production began in 1957.

Initially, the first series was assembled with an engine from Pobeda. Some official sources state that such a model was produced only for a certain period, and the number of cars was limited to a strictly established figure - 1100. However, this information is incorrect. The Volga was produced with such a unit almost until the end of production. Over the entire period, more than 30 thousand copies were produced and purchased.

Episode No. 2

Since 1959, the second series of the car began to be produced. Before implementation, some work was done on external and internal characteristics. Mostly the changes affected the interior. In February '59, the second modification was implemented. This time it affected the lights and the instrument panel. Of course, as in all restyled versions, there are those details whose changes cannot be noticed the first time. The GAZ-M21 car is no exception.

The second series was developed with a slightly modified body with American motifs. However, this option never went into production. Over all the years of production (from 1959 to 1962), more than 120 thousand cars rolled off the assembly line.

Episode #3

This modification has become the most popular. Appearance the previous series became outdated quite quickly, but the manufacturer did not intend to restyling the GAZ-M21 car. The Volga in its third configuration was presented to a potential buyer with a new bumper and some parts that were attached to the body. Over time, the radiator grille has also changed. After a major modernization, the appearance of the car has noticeably changed - it has become more dynamic and lighter. The model was often compared to the well-known “Chaika” car.

Along with the styling change, it can be noted small updates c For example, a 75 engine Horse power became much more powerful. And the option with an automatic transmission has been completely removed from production.

Styling modernization

The car was produced in two versions - with a regular interior and an improved one. The latest version featured a set of chrome-plated and corrosion-resistant parts. This type of machine was mainly produced for export, although it was also supplied to the markets of the USSR. Moreover, “luxury chrome” could be installed on absolutely any version of the Volga, so it is impossible to say for sure whether it was produced like that from the assembly line.

There were also options in which additional finishing could be basic configuration. First of all, we are talking about a car with a forced unit (for export) and a medium-power engine.

All wheel drive vehicle

This version of the GAZ-21 never went into production. mass production. The car was produced with all-wheel drive in the form of a sedan and station wagon. According to some versions, the latter version even belonged to Brezhnev, and he used it to go hunting.

According to unofficial information, these specimens were a “collab” of several Volga models. The only thing that was unique about them was that those units that were installed on the equipment were intended for all-terrain vehicles. They were made not in factories, but in showrooms Maintenance, in garages, military units, etc.

"Red East"

An interesting fact is that an analogue of the GAZ-21 was manufactured in China, which was completely identical original version according to technical specifications. The interior of the cars was radically different. “Krasny Vostok” was supplied to the domestic market for exactly 10 years. The units that were installed on the car were purchased from the USSR, and the bodies were made by hand.

Passenger car GAZ-M21L "Volga" (1962-1965) and GAZ-21R (1965-1970).
This Volga model was nicknamed “whalebone” due to its radiator grille with a large number of small holes. Compared with previous models, on the 21L, the fangs on the bumpers disappeared, the hood figurine of a deer (or drops), changed tail lights and a license plate light.
Based on the M21L model, the following modifications were made: M21T (taxi), M21M (export), M22 (station wagon).
The transition from model 21L to model 21P could be accompanied not only design changes, but also some restyling of the car’s appearance. A preliminary design proposal for the modernization of external forms was prepared in 1965 at NAMI by E.R. Molchanov. The most noticeable changes concerned the front part - the radiator grille was supposed to be in the form of three horizontal decorative bars, the lower two of them were supposed to extend onto the sides of the body and L-shaped direction indicators were located between them. In the side view, the chrome molding is clearly visible, which gave the car additional speed. For various reasons, the car's appearance ultimately remained unchanged.
Based on the 21P model, the following modifications were produced: 21US (with improved finishing), 21TS (taxi), 21S (export), 21SYU (southern export), 21N (export with right-hand drive), 21NYU (southern export with right-hand drive), 22B ( with a station wagon body).
Export modifications traditionally differed from standard models by chrome-plated edging of the front and rear windows, waist pads, front and rear wings. Export vehicles were also equipped with souped-up engines, and on some, by European dealers, diesel engines.
There were frequent cases of using the 21st Volga in the police services of neighboring countries: Finland (

GAZ-21
Specifications:
body	4-door sedan (modification GAZ-22 - 5-door station wagon)
Number of doors	4/5
number of seats	5
length	4770 mm
width	1695 mm
height	1620 mm
wheelbase	2700 mm
front track	1410 mm
rear track	1420 mm
ground clearance	190 mm
trunk volume	170 l
engine location	front longitudinal
engine's type	carburetor, 4-cylinder, with aluminum cylinder block and cast-iron wet liners, overhead valve
engine capacity	2432 cm 3
Power	65/3800 hp at rpm
Torque	167/2200 N*m at rpm
Valves per cylinder	2
KP	3-speed with 2nd and 3rd gear synchronizer
Front suspension	independent, lever-spring
Rear suspension	dependent spring
Shock absorbers
Front brakes	drums
Rear brakes	drums
Fuel consumption	9 l/100 km
maximum speed	120 km/h
years of production	1956-1970
type of drive	rear
Curb weight	1460 kg
acceleration 0-100 km/h	34 sec

GAZ-21 "Volga" is a Soviet passenger car with a sedan body. Until 1965 it was called GAZ-M21 "Volga". It was mass-produced from 1956 (until 1958 in parallel with the GAZ-M20 Pobeda) until the 1970s. The total production volume of GAZ-21 of all modifications is 638,798 copies (according to serial number the last car to come off the production line). Became the most a successful car domestically developed for all the years of the existence of the USSR.

