Volga gas 21 10. Car Volga GAZ-M21

26.06.2020

Release history
Cars M-21 "Volga" (from 1964 - GAZ-21) of various modifications were produced by the Gorky Automobile Plant from December 1956 to July 1970. During this period, the car has been modernized many times, including changing the elements of the external design.

Modifications are divided into three main model ranges. Colloquially: "with a star", "shark mouth" and "whalebone". In fact, the factory changed the base model index four times. Moreover, at the beginning of the production of a new modification, a significant number of so-called "transitional" models were produced each time. For example: at the end of 1958, "Volgas" with the index 21B were produced, but with a new front bumper, a radiator grille with vertical holes, etc.
So, the start of serial production of the Volga dates back to December 1956. Two modifications of the car were produced: the basic general-purpose model - M-21B, and a modification for a taxi - M-21G. The taxi differed from the base model by a meter installed instead of a radio, an identification green lamp and seats upholstered in textvinit-type leatherette (the base model had fabric upholstery with autobeam elements (also leatherette), upholstery gamma depended on body color).
A modernized lower-valve "Pobedovsky" engine was installed on the cars, bored out to 2432 cubic meters. see power 65l.s. The main gear was spiral-conical.
Another characteristic distinguishing element of the cars of these very first releases was the finishing frame of the rear window. This element was installed on all modifications until the 3rd quarter of 1958.
The first production "Volga" were painted with nitro enamel and made from Belgian steel.
In May 1957, a new overhead valve engine, designed specifically for it, began to be installed on the Volga. At the same time, the installation of rear axles with a hypoid main gear began. With the introduction of these innovations, the plant changed the index of the basic modification to M-21V. Taxis received the M-21A index.
At the same time, the production of a modification for export with a motor forced by increasing the compression ratio began. Her index is M-21D.
In 1958, the production of modifications with automatic transmission began. The basic general-purpose model had the M-21 index. A forced engine was installed for export modification, such a machine received the M-21E index. Unfortunately, the production of "Volg" with automatic transmission was discontinued in the same year due to the lack of conditions in the country to ensure proper care for the "automatic". About 700 of these machines were produced.
Since the beginning of 1959, the car has undergone significant external changes. A new radiator grille with 16 vertical holes was installed, a front bumper and sidelights. A dashboard of a new form was installed on cars (the speaker of the receiver was brought forward) and a radio receiver of reduced dimensions. Rubber aprons were installed on the rear fenders - mudguards. Soft handrails and an ashtray for rear passengers were placed on the back of the front seat, and a reflective element was introduced into the rear lights? reflectors. A windshield washer appeared, later modernized.
In addition to external changes, the factory applied a body primer by immersion, which significantly increased the anti-corrosion resistance of the car.
The new models received the following indexes: the basic modification - M-21I, the modification for export - M-21K - differed from the base one in a forced motor and a chrome-plated belt molding running along the lower edge of the body glazing. The taxi index has not changed - M-21A.
In 1960, the polarity of the car's on-board network was changed: a "minus" is applied to the body (instead of "plus" on the first models). We started installing telescopic shock absorbers instead of lever ones and a fine fuel filter. The centralized chassis lubrication system was eliminated. On some cars, instead of coarse and fine filters, they began to install a centrifugal oil filter. However, due to its unreliability, they soon returned to the original oil purification scheme.
In 1961, the plant began to install roof sheathing with nailless fastening. The front seat was modernized (folding legs were removed from the back).
When assembling the bodies, one-piece stamped sidewalls began to be used. With their introduction, it became possible to adjust the position of the doors in the openings.
In 1962, the last external update of the Volga was carried out. "Third Series" cars featured a 36-slit radiator grille, bumpers, lower trims, factory badge, sidelights, taillights, and a license plate light. The bonnet ornament - "deer" or "drop" - was removed from the hood. The interior has new upholstery materials. Along with the installation of new bumpers, towing hooks appeared in front. Was the engine seriously upgraded? its power increased to 75 hp. Improved front suspension.
The basic modification received the M-21L index. Also produced: M-21U with improved finish; M-21T - for a taxi (since 1963, separate front seats have been installed on it); export modification - M-21M. The latter differed from the basic set of chrome-plated edging of the windshield and rear windows, belt pads, front and rear fender trims and stylized "Volga" inscriptions on the front fenders. Forced up to 80 or 85 hp were also installed on export cars. engines.
