Volga is a brand name of various passenger cars from GAZ. Throughout the Soviet world, Volga cars were seen as a high status symbols, used by party officials, the nomenklatura, and security services. Also all Volga cars traditionally were used as taxi cabs, road police interceptors and ambulances (based on the estate versions). Today, Volga cars are seen as large and inexpensive family saloons and less common estates. Cars under this name have been in production since 1956. There are 3 major generations: -21 (1956–70), -24 (1970–92, over two minor generations) and -31 (since 1982, in various versions).
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Models
GAZ-21
The GAZ M21 Volga, the first car to carry the Volga name, was developed in the early 1950s. Volgas were built to last in the harsh climate and rough roads of the Soviet Union, with high ground clearance (what gives it a specific "high" look, contrary to "low-long-sleek" look of American cars of resembling design), rugged suspension, strong and forgiving engine, and rustproofing on a scale unheard of in the 1950s. The Volga was stylistically in line with the major United States manufacturers of the period, and incorporated many luxury features that moved GAZ back upmarket. The Volga M21 was the most luxurious car any Soviet citizen was permitted to own (though due its high price, only about 2% could afford to buy one). The car's large size and tough construction made it popular in the police and taxi trades, and V8-engined versions were produced for the KGB secret service. An automatic transmission was briefly offered in the late 1950s, but later discontinued due to lack of service stations, and then through the 1960s on the KGB's V8 version only, with the driver's controls being very similar to the discontinued "civil" automatic. The Volga M21 was produced in saloon form from 1956–70 and estate form (GAZ M22 Universal) from 1962–70. Today, it is considered a motoring icon with fans all over the world, including at least a handful in the USA (one having appeared in 1999–2001 in Boston and at www.gaz21.com). The car is famous for its unusual features: front bench seat, column transmission shifter, smooth 1950s design. "Volga dvadtsat' odin" ("Volga Twenty One" in Russian) was produced nearly as long as the Citroen DS in France, and playes the same role in Russian automotive culture: a legend-on-wheels. But it became quite outdated by the 1960s, leading the GAZ to develop a boxier, more modern replacement. In 1970, the "21" platform was discontinued by the GAZ. But, however, till late 70s spare parts were produced by different plants all over the USSR, and some plants were re-builting "21" cars using spare parts, wrecked and junked cars. In 1988, about 80,000 "21" Volgas were registered in the USSR. UAZ-469 all-terrain vehicle uses a breed of GAZ-21A engine, so spare parts never were a big problem. ALso the RAF 977 minibus from Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika was based on GAZ-21
 1958–62 Volga |
 Interior |
 1962–70 Volga |
GAZ-24
| First generation of GAZ-24 | |
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| Production | 1968–77 |
| Body style(s) | 4-door saloon 4-door estate 4-door convertible |
| Engine(s) | 150 in³ (2.445 L) I4 340 in³ (5.53 L) V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic (V8 only) |
| Wheelbase | 110.0 in (2794 mm) |
| Length | 186.4 in (4735 mm) |
| Width | 70.1 in (1781 mm) |
| Height | 58.66 in (1490 mm) |
| Second generation of GAZ-24 | |
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| Production | 1977–85 |
| Body style(s) | 4-door saloon 4-door estate |
| Engine(s) | 150 in³ (2.445 L) I4 340 in³ (5.53 L) V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic (V8 only) |
| Wheelbase | 110.0 in (2794 mm) |
| Length | 187.4 in (4760 mm) |
| Width | 70.1 in (1781 mm) |
| Height | 58.66 in (1490 mm) |
