Volga

Volga is a brand name of various passenger cars from GAZ. Throughout the communist world, Volga cars were seen as the ultimate status symbols, used by high party officials and security services. Cars under this name have been in production from 1956 until now. However, the production will be phased out in 2007.

Models

GAZ-21

The GAZ M21 Volga, the first car to carry the Volga name, was developed in the early to mid 1950's. The GAZ M21 was the first Soviet car to equal, or even exceed Western manufacturers in technology and build quality. Volgas were built to last in the harsh climate and rough roads of the Soviet Union, with high ground clearance, rugged suspension, a bullet-proof engine, and rustproofing on a scale unheard of in the 1950's.

The Volga was stylistically right in line with the major American manufacturers of the period, and incorporated many luxury features that moved GAZ back upmarket. The Volga M21 was the most luxurious car that any Soviet citizen was permitted to own (though only about 2% could afford to buy one).

The car's size and construction made it popular in the police and taxi trades, and V8-engined versions were produced for the KGB. An automatic transmission was briefly offered in the early 1960's when GAZ was contemplating entering the US market. The Volga M21 was produced in sedan form from 1956-1970 and station wagon form (GAZ M22 Universal) from 1962-1970. Today, it is considered a motoring icon with fans all over the world, including at least a handful in the USA.

Popular as it was, the M21 was quite outdated by the 1960's, leading GAZ to develop a boxier, more modern replacement.

GAZ-24

The GAZ M24 Volga (similar in appearance to 1960's era Chevrolets or Fords) entered limited production in 1967, and full-scale manufacturing in 1970. The station wagon form (GAZ M24-05 Universal) arrived in 1972. GAZ M24 production continued in original form until 1992. This Volga enjoyed moderate success in export markets, and is the best-selling model in GAZ history with over 600,000 made.