The production of a modification for export to countries with left-hand traffic has begun. The model received the index M-21P. Its differences from 21M consisted in the right location of the controls.
Simultaneously with the start of production of the "third series", mass production of a passenger car based on the M-21 with a station wagon body was launched. The base model received the M-22 index. The station wagon modification for export had the M-22M index and differed from the basic set of decorative chrome elements similar to the M-21M model. It was also possible to install engines with a power of 80 or 85 hp on it.
The 22nd was modified for use as an ambulance - M-22B. The salon was divided by a partition into the driver's and sanitary compartments. In the latter, a stretcher was installed, and there were two seats. Separate seats were installed in the driver's compartment; The model was not equipped with a receiver. Sanitary modification, intended for export, received the designation M-22BM.
In 1964, the plant made the last modernization of the Volga. Outwardly, however, she has not changed. The car received reinforced front spars, roller bearings in the front wheel hubs. The front seat was modernized: the height of the pillow was lowered and the possibility of adjusting the backrest was introduced. A heater of greater productivity was installed, windshield wipers were modernized. To improve the temperature regime of the engine, the design of the pump has been changed. On modifications with a station wagon body, the springs are reinforced to increase the carrying capacity.
In the designation of modifications "Volg" the letter "M" was replaced by "GAZ" - the base model was designated GAZ-21R. Taxi - GAZ-21T.
Three modifications were produced for export. GAZ-21US differed from the basic set of chrome trim elements, engine? standard, 75 hp An 80-horsepower engine was installed on the GAZ-21C modification, it also differed from the 21US in an outside rear-view mirror and a chrome-plated visor at the end of the exhaust pipe. For countries with left-hand traffic, a modification of the GAZ-21N was produced, which was equipped similarly to 21C, but had a gearshift lever installed on the floor.
The basic modification with a station wagon body received the GAZ-22V index. Export - GAZ-22G. The sanitary model had the GAZ-22D index; reinforced springs were not installed on it.
On July 15, 1970, the last 21st Volga left the factory assembly line. It was an anthracite GAZ-21US modification. In just 13 and a half years, 638,875 cars M (GAZ) - 21 and its modifications were produced.
Modifications
21B Volga (1956-1957) taxi
21G Volga (1956-1957) base model
21GU Volga (1956-1957) basic, for tropical climate
21 (1957-1958) modification with automatic transmission
21A Volga (1957-1958) taxi
21AYU Volga (1957-1958) taxi, for tropical climate
21V Volga (1957-1958) base model
21D Volga (1957-1958) export version
21DYu Volga (1957-1958) export, for tropical climate
21E Volga (1957-1958) export modification with automatic transmission
21EU Volga (1957-1958) export with automatic transmission, for tropical climate
21A Volga (1959-1962) taxi
21I Volga (1959-1962) base model
21K Volga (1959-1962) export version
21KYU Volga (1959-1962) export, for tropical climate
21KB Volga (1960-1962) export, with Perkins diesel
21L Volga (1962-1965) base model
21M Volga (1962-1965) export modification
21MJ Volga (1962-1965) export, for tropical climate
21N Volga (1962-1965) export right-hand drive
21NYu Volga (1962-1965) export right-hand drive, for tropical climate
21T Volga (1962-1965) taxi
22 Volga (1962-1965) station wagon, basic modification
22B Volga (1962-1965) ambulance
22BK Volga (1962-1965) ambulance
22BKYU Volga (1962-1965) sanitary, export, for tropical climate
22BM Volga (1962-1965) ambulance, export
22BMYu Volga (1962-1965) sanitary, export, for tropical climate
22K Volga (1962-1965) export modification
22M Volga (1962-1965) export modification
22MJ Volga (1962-1965) export, for tropical climate
21P Volga (1965-1969) export right-hand drive
21PE Volga (1965-1969) export right-hand drive and automatic transmission
21R Volga (1965-1970) base model
21С Volga (1965-1970) export version
21SJ Volga (1965-1970) export, for tropical climate
21T Volga (1965-1970) taxi
21TS Volga (1965-1970) taxi, export modification
21US Volga (1965-1970) export modification
21F Volga (?) experimental modification
22V Volga (1965-1970) station wagon, basic modification
22G Volga (1965-1970) export version
22GU Volga (1965-1970) export, for tropical climate
22D Volga (1965-1970) ambulance
22E Volga (1965-1970) export version
22EU Volga (1965-1970) export, for tropical climate
22N Volga (1965-1970) export, right-hand drive
22NYu Volga (1965-1970) export, right-hand drive, for tropical climate

GAZ-M21 - a car of the Volga brand, which 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 did not fit according 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 succumbed 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 struck 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, then we can say for sure that the car did not have any prominent accessories. But for looked fresh, interesting and attractive. Unfortunately, the interior of the Volga quickly became faded, because the trends changed every year. Already by 1958, the design of the GAZ-M21 car was outdated and required updating.