History of creation

Development of the car began in 1952. At first, work was carried out on two independent projects: GAZ-M21 “Zvezda” and GAZ-M21 “Volga”. The first project was led by artist John Williams, the second by Lev Eremeev. In 1953, mock-ups of two vehicles were built. Williams' project looked more advanced, but Eremeev's car was more in line with the realities of the time. Lev Eremeev’s project was adopted for the further development of the future car. In the same 1953, A. Nevzorov was appointed the leading designer of the GAZ-M21, who worked under the supervision of the chief designer of the Gorky Automobile Plant N. Borisov.

At the end of winter or early spring of 1954, the first prototypes of the future Volga were ready and entered preliminary tests. On May 3, 1955, three cars - cherry red (prototype 1), blue (prototype 2) and white (prototype 3) - left the gates of the Gorky plant and went to state acceptance tests. Along with them, others entered the tests domestic cars and foreign-made cars of the same class as the Volga. All prototypes differed from each other in detail, two of them were equipped with an automatic transmission, one with a manual transmission.
The cars were tested in a wide variety of road conditions and showed good results. New car was more economical and dynamic than the Pobeda, was superior in dynamics to the aging ZIM, and was ahead in reliability and cross-country ability foreign analogues. In addition, the Volga differed favorably from foreign-made cars with its harmonious design.

Photo: In 1954, construction of prototypes of the GAZ-21 began

In May 1955 Gorky plant Another fourth copy of the Volga was released. It was transferred to the Murom Radio Plant for debugging the A-9 radio receiver, which was equipped with the car (in some versions). In the summer of 1955, all prototypes except the first were slightly modernized, receiving a new radiator grille (with a star).
The first series of five cars was assembled at the plant in October 1956. On October 10, 1956, the first three Volgas, which can be called production, left the factory gates. Five new vehicles joined prototypes 1, 2 and 3 to take part in extensive testing in late 1956. These five serial cars were equipped with engines from GAZ-M20, boosted to 65 hp. for installation on the export version of the GAZ-69 jeep. Cars equipped mechanical boxes transmission The final tests of the Volga took place in taxi parks under intensive operating conditions, which made it possible to quickly eliminate many of the “childhood diseases” of the new car.

Modifications of GAZ-M21 within the framework of “releases”

The GAZ-M21 Volga car of the first “release” was produced from 1956 to November 1958. Until the end of 1957, it was equipped with a lower valve engine with a displacement of 2.42 liters (2420 cc) and a power of 65 hp. at 3800 rpm. Borrowed from Pobeda, this engine was boosted by increasing the displacement (by boring the cylinders) and the compression ratio. In total, 1,100 copies of the Volga were produced with this engine.
GAZ-M21G - in addition to the forced engine from the GAZ-M20, the Pobeda was equipped with a rear axle borrowed from the ZIM car with shortened axle shafts and their housings. Distinctive feature All cars of the first “release” have a “plus” electrical equipment system installed on the body.
GAZ-M21B is a car with a souped-up engine from Pobeda, a modification for a taxi with a simplified finish. GAZ-M21 - produced since 1957 with the new ZMZ-21 Zavolzhsky engine motor plant(specially built for the production of Volgov engines). The engine had a displacement of 2.445 liters and a power of 70 hp. The engine was an overhead valve, entirely aluminum (the main parts were the crankcase, cylinder block, pipes) and for its time was distinguished by many progressive solutions. Also, the modification under the symbol M21 was equipped with an automatic three-speed gearbox with a torque converter.
GAZ-M21V is a production car with a ZMZ-21 engine.
GAZ-M21A - taxi with ZMZ-21 engine (based on GAZ-21V).
GAZ-M21D - export modification with boost to 80 hp. engine and manual gearbox. The design is complemented by a chrome belt molding.
GAZ-M21E - export modification with an 80 hp engine. and automatic transmission.
The GAZ-M21 car of the second “release” was produced from 1959 to 1962. The “release” of 1958-1959 is considered transitional. The changes were introduced gradually and concerned the design of the body, enlargement of the wheel arches of the front wings, changes in electrical wiring (“reversal of polarity” in 1960, “minus” began to be supplied to the body, which reduced current losses and the intensity of metal corrosion). The total production volume of cars of the second “release” amounted to 160 thousand copies.
GAZ-M21I - basic model.

GAZ-M21A - taxi.