The GAZ-24 Volga (similar in appearance and construction to late 1960s-era North American cars such as the Dodge Dart or Ford Falcon) entered limited production in 1968, and full-scale manufacturing in 1970. The estate form (GAZ-24-02 Universal) arrived in 1972. GAZ-24 production continued with many modifications and improvements until 1992. This Volga enjoyed moderate success in export markets, and is the best-selling model in GAZ history with over 600,000 made. During the 1960s-80s the Volga was also assembled in Belgium, with the model M21 at first. This took place at SA Sobimpex, NV, in Brussels. The cars came to the harbour in Antwerp without engine and with the gearbox, disassembled, in the boot. At Sobimpex they initially built in a Perkins Four-99 diesel engine. Later on the Perkins diesel engine was succeeded by a Rover engine (found also in the Land Rover), which was succeeded for the GAZ-24 by an Indenor engine from Peugeot (found also in Peugeot J 7 Diésel); the model now gained the designation "D", for Diesel. Almost all GAZ passenger cars introduced since the 1970s are based on the venerable GAZ-24 platform, right down to the central body shell. In the 1970s, Volga also introduced a convertible "24" model which had a limited, but very successful run. Volga cars were sometimes sold to private owners, but the price was always high, and the number of cars produced was always very limited, and about 90% of them were sold to different organizations right on the assembly line, so one had either to wait for years to by a Volga or to get a special permit. The estate was not sold without special permit. Mostly because of this, Volga cars were cared by their owners with great love. Engines were: 2445 cc (150 c.i.) 95-100 hp I4 with 4-speed manual and 5530 cc (340 c.i.) 195 hp (145 kW) V8 with 3-speed auto, V8 version was produced in very limited numbers and used primary by the KGB and road police. Power drum brakes were standard, power steering was standard on V8 cars. The car was equipped with AM-FM transistorized 3-wave radio with power antenna, heater with defroster, rear window defogger, front and rear central armrests, front and rear seatbelts (since 1977), electric clocks, 2 windscreen washers, instrument panel safety padding, padded sun visors, door-to-door carpeting, trunk and glove compartment lights. Custom-built cars were equipped with air conditioner, tinted glass, custom interiors, power windows and additional chrome trim.
 1974 GAZ-24 |
 1974 Volga interior |
 1979 Volga interior |
 Door panels after 1976 |
GAZ-24-10
The GAZ-24-10 (an improved version of GAZ-24 with many changes in appearance, engine, suspension, brakes, etc.) was produced from 1985–92. An estate, the GAZ-24-12 Universal, was also produced. 24-10 was sold to private owners without any restrictions, though the price was still rather high. GAZ-24-10 is also known as the third generation of GAZ-24.
GAZ-31xx
The model numbers of 31xx series conform to a new model numbering system adopted in the USSR at the time.
GAZ-3102
A restyled (all-new front and rear ends, new door handles), improved and more luxurious version of the GAZ-24 with 105 hp (78 kW) engine, the Volga GAZ-3102, arrived in 1982 and continues in production to the present (with new engines: ZMZ-406, 4 cyl., DOHC, 2,3l, 130 h.p.; or Steir 4 cyl. diesel; or Chrysler, 4 cyl., DOHC, 150 hp (112 kW), totally new interior and improved suspension.) Front disk brakes became standard, as well as 3.9:1 rear axle and many other improvements. Again, V8-powered limited production version existed (produced up to 1996), called GAZ-31013, engine and transmission remained the same with only minor modifications. Also, in mid-1990s there was a limited production version with Rover V8 3,9L engine. Before 1991, the Volga 3102 was not sold to private owners because it was built exclusively for government organizations. Since the early 1990s, 3102 is positioned by GAZ as a luxury saloon and costs slightly more than a standard Volga, and it is often mentioned that production quality of 3102 Volgas is slightly better than for other GAZ cars.
GAZ-31029
The Volga 31029, featuring more aerodynamic front bodywork, was produced from 1991–97. Its reputation is rather poor because of rust problems and poor quality. A 31029 was featured as a getaway car in the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye.