It was changed in the 60s, then it acquired a European appearance. The model began to have a more conservative, strict and official look. What became decisive when buying this option for the needs of the government.

Features in technical tuning

The GAZ-M21 car, the technical characteristics of which are described a little below, had the necessary tuning for driving on the roads of the USSR. The elements of the car are somewhat reminiscent of American models. The salon was designed for 5-6 people. This is due to the fact that the sofa in the second row has an impressive size. The engine installed on cars has 4 cylinders and is paired with an automatic transmission. By the way, the latter was borrowed from the American company Ford. The body had the characteristic features of the "Victory", the suspension was also taken from this car. The first one was distinguished by resistance to corrosion, special rigidity and hardness, which ensured safe movement.

Prototypes of the GAZ-M21 car

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

The prototype number four was constructed in 1955 in the spring. 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 were put into production in 1956. During this period, released five copies.

Tests of the model took a long time and, perhaps, in extreme conditions. For the car passed 29 thousand km. He drove along the roads of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, the Caucasus. The final stage of testing was carried out in Moscow. During this period, a sufficient number of malfunctions were identified, but most of them were eliminated almost immediately. Those that were not eliminated immediately remained with her 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 for two years. Several prototypes came out to the public, which differed from each other in appearance and internal parameters. They were completely different from the finally formed series. Their distinguishing feature was the chrome-plated set. However, over time, it began to be provided as an additional package and, accordingly, for separate money. As unique features, one can note the appearance of the “front” and rear doors, uncharacteristic for other cars.

Generations (or releases)

Collectors have special designations for different editions of the Volga. There are three series - 1957, 1959 and 1962. The tuning of the GAZ-M21 of various generations was similar, therefore, by external signs, it is almost impossible to understand 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 drains. They are a small detail that surrounds the roof. These devices are used in order to avoid water entering the cabin.

Series #1

The first series of GAZ-M21, the photo of which is below, was produced for two years, from 1956 to 1958. In the people, this model is better known under the name "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. In some official sources, it is stated 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. 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.

Series #2

Since 1959, the second series of the car began to be produced. Before implementation, a little work was done on the external and internal characteristics. Basically, the changes affected the interior. In February 59, the second modification was implemented. This time she touched on the lights, 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 variant never went into production. For all the years of production (from 1959 to 1962), more than 120 thousand cars rolled off the assembly line.

Series #3

This modification has become the most popular. The appearance of the previous series became outdated quite quickly, but the manufacturer was not going to restyle the GAZ-M21 car. "Volga" in the 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 grill has also changed. After a major modernization, the appearance of the car has noticeably changed - it has become more dynamic, lighter. The model was often compared with the notorious Chaika car.

Along with the change in styling, small updates can be noted in For example, the 75 horsepower engine has become much more powerful. And the option with an automatic transmission is completely removed from production.

Styling upgrade

The release of the car was made in two versions - with a conventional interior and improved. The latter version was distinguished by a set of chrome-plated and corrosion-resistant parts. Such a machine was produced more 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’s impossible to say for sure whether it was produced like that from the assembly line.

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

All wheel drive car

This version of the GAZ-21 did not go into mass production. A car with all-wheel drive was produced in the form of a sedan and station wagon. According to some versions, the last version even belonged to Brezhnev, he used it to go hunting.

According to unofficial information, these copies were a "collaboration" of several Volga models. The only thing, their uniqueness was that those units that were installed on the equipment were intended for all-terrain vehicles. They were not made in factories, but in maintenance shops, garages, military units, etc.

"Red East"

An interesting fact is that an analogue of the GAZ-21 was made in China, which was completely identical to the original version in terms of technical characteristics. The interior of the cars was radically different. Krasny Vostok has been 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.

