GAZ Volga
This article may benefit from being shortened by the use of summary style. |
This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (October 2018) |
GAZ-31105 'Volga' | ||
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Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive | | |
Chronology | ||
Predecessor | GAZ-M20 Pobeda |
The Volga (Russian: Волга) is an executive car that originated in the Soviet Union to replace the GAZ Pobeda in 1956. Their role in serving the Soviet nomenklatura made them a contemporary cultural icon. Several generations of the car have been produced.
Despite the continuous modernisations, GAZ found it increasingly difficult to keep the ageing design competitive in a market economy. GAZ CEO Bo Andersson decided to discontinue the Volga range in 2010.[1]
First Generation, the GAZ-M-21
This section may be too long and excessively detailed. (July 2017) |
GAZ-21 Volga | |
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RSFSR
BAW (I4 Small series contained a 5.52 L V8 |
Development
The first Volga model was originally developed as a replacement for the
By the spring of 1954, the Volga prototypes were being test driven. The new car introduced a range of additions and advantages over the Pobeda. In addition to being larger, it had single panoramic forward and rear windscreens, a larger four-cylinder
Although there were many models and versions of the car, its production can nonetheless be split into three distinct generations and two derivatives. In total 639,478 Volgas were built from 1956 until 1970.
First series—the Star
The first prototype Volga appeared at a May 1955 trial from Moscow to the Crimea.
The chromed bars, being a decorative element, required excessive manual labour to assemble, which was not feasible for a mass-produced vehicle. Moreover, they reduced the supporting strength of the front body panels. Finally, as the Soviet Union had great aspirations for the vehicle in generating foreign currency, it became immediately apparent that the military connotation would scare potential western customers. At the Soviet pavilion
the popularity and genuine interest in the vehicle sealed the fate of the "Star", and in November the "Star" was retired. In any case, in popular culture, the car's alternative nickname as "Zhukovka" survives to this date.Despite its short production span, and only 32,000 cars being assembled, the "Star" was initially the Soviet automotive industry's first mass-produced vehicle to be equipped with an automatic transmission. to take advantage of the higher quality of gasoline that was available abroad.
Second series—the Shark
The 16-slit vertical grille for models from 1958 (which gave it the unofficial nickname Akula (Shark)) was not the only change by any means. Most of the changes came in February 1959, and included new front fenders with raised wheel arches, reflector glasses in the tail lights, a flock trim on the dashboard (later replaced by leatherette), a new radio with a metallic mesh speaker, windscreen washer and lock actuator on the boot. The following year was to have a new rear design with more contemporary tailfins [1], but this was not implemented. Instead, the car body received several reinforcement supports and the novel, but ultimately troublesome central lubrication system was removed.
The actual model designation of the Sharks was such that the automatic-equipped vehicles would retain the GAZ-M-21 with no suffix designation and the GAZ-M-21E (though by this point these have all but disappeared from the line-up). Also unchanged was the taxicab GAZ-M-21A. The base model, from February 1959 was now called GAZ-M-21I. Its export 80 hp vehicle now became the GAZ-M-21K. In addition to the engine, it now had a more extensive chrome trim elements on the exterior (including the mentioned grille) and improved upholstery inside. Russian customers could order the latter features, for an extra price, and such vehicles were called GAZ-M-21U.
In 1961, the Volga lost another characteristic icon, the removal of the deer mascot from the bonnet. A feature of both the "Star" and the "Shark", it became an iconic attribute of the 21st Volga, and Soviet automotive industry in general. Nonetheless, it was not only a common victim to hooligans, but also would divert splash stream right into the windscreen should the car pass a puddle at speed. Even more, it played a role in Pedestrian injury during accidental run-overs. Given its added cost, it was gradually phased out. In 1959 the taxi models gained a new droplet shaped object. In 1960 the deer was standard only on export cars and vehicles allocated for private ownership. In 1961, the deer could be found on the extra-trimmed GAZ-M-21Us. Simultaneously, two-tone colour schemes were also phased out from available options.
Third series—the Baleen
In 1962, the car was visibly modernised for the final time. Once again the radiator grille was changed, this time in favour of a new 36-slit design
In 1965, the car underwent a final modernisation. Changes included strengthened spars at the steering fixture and replacement of ball bearings in the wheel hubs with rollers. A new floor design, which allowed warm air to reach the rear legroom and a more fuel-efficient carburettor. There was also a proposed fourth generation[23] to go visibly with the improvements, with a horizontal radiator grille. However, this venture was rejected due to costs and because such a change would not get the required government approval. Given that work was already undergoing on its successor, it was decided to continue production in this final form, up to 15 July 1970. In a much publicised event, on that day the final car left the assembly line, followed by the first GAZ-24 without a pause.
The 1965 modernisation also removed the -M- prefix from the name. Originally a feature of GAZ's early days, when it carried the name of Vyacheslav Molotov. The plant was renamed following the downfall of his career in 1957. However, the designation "M" was retained for current models. In the final line-up, the export model to countries with left-hand traffic became the GAZ-21P, the base model was now called GAZ-21R, export was the GAZ-21S, taxi became the GAZ-21TS, the version with optional chrome trim was now called GAZ-21US.