 1980s GAZ-3102 interior installed in GAZ-31029 |
 GAZ-31029 front part |
GAZ-3110
A more modern derivative of the GAZ-31029, the Volga GAZ-3110, arrived in 1997 and remained on sale until 2003. The estate version of the 3110, the Volga 310221 Universal, remains in production as of 2007. The saloon received a minor front restyle for the final year of production, while the estate continued with the 1997 front styling, with everything from the A-pillar back dating to 1972. The 3110's replacement, the Volga 31105, entered production in early 2004 and represents the most heavily restyled and modernized version of the GAZ-24 yet. In addition, even more heavily restyled GAZ-24 versions in both saloon and estate form are planned for the near future.
GAZ-3105
Besides the GAZ-24 derivatives, GAZ has also produced two truly modern Volga models in recent years. The all-wheel drive Volga 3105 luxury saloon powered by the all-new OHC V8 engine was produced in limited quantities (primarily for experimental use) from 1994–97, when production ceased after only a few hundred had been built.
GAZ-3111
The 3105 was succeeded by the rear-wheel drive Volga 3111 produced from 1998–2003. The 3111 was a modern luxury saloon targeted against used western cars on the ex-Soviet market. It featured GAZ M21-influenced retro styling cues and was developed in collaboration with US-based Venture Industries. Though very modern in appearance and packaging, the 3111 still used some parts from 1967-presented M24. 3111 production ceased after a short run caused by high production costs, and lacklustre sales due in part to the car's uncompetetive $8,800 base price.
GAZ-31105
The GAZ 31105 Volga entered production in 2004 as a replacement for the one year-only Mark II version of the 3110. The car features a more heavily revised front, with a grille and headlights inspired by the modern, but discontinued, 3111. New, more conventional looking, body-coloured door handles were also instituted. The 31105 is available only as a saloon, with the estate continuing with the old 3110 styling.
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Recent developments
The current four-model Volga range, based on the 1967 GAZ M24, consists of the top-range 3102 (since 1982), the 310221 Universal estate (since 1997), the most modern, yet lowest-priced 31105 (since 2004), and the long wheelbase 311055 (since 2005). Volga 31105 pricing starts at around US$9,000. The convertible model has also been seen again in very limited production, mostly aimed at official procession cars; the roof is replaced with a soft top and the rear doors deleted; front doors are the same size as on the four-door model. Although GAZ was developing a "spiritual successor" to the 3111, the front-wheel drive Volga 3115, in December 2005 RusPromAvto, the parent company of GAZ, announced that production of Volga passenger cars would be phased out over a 2-year period, with production to end in 2007. GAZ stated that they would instead concentrate on their more profitable truck, bus, and commercial vehicle businesses. At the same time the announcement was made, GAZ also introduced the Volga 311055, a long wheelbase derivative of the 31105. However, in the summer of 2006, GAZ reversed its earlier decision, announcing that further investments would be made in upgrading the styling and technology of the Volga saloons, keeping them in production as "retro" or "historical" vehicles. In early 2006, GAZ signed a deal with DaimlerChrysler to acquire the tooling and intellectual property rights for the Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring mid-size cars, which will enter production in Russia, but under GAZ Siber brand, not Volga. GAZ owns the car's platform outright, allowing all-new future vehicles to be developed on the same underpinnings.
Production
Volga production peaked at well over 100,000 units per year during the early-to-mid 1990s, then fell sharply due to Russia's worsening economic crises, reaching just 56,000 cars in 2000. With a gradually reviving export network, the Volga has made progress on the road to recovery, with nearly 70,000 cars produced in 2004.
See also
External links
- Autosoviet (excellent information on all Eastern cars) (Autosoviet on the Volga)
- German Volga importer (German) (English)
- Russian Volga owners/enthusiats database (Russian)
- GAZ 21 — George W. Bush behind the wheel of a 1956 Volga on May 8 2005 in Moscow, along with Vladimir Putin in the front passenger's seat (click the image to enlarge). (Estonian)
- GAZ M24D Volga from Belgium (English)
- [1] (Volga cars owner in the USA)
- [2]
- [3]