In the mid-1950s, the Gorky Automobile Plant began mass production of the GAZ-21 Volga medium-class car in order to replace the already obsolete Pobeda 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 the GAZ-M12 ZIM executive sedan, but by that time it also began to become obsolete and from such 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 the reduction in wheel size from 16 to 15 ", made it possible to make it more spacious with the same wheelbase. It was decided to remove all the protruding In addition, according to the terms of reference, the new car was to become more modern, dynamic and comfortable, with a new engine and automatic transmission.

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, a number of prototypes were assembled, which differed in design, different engines and gearboxes were installed on them, a 3-speed manual was installed on some, and an automatic hydromechanical 3-speed on others. These prototypes had a complete set of chrome decor - a chrome grille, moldings, windshield and rear window edging, but 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 capacity of 65 horsepower, 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 of the GAZ-21 (M-21), and the options for 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

The 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 separate hydraulic cylinders for the front 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. The new 2445 cm3 engine developed 70 horsepower, and the maximum speed of the car was 130 km/h.

At 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 external design of the cars completely changed, the radiator grille changed again, now it consisted of 37 vertical pillars (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, the last car that left the assembly line 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 sedan model 1956 with 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.

This car, the Volga GAZ 21, still looks luxurious. Years, even decades, have passed, many car models on our roads have changed, foreign-made cars have actively and firmly come into our lives.

Classic Volga GAZ 21

And I must say that this happened quite naturally, because it happens everywhere. But the car many years ago, which embodied power, beauty, prosperity and elegance, remained the same, elegant, beautiful, and still attracts the attention of passers-by on the street, passing by them.

Yes, a lot of cars have appeared that are more powerful, technical characteristics, which are significantly superior to this miracle of the Soviet automobile industry. Yes, the fuel consumption of this car does not at all meet modern requirements related to the widespread struggle for energy saving, but few motorists, approaching a GAZ 21 car seen on the street, or even more so, do not catch themselves wanting to carefully stroke its hood, touch roof or racks.

car GAZ M21 1956 release

At the very beginning of the fifties, the Soviet automotive industry faced the need to create such a car. Produced at that time, "Victory" was a fairly high-quality car. But it was decided to expand the lineup on Soviet highways.

As a prototype of the then novelty of the domestic auto industry, many found the features of some Chevrolet models or Ford developments, but here we can hardly talk about any plagiarism.

At that time, many automakers bought samples of competitors' models, disassembled them almost by screws, studying the types of material used to manufacture certain parts.

The types of connections of parts, various design solutions, and so on were studied. The corps of Soviet automobile designers followed the same path.

Scheme of the device 21 Volga

Many cars produced at that time had bulging headlights, a predatory-aggressive hood profile, or a grille pattern. Something could repeat, something.

The “twenty-first”, and in fact, the first model of the “Volga”, was produced for fourteen years, having survived many tests, upgrades, design changes, body types (“sedan”, “station wagon”). Let's start with history.

The history of the creation of a truly legendary Soviet car began back in 1953, when it was decided to start developing a car model that largely repeats the lines and general outline of the then American design school, but still managed to give it certain authentic features.

Volga gas 21 1953 release

Features that allow us to talk about originality, about the dissimilarity of design characteristics, design features that so distinguished our Volga. It is known that in the following 1954, the first, not yet serial, but experimental, but already fully operational samples appeared.

They were then also equipped with experimental engines with overhead valves and a hemisphere-shaped combustion chamber, and their characteristic feature was the presence of a camshaft chain drive. Experiments with such a design gave negative results and it was decided not to send them into serial production.

Initially, two projects were developed, one was called the GAZ M21 Volga, the other was the GAZ M21 Zvezda. By the way, the star located on the radiator grill of a single-beam design has long been a distinctive sign and the car model itself was named after it.

Radiator grille GAZ 21 of the third series

"Volga" with this type of grille was popularly called "Marshal" or "Zhukovskaya". The first years of its existence, the car was doomed to constant comparison with the no less legendary Pobeda car.

But the Volga, even in tests, showed itself much better, it surpassed the Pobeda in most technical characteristics, it was more dynamic, more maneuverable and surpassed in fuel economy.

Production in those years was still quite imperfect, although progress in the automotive industry was, of course, evident, but the path from testing a new car model to its entry into a series, that is, into serial production, took years.

