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 such then-luxury features as the reclining front seat, cigarette lighter, heater, windshield washer and 3-wave radio. 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 Three Series of GAZ-21

1956/7-58 - I Series

Late 1958-1962 - II Series, also 1955-56 prototypes

1962-70 - III Series

Also, in the fall of 1958 there were produced cars that combined features of the Ist and the IInd series; in 1962 - cars that combined features of the IInd and the IIId series (very few built).