By 1965, the price had reached 6,455 rubles (plus 270 for a two-tone paint job).[24]
Between 1960 and 1962, Volgas were shipped to the Belgian company Sobimpex without engines. Sobimpex installed a 1,620 cc (99 cu in) 65
After the appearance of the GAZ-24, M21 exports stopped, though sales in the Eastern Bloc continued until 1970.[29] Export sales were never strong, because the car was slow, had trouble climbing hills due to the carburetor design, and had design features not needed on Western Europe's better roads.[30] Total sales of the M21 were 638,875.[31] Approximately 470,000 third-generation GAZ-21s and were built, making it the most numerous of the three.
GAZ-22—the Shed
In 1962, GAZ announced a
The station wagon/estate was included in the original design brief, which for its extra size was quickly dubbed saray (the shed). Mechanically, it was identical to the third generation of the sedan. The only difference was a strengthened leaf-spring rear suspension and the rear section. While the longer roof panel was serially stamped, the side panels were handmade,[citation needed] by taking the sedans, cutting off the rear section and welding on additional elements. The rear section was made of two doors, an upper window and a lower "picnic table". Other differences were the slightly bigger tyres, 7.10—15" instead of the 6.70—15" of the sedan. The car could carry 176 kg (388 lb) of cargo and five people,[citation needed] or 400 kg (880 lb) of cargo and two people, with the rear seat folded.
Only those shipped abroad for export were sold to private customers. All domestic station wagons/estates, with a rare exceptions (such as Yuri Nikulin, requesting one for carrying his circus inventory), were never available for private ownership. The Soviet rationale was that allowing such a car to citizens would also make it too available and popular with dealers in the grey market economy, that was allowed but limited by the state.
Despite this, the "Shed" was a common sight on the Soviet streets, they were readily used as taxis, ambulances, in airports as escort vehicles with large "FOLLOW ME" signs painted on the rear window, and for official consumer duties. Thus, despite the spartan trim (only exported versions had the chrome details), much fewer GAZ-22s survive to date, making them a key item for collectors and restorers.
Models included the base model M22 (though no automatic transmission was ever used on the M22), M22B ambulance, M22G for export with chrome trim (with 75
The M22 was also the basis for a prototype four-wheel drive station wagon/estate, using GAZ-69 components, and a pick-up; neither entered production.[35] There was also a fuel injected M21 prototype, with higher compression; it was rejected as overly complex for the average driver to service.[36]
M23
In 1962 a very rare GAZ-M-23 model was introduced. Powered by the 195 hp 5.53 litre V8 from the
Second generation, the GAZ-24, GAZ-3102 and GAZ-3110
Development of the planned replacement for the GAZ-21 Volga began in 1961. At the time, the North American automotive industry was perceived as the global leader in design and innovation, and it inevitable for its Soviet counterpart to look up to it. Despite
First series — the GAZ-24 (1970–1985)
This section may be too long and excessively detailed. (July 2017) |
GAZ-24 Volga | |
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I4 (GAZ-24-24)ZMZ-2424 5.53 L V8 |
Design of GAZ-21's replacement began in the early 1960s, and original sketches showed an evolution from the contoured body of the early 1960s to the more angular and rigid profile. The M24 was to introduce the popular measure
Despite its more imposing appearance, the GAZ-24 was in fact 75 mm (3.0 in) shorter in length and 120 mm in height, yet its wheelbase was extended by 10 mm. The lower body waist line, allowed the window area was to be increased, whilst using thinner linings in doors, roof and other body panels, notably increased interior space. The combination of this progressive design and a lower clearance gave it a much lighter and more elegant aura.
The car was powered by a 2,445 cc (149.2 cu in)
The car was built in several modifications and these were now indicated by numbers rather than letters. The sedan version was called GAZ-24. The GAZ-24-01 was the taxi, which included a robust artificial leather interior and a slightly modified ZMZ-21A engine to run on 80 RON petrol. The GAZ-24-02 was the estate wagon, introduced in 1972. Unlike the GAZ-22, it was serially assembled on a reserve conveyor, rather than out of sedan side panels. The rear, fifth, door was now a single unit that opened upwards instead of sideways. The car could seat eight people, due to a third row of seats in the cargo section. To allow maximum cargo volume and functionality, the seats in third and second rows were split (rather than a single bench) and could be folded independently of each other. GAZ-24-03 was the ambulance version of the -02. GAZ-24-04 was the taxi estate, with the powerplant and interior trim of the -01. In 1977 a GAZ-24-07 conversion kit was introduced for taxiparks. The GAZ-24-24 was the successor to the GAZ-23 "Chaser", with an identical V8 and automatic gearbox from the Chaika. Yet, unlike the -23, given the purpose of the car, even less effort was put in to differentiate it from standard vehicle due to costs. For example, the automatic selector was masked under a standard shifting lever. A small batch of export cars for countries with left-hand traffic was called GAZ-24-54 (less than a thousand examples built[citation needed]). GAZ-24-76 and -77 were export versions to Benelux countries, who would retrofit the cars with Indénor diesels and a more luxurious trim such as vinyl roof. Five experimental vehicles were built on the chassis of GAZ-69 4×4, called GAZ-24-95, one of which was known to be personally used by Leonid Brezhnev.
