In the 1950s, at the "Gorky Automobile Plant" there was a need to develop a new "middle class" car, which 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, experimental prototypes saw the light of day.
The first conditionally serial GAZ-21 "Volga" (until 1965 known as GAZ-M21) were released in October 1956, but the full-fledged production of a sedan that surpassed its predecessor in all respects was launched only in April 1957.
At the end of 1958, the car underwent modernization (the so-called "second series") - the exterior was updated, mostly in the front end, and the mechanical "stuffing" was slightly improved.
In 1962, the four-door was again modified ("third series"), transforming 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 the Soviet automobile industry. Smooth and streamlined front end, sprinkled with chrome, harmonious silhouette with convex strokes on the sidewalls and rounded rear fenders, upturned stern with vertical lanterns and a "shiny" bumper - no doubt, but the car is really good-looking.
"Twenty-first" in length extends to 4810-4830 mm, in width is 1800 mm, and in height does not exceed 1610 mm. The wheelbase and the clearance under the "belly" of the three-volume are 2700 mm and 190 mm, respectively. The equipped 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, and not only with its design, but also with the quality of workmanship. Inside the sedan, a classic atmosphere reigns - a large "steering wheel" with a thin and "flat rim", an original by today's standards dashboard with a translucent sphere of the speedometer and auxiliary indicators, a minimalistic dashboard with a radio receiver, an analog clock and various switches.
The main "trump card" of the car is the interior space: in front and behind there are two one-piece sofas (which is why a four-door is considered a six-seat one) with soft filling, and in the first case - also with adjustments in the length and angle of the backrest.
In addition, the front seat can be pushed almost to the steering column, and the backrest can be folded back, thereby creating a huge bed.
The trunk of the GAZ-21 "Volga" is able to accommodate up to 400 liters of luggage, while the compartment has a very good shape. True, a good share of the volume is "eaten up" by a full-size spare wheel.
Specifications. The "21st" is driven by an overhead 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, a rectangular intake manifold section, contact ignition system and liquid cooling.
Its output ranges from 65 to 80 horsepower at 4000 rpm and from 170 to 180 Nm of torque, which is generated at 2200 rpm.
On the overwhelming number 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.
To the first "hundred", the original "Volga" accelerates in at least 25 seconds, reaches a maximum of 120-130 km / h, and it "destroys" 13-13.5 liters of fuel in a combined travel cycle.
The GAZ-21 has an all-metal carrier-type body with subframes at the ends, and its power unit is located longitudinally in the front part. On the front axle of the car, an independent pivot suspension is used on the wishbones, which are connected by threaded bushings and springs, while a dependent system with longitudinal springs and telescopic shock absorbers (until 1962 - lever) is installed at the rear.
The sedan is equipped with a "globoid worm" steering mechanism with a double-ridged roller and a gear ratio of 18.2. On all the wheels of the Soviet passenger car, drum brake devices are enclosed.
In addition to the basic version, 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, making room for the carriage of 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 car, an ambulance, and others. This "Volga" meets with a 5- or 7-seater convertible saloon and a spacious cargo hold.
- 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 had a 5.5-liter V8 gasoline engine from the "Chaika", which generated 195 "horses" and was combined with a 3-speed automatic transmission.
- GAZ-21S - the 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 he also has enough shortcomings: weak engines, serious problems with ergonomics, a low level of safety, high cost and difficulties in finding original spare parts and components.
Prices. In 2017, it is possible to buy a Volga GAZ-21 in Russia at a price of 100 thousand rubles, but it will turn out to be such a copy for which the Bulgarian is crying. While the cost of perfectly restored cars (especially the first series) exceeds a million rubles.