So the first series of the Volga car was released already in 1956, that is, years after the start of design development.

Start of serial production

But the result obtained is worthy of spending some time describing the design of a new (then still, new) car. First, two were developed, automatic and mechanical. Both gearboxes had three steps. At the same time, which is typical, the main gear on this car model had a cone-shaped design, it was later models that had a hypoid main gear.

The then GAZ M 21 car had an independent type rear suspension and hydraulic shock absorbers of a lever design. The rear suspension was also independent, based on springs in a shape resembling a semi-ellipse.

Well, as for the appearance, until now, as many motorists like to joke, the main one, heaving in front of the hood.
And from this “main part” to the front glass there was a molding. Instead of the former "Marshal's", a new radiator grill appeared, the so-called "shark teeth", where vertical wide racks were interspersed with holes. What added to the overall design of a special flavor.

The interior of the car deserves special attention. For all the then Soviet penchant for gigantism, the salon, even at that time, seemed huge. The capacity of the entire car still gives rise to legends. By the way, the large dimensions of, say, the trunk are an absolute plus, because the modern owner of the GAZ 21 or those who still have the GAZ M 21 can consider themselves lucky owners, if you will, of a semi-truck car model. The weight of the cargo that the Volga can transfer is hardly comparable with any other passenger car.

semi-truck Volga gas 21

However, back to the interior of our car. Nobody almost calls the back seat in it a seat, because it is rather a sofa. At the same time, the front sofa had to be divided in half, otherwise there would simply be nowhere to put the gear lever.

So, 1957 is officially considered the beginning of serial production.

But although serial production began, the engine that was equipped with the GAZ M 21, the predecessor of the GAZ 21, was borrowed from earlier cars, such as Pobeda or ZIM. Nevertheless, Volga received its engine, but a little later, and, in the same year, it was a new ZMZ-21 engine, produced at the Zavolzhsky Motor Plant, built specifically for this purpose. As for the technical characteristics of this engine, it had a volume of 2.4 liters and a power of seventy horsepower.
It was an aluminum engine, an overhead valve design, quite innovative for its time.

Operational data and technical characteristics of the Volga GAZ-21

The GAZ 21 car became a worthy successor to the Pobeda M-20 and lasted on the assembly line for almost 14 years. During this time, the car was upgraded twice, but even the first production cars were very popular and had some success.

Example Volga GAZ 21 black

The unpretentiousness of the car and excellent technical characteristics contributed to the popularity. "Volga" was successfully used in a taxi and as a company car, and the model was also available for private use. It is worth focusing on the technical and operational characteristics of the legendary car.

Dimensions GAZ 21

It cannot be said that by the standards of Volga cars, the GAZ 21 was compact. Although the car belonged to the middle class, its dimensions are quite impressive. The sedan model has a length of 4.77 m, a width of 1.8 m and a height of 1.62 m. Such dimensions allowed the cabin to be quite spacious and comfortable, it easily accommodated five people, including the driver. The distance between the axles (wheelbase) at the Volga is 2.7 m. The body has 4 doors.

GAZ 22 is also in production - a station wagon version of a passenger car.

It looks like a classic Volga Gaz-22 station wagon

This modification appeared in serial production later, it was produced since 1962 (GAZ 21 since 1956). In terms of dimensions, the GAZ 22 is slightly longer (4.81 m), a fifth door (tailgate) is provided on the rear of the body.

The tailgate consisted of two halves - upper and lower. The salon allowed to transport already 7 people, and it contained three rows of seats. The last row folded, and the volume of the luggage compartment increased markedly. There were no other fundamental differences between GAZ 22 and GAZ 21.

Unlike the predecessor of the Pobeda, the Volga had good visibility due to the installed panoramic windshield. The front wheel track of the 21st is 1.41 m, the rear wheels are 1.42 m.

Originally painted Volga 21

Operating data

According to the car's operating manual, GAZ 21 has the following characteristics:

The safety of the car was not at the highest level. The reason for this was the complete absence of seat belts. In addition, the steering rods were so located that in case of any serious impact, the hard steering in the cabin shifted back, and the driver's chance of surviving was not very great.

Engine Specifications

In the sixties of the last century, constructively, ZMZ 21 was considered the perfect engine, not only by Soviet standards, but also in world terms.