Though the vehicle never underwent a generational facelift on the scale of the GAZ-21 (if one does not count its derivative successors), nonetheless the car was modernised during production. The early stage included removal of bonnet-mounted rear-view mirrors, new ignition and boot locks. The novel belt-speedometer proved too complicated and was replaced by a standard arrow-driven one, as was the fate of the engine cooling coupling that controlled the ventilator fan (proved unreliable, the ventilator would be permanently on, whilst warm air for cold starts would be manually controlled with venetian-type shutter). Additions included external comfort lights were on the rear pillar's chrome element, that turned on upon opening of rear doors.
In the original design brief the GAZ-24 was to be retired by 1978, and though by that time work on a successor (the
Overall, the original Model 24 Volga was a major success. Like the GAZ-21, it remained a dream car for the Soviet consumer. However, unlike the GAZ-21 it cost almost twice as much, and given that its launch coincided with the launch of the
Whereas the GAZ-21 became a collectible by the Soviet Union's collapse, the GAZ-24 extended assembly line life meant that only in the late 2000s have prices for low-mileage mint-condition models and restoration interest began to climb.
GAZ always desired a six-cylinder version, and built prototypes with a variety of sixes: a 125
In 1977, the 31011, with the 160 hp 4,250 cc (259 cu in) V8 and automatic transmission, appeared, for KGB and police use, joined by the experimental 31014 with 5,530 cc (337 cu in) ZMZ-503.10 V8, delivering 195
Small numbers were built with the 140
There was also a prototype 31015 built in 1989, with a 160
The GAZ-24 was the Eastern Bloc's largest family car, but proved difficult for families to actually obtain, with official purchases at first taking precedence.[64]
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Volkspolizei GAZ-24
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GAZ-24 sedan
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GAZ-24 estate
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GAZ-24-95 four-wheel drive sedan
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GAZ-24 rear view
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GAZ-24 side view
Second series—the GAZ-3102 and derivatives
When launching the M24 Volga, GAZ envisioned an average, for the USSR, production run of a decade. The newer designs were produced by smaller numbers due to development of other projects in the Soviet automotive industry, in particular the coming about of the
Manufacture of the 3102 began in 1981, with its official launch the next year.
The first users of the 3102 were the KGB and other government bodies through 1983.[74] It proved unavailable to the public until after the collapse of the Soviet Union.[75] This limited availability has given the 3102 a particular cachet in Russia (even over the Mercedes common among the privileged), allowing GAZ sell it at a markup.[76]
GAZ-3102 (1982–2009)
By 1980 a replacement was developed, the GAZ-3102, which was based on the central platform and body of the GAZ-24, but with original fascia, interior, engine and chassis. However, political and economic stagnation of the late Brezhnev years continuously delayed the car's launch. When the first pre-production vehicles were evaluated by Party garages, the leadership was so impressed with the car, that they barred its mass production as to avoid devaluing its status by its use in taxicabs. As a result, from 1982 and all the way until 2008, the GAZ-3102 was produced in parallel with other Volgas, though in lesser smaller quantity. Originally having its own production line and many distinct features (including a novel, but ultimately unreliable stratified charge ignition), by 1997 the differences between production, trim and accessories of GAZ-3102 and latter Volga's remained only in its exterior. GAZ-3102 originally being an exclusive car for higher ranking authorities, retained its business image during the 1990s and well into the 2000s.
GAZ-24-10 (1985–1992)
The GAZ-24 continued to be produced until 1985, when using some of the technical developments of GAZ-3102 was deeply modified, resulting in the GAZ-24-10. Starting with 24-10 the Volga began a slow transformation as the Perestroika reforms took shape. Though still remaining a status car, it quickly lost that prestige as market economy allowed free import of automobiles. However its simple and robust design and still good quality assembly, and the lack of a domestic light commercial vehicle the GAZ-24-10 was quickly seized by the new generation of commerce.
GAZ-31029 (1992–1997)
In 1992 when the original machine tooling for the GAZ-24 body panels disintegrated, GAZ took the panels of GAZ-3102 and stripping them of any decorations, launched the GAZ-31029 Volga. Although being obsolete (kingpin front and leaf spring rear suspensions, front drum brakes, carburetted OHV engine etc.), production was doubled in quantity and halved in quality. As a result, the car transformed from a symbol of status into a disposable workhorse, barely meeting the astronomic demand of the emerging market economy.
Third series—the GAZ-3110 and 31105
GAZ-3110 (1997–2004)
Though deemed temporary until GAZ's own LCV cars, the GAZelle and Sobol, entered production, the GAZ-31029 Volga occupied a major market niche, and demand for the vehicle remained. Thus in 1997 GAZ modernised the car once more, creating original body panels, whilst retaining the GAZ-24's central shell. This removed the visual dissonance that the