GAZ-M21 is a car with automatic transmission. It is unknown whether it was actually produced (there is no information about this).
GAZ-M21E is another modification with automatic transmission, produced in a very limited series.
GAZ-M21U is a luxury modification with improved finishing, but with a conventional engine.

GAZ-M21K - export modification with a 75 or 80 hp engine. And additional elements finishing (chrome inserts). The GAZ-M21 car of the third “release” was produced from 1962 to 1970. The car received a new radiator grille made of 37 chrome-plated vertical plates. The deer figurine and molding disappeared from the hood (the deer was not always installed on cars of the second “release” - it was removed for safety reasons). The number of chrome decorative parts has been reduced. The body lines have become smoother and more harmonious. The modification with automatic transmission was removed from the production line, the lever shock absorbers were replaced with telescopic ones, and the output was increased to 75 hp. motor power for the basic serial modification. The total production volume of cars of the third “release” amounted to 470 thousand copies.

GAZ-M21L is the main serial sedan.
GAZ-M21L - export modification.
GAZ-M21U - luxury modification, different from production car moldings on the wings.
GAZ-M21T is a modification of a taxi with separate front seats. The front passenger seat folds down, freeing up space for carrying cargo.

In 1962, on the basis of the GAZ-M21, the GAZ-M22 station wagon was created and put on the conveyor. It was produced in various versions - as a “civilian” car general purpose, How " ambulance", aircraft escort vehicle for airports and so on.

At the same time, a small series of GAZ-23 cars was produced - a high-speed modification of the GAZ-M21 with power unit from GAZ-13 “Chaika” (automatic transmission, 8-cylinder engine with a capacity of 160, and later 195 hp). This car was intended for security forces(in particular, the KGB) and was released in the amount of 608 copies.
In 1965, the Volga of the third “release” underwent its last modernization. The heater was improved and the body design was slightly changed. At the same time, the letter “M” disappeared from the model index (that is, “Molotovets”; until 1957, GAZ was called Gorky automobile plant named after Molotov). The main modifications of the Volga began to be designated as follows:
GAZ-21 - basic version.
GAZ-21S - export modification with improved finishing and equipment. 85 hp engine
GAZ-21US - a model with improved finishing for domestic market and partly for export. Engine 75 hp
GAZ-21T - modification for taxi.
GAZ-21TS is an export version of the taxi (supplied to many countries around the world, including Finland and the GDR).
In 1968, the first small batch of cars of the new GAZ-24 model was produced (using bypass technology). Until 1970, both models were produced in parallel. On July 15, 1970, production of the GAZ-21 of all modifications was discontinued.

Design features - disadvantages and advantages

The number of modifications of the GAZ-21 car is extremely large. In fact, under the general name "Volga" GAZ produced similar in appearance and basic characteristics different cars. For example, the GAZ-23, built on the GAZ-13 “Chaika” units, had speed characteristics that are characteristic of modern passenger cars. And the GAZ-M21 of the first experimental releases was not much different in the same speed characteristics from the serial GAZ-M20 Pobeda.

The design of the Volga of all “issues” had many archaic features even for those years. In particular, telescopic shock absorbers (instead of lever ones) came to the Volga with a great delay. The automatic transmission never caught on (Soviet automakers were never able to master it mass production). Hydraulic brakes and steering was not equipped with amplifiers, driving a heavy vehicle required physical effort from the driver. Parking brake central type (drum brake, similar in design to a wheeled one, was installed on the gearbox shank and acted through cardan shaft on the driving rear axle) was ineffective and unreliable. Upon attempt emergency stop car parking brake, the last one was broken. Until 1960, the Volga was equipped with a centralized lubrication system - driven by a special pedal. This solution was used on foreign (German) cars of the 30s and 40s. Finally, the three-speed manual transmission had a synchronizer for only two high gears, which for the second half of the 60s was a completely outdated solution.
However, there were real discoveries. The Volga designers managed to create a car that attracts attention with its impeccable design even forty years after the car ceased production. High body strength - due to precise design power elements- gave rise to numerous myths about the “thick metal” from which they were supposedly stamped body parts car (in fact, the metal used was the same as in foreign automobile construction).
"Volga" was highly resistant to corrosion - due to a special "phosphating" treatment of the body. The quality of body paint on cars of the first and second “issues” is such that some of them do not require repainting to this day. Separately, mention should be made of the ZMZ-21 engine, which was produced in a huge number of modifications. It found application on Soviet minibuses, was installed on boats, and was exported abroad. A modification of this engine - UMZ-451MI - was installed on cars high cross-country ability UAZ-469, which were in service with the Soviet Army.
High quality manufacturing of the GAZ-21, especially the second and early third “releases” (there are very few cars left from the first “release”), high degree of unification of parts with GAZ and UAZ vehicles, impeccable reputation reliable car led to the fact that the market for cars of this brand still exists today. Cars are restored, maintained in working order, resold and found new owners. True, only a relatively small part of GAZ-21 owners use these cars for daily driving. These are mainly exhibits of private collections or cars for occasional trips and walks.

Magazine "Behind the wheel" about GAZ-21

New in the Volga car