Graphs showing the characteristics of the engine gas 21

Not all engines of those years had an overhead valve arrangement and an aluminum block with a cylinder head.

ZMZ 21 (ZMZ-21A) was installed on the GAZ 21 model from 1957 and had the following characteristics:

Transmission and clutch specifications

The GAZ 21 car model has a rear wheel drive (4x2 wheel formula). The first Volga models were produced in two versions - with a three-speed manual gearbox and with an automatic three-speed gearbox.

With an automatic transmission, the Volga was not produced for long, in the Soviet Union there were not enough qualified craftsmen to service the automatic transmission, there was no special oil in the required volume. In addition, a weak acceleration of the car was obtained on a 4-cylinder engine, the maximum speed was less than with a manual transmission.

GAZ put into serial production about 1500-1700 cars with automatic gearboxes, with a total number of about 640 thousand copies of Volga 21. There is an opinion that only 700 cars were produced with automatic transmission, but this is not so.

Clutch diagram twenty-first Volga

About 700 units were produced in 1957, and about the same in 1959. In 1958, about a hundred automatic cars rolled off the assembly line.

The manual gearbox was inherited from the GAZ M 20, it only differed in the presence of a hand brake, which was installed on the back of the box (drum type).

Since the manual transmission was originally developed for the ZIM 12 car, it had a sufficient margin of safety.

The disadvantages of the design include unsynchronized first gear and manual control of the box. It is believed that a 4-speed "mechanics" was installed on the GAZ 21. But the plant did not release cars in this configuration from the assembly line, except that the craftsmen made changes to the design with their own hands.

The gear selector, located on the steering, had long rods.

Scheme of the gearshift device in the Volga

New rods behaved normally, but with increasing mileage, the connections in them wore out, and various defects appeared. Two gears could turn on at once, the gear could “fly out”. When you turn on two gears, you had to climb under the hood and move the levers to the desired position. The rods often required adjustment and lubrication.

The clutch on the Volga also got from the Pobeda, but already had a hydraulic drive, on the GAZ M 20 there was a mechanical switch. The new clutch had advantages:

It became easier to squeeze the pedal;
Dirt and water stopped flying into the cabin, as the slot around the pedal, which was necessary with a mechanical drive, was eliminated.

Transmission and clutch technical data:

Fuel system

Fuel system on GAZ 21 carburetor type.

It looks like the fuel pump of the twenty-first Volga

The fuel tank was located at the rear under the bottom of the body and had a capacity of 60 liters. Fuel was pumped through pipes by a gasoline pump into the carburetor, and from the carburetor it was sprayed into the engine intake manifold. Gasoline pump mechanical type with a glass top. The transparent cover had its own conveniences - it was clear whether gasoline was entering the pump or not. In the future, such a cover was abandoned, they often cracked.

The carburetor on the Volga had three modifications, the brand changed depending on the year of manufacture. The first batch includes cars manufactured in 1956-58, the second series GAZ 21 includes cars until 1962. The third generation was produced from 1962 to 1970. Initially, the Volga was equipped with a K-22I carburetor, they were installed mainly on models of the first and second series.

An example of a carburetor for the Volga

In 1962–65, the K-105 carburetor appeared on the machines, and towards the end of the production of the “21” car, a model of the K124 device appeared.

After the serial production of the machine was discontinued, the K-129 modification was in spare parts, not much different from the K-124. All carburetors then were still single-chamber, and the seat in the manifold for them was unified. That is, the interchangeability of devices was complete.

Suspension characteristics

Front suspension "Volga" 21 spring, independent. The steering knuckles have a pivot connection. On the first models of the car, the upper suspension arms also served as shock absorbers - shock absorber fluid was supplied to them through rubber hoses. But such a scheme was very inconvenient, and in the future, telescopic shock absorbers more familiar to our times began to be installed.
The front suspension consisted of the following parts:

Front carrier beam. It was the basis of the suspension, and all other parts were attached to it;
Levers - two lower and two upper. All levers are composite, each of two parts. The lower platform for the spring is attached to the lower levers, the beam itself is the upper platform;
Springs. They provide a smooth ride when driving a car;
Pivot stand. Connects the suspension arms. A swivel is attached to it. There are only two racks, one for each wheel;
Rounded fist. There are also two of them - right and left, and they are not interchangeable with each other;
Front hub. One from each wheel, the front hubs are the same, interchangeable. Studs are pressed into the hubs, and the wheels are screwed with nuts.

GAZ-21
Specifications:
body	4-door sedan (GAZ-22 modification - 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 layout	front longitudinally
engine's type	carbureted, 4-cylinder, with an aluminum cylinder block and wet cast-iron sleeves, overhead valve
engine capacity	2432 cm3
Power	65/3800 hp at rpm
Torque	167/2200 N*m at rpm
Valves per cylinder	2
KP	3-speed with synchronizer 2nd and 3rd gear
Front suspension	independent, lever-spring
Rear suspension	dependent spring
shock absorbers
Front brakes	drum
Rear brakes	drum
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 car with a sedan body. Until 1965, it was called the GAZ-M21 Volga. It was mass-produced from 1956 (until 1958 in parallel with the GAZ-M20 Pobeda) to 1970. The total output of GAZ-21 of all modifications is 638,798 copies (according to the serial number of the last car that rolled off the assembly line). Became the most successful car of domestic development for all the years of the existence of the USSR.

History of creation

The 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 the artist John Williams, the second - by Lev Eremeev. In 1953, mock-ups of two machines were built. Williams' project looked more advanced, but Eremeev's car was more in line with the realities of that time. In the further development of the future car, the project of Lev Eremeev was adopted. In the same 1953, A. Nevzorov was appointed the lead 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 for 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. Together with them, other domestic cars and foreign-made cars of the same class as the Volga were tested. All prototypes differed from each other in details, two of them were equipped with an automatic transmission, one with a manual one.
The vehicles have been tested in a wide variety of road conditions and have shown good results. The new car was more economical and more dynamic than the Pobeda, outperformed the outdated ZIM in terms of dynamics, and was ahead of foreign analogues in terms of reliability and cross-country ability. In addition, the Volga favorably differed from foreign-made cars with a harmonious design.

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

In May 1955, the Gorky plant produced another, fourth copy of the Volga. 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 but the first prototypes were slightly upgraded, 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 serial, left the factory gates. Five new machines joined prototypes 1,2 and 3 to take part in extensive testing at the end of 1956. These five production vehicles were equipped with engines from the GAZ-M20, boosted to 65 hp. for installation on the export version of the GAZ-69 jeep. Cars were equipped with manual transmissions. The final tests of the Volga took place in taxi companies under conditions of intensive use, which made it possible to quickly eliminate many of the “childhood diseases” of the new car.

Modifications of the GAZ-M21 within the "issues"

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), with a power of 65 hp. at 3800 rpm. Borrowed from Pobeda, this engine was boosted by increasing the working volume (cylinder bore) and compression ratio. In total, 1100 copies of the Volga were produced with such an engine.
GAZ-M21G - in addition to the forced engine from the GAZ-M20, Pobeda was equipped with a rear axle borrowed from the ZIM car with shortened axle shafts and their casings. A distinctive feature of all cars of the first "release" is the "plus" of the electrical equipment system brought to the body.
GAZ-M21B - a car with a boosted engine from Pobeda, a modification for a taxi with a simplified finish. GAZ-M21 - produced since 1957 with a new engine ZMZ-21 of the Zavolzhsky Motor Plant (specially built for the production of "Volgovsk" engines). The engine had a working volume of 2.445 liters and a power of 70 hp. The motor was an overhead valve, entirely aluminum (the main parts are the crankcase, cylinder block, pipes) and for its time it was distinguished by many progressive solutions. Also, a three-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter was installed on the modification under the M21 index.
GAZ-M21V - a serial car with a ZMZ-21 engine.
GAZ-M21A - a taxi with a ZMZ-21 engine (based on the GAZ-21V).
GAZ-M21D - export modification with forced up to 80 hp. engine and manual gearbox. The design is complemented by a belt chrome molding.
GAZ-M21E - export modification with an 80 hp engine. and automatic gearbox.
The GAZ-M21 car of the second "release" was produced from 1959 to 1962. The "issue" of 1958-1959 is considered transitional. The changes were introduced gradually and concerned the design of the body, the increase in the wheel arches of the front fenders, the change in electrical wiring (“polarity reversal” in 1960, “minus” was applied to the body, which reduced current losses and the intensity of metal corrosion). The total volume of production of cars of the second "release" amounted to 160 thousand copies.
GAZ-M21I - the base model.

GAZ-M21A - taxi.

GAZ-M21 - a car with automatic transmission. It is not known whether it was actually produced (there is no information about this).
GAZ-M21E is another modification with automatic transmission, released in a very limited series.
GAZ-M21U - luxury modification with improved finish, but with a conventional engine.

GAZ-M21K - export modification with a 75 or 80 hp engine. and additional trim elements (chrome inserts). The GAZ-M21 car of the third "release" was produced from 1962 to 1970. The car received a new grille of 37 chrome 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 security reasons). The number of chrome decorative parts has been reduced. 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 shock absorbers, it was increased to 75 hp. engine power for the basic serial modification. The total volume of production of cars of the third "release" amounted to 470 thousand copies.

GAZ-M21L - the main serial sedan.
GAZ-M21L - export modification.
GAZ-M21U - modification "luxury", differed from the serial car with moldings on the wings.
GAZ-M21T - a modification of a taxi with separate front seats. The passenger front seat folded down to make room for cargo.

In 1962, on the basis of the GAZ-M21, the GAZ-M22 car with a station wagon was created and put on the conveyor. It was produced in various versions - as a "civilian" general purpose vehicle, as an "ambulance", an 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 a power unit from the GAZ-13 "Seagull" (automatic transmission, 8-cylinder engine with a capacity of 160, and later 195 hp). This car was intended for law enforcement agencies (in particular, the KGB) and was produced in the amount of 608 copies.
In 1965, the Volga of the third "release" underwent the last modernization. The heater was improved, the body design was slightly changed. At the same time, the letter “M” disappeared from the index of models (that is, “Molotovets”, until 1957 GAZ was called the Gorky Automobile Plant named after Molotov). The main modifications of the Volga began to be designated as follows:
GAZ-21 - the basic version.
GAZ-21S - export modification with improved finish and equipment. 85 hp engine
GAZ-21US - a model with improved finish for the domestic market and partly for export. Engine 75 hp
GAZ-21T - modification for a taxi.
GAZ-21TS - an export version of a taxi (delivered to many countries of the world, including Finland, 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, the 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 common name Volga, GAZ produced different cars that were similar in appearance and basic characteristics. For example, the GAZ-23, built on the GAZ-13 Chaika units, had high-speed characteristics that are characteristic of modern passenger cars. And the GAZ-M21 of the first experimental releases did not differ much in the same speed characteristics from the serial GAZ-M20 Pobedy.

In the design of the "Volga" of all "issues" there were 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 gearbox never took root (Soviet automakers were never able to master its mass production). The hydraulic brakes and steering were not equipped with amplifiers; driving a heavy machine required physical effort from the driver. The parking brake of the central type (drum brake, similar in design to the wheel brake, was installed on the gearbox shank and acted through the cardan shaft on the drive rear axle) was inefficient and unreliable. When trying to emergency stop the car with a parking brake, the latter broke. 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 gearbox had a synchronizer for only two higher gears, which was a completely outdated solution for the second half of the 60s.
However, there were also real discoveries. The Volga designers managed to create a car that attracts attention with its impeccable design forty years after the car was discontinued. The high strength of the body - due to the accurate calculation of power elements - gave rise to numerous myths about the "thick metal" from which car body parts were allegedly stamped (in fact, the metal was used the same as in foreign automotive industry).
"Volga" was distinguished by high resistance to corrosion - due to the special treatment of the body by "phosphating". The quality of painting the car bodies of the first and second "issues" is such that some of them do not require repainting to this day. Separately, the ZMZ-21 engine, which was produced in a huge number of modifications, should be mentioned. It found application on Soviet minibuses, was installed on boats, and was exported abroad. A modification of this engine - UMZ-451MI - was installed on UAZ-469 off-road vehicles, which were in service with the Soviet Army.
The high quality of manufacture of the GAZ-21, especially the second and the beginning of the third "issues" (there are very few cars of the first "release" left), the high degree of unification of parts with GAZ and UAZ vehicles, the impeccable reputation of a reliable car led to the fact that the market for cars of this brand exists and today. Cars are restored, maintained in working condition, resold and find new owners. True, only a relatively small part of GAZ-21 owners use these cars for daily driving. Basically, these are exhibits of private collections or cars for episodic trips and walks.

Magazine "Behind the wheel" about GAZ-21

New in the car "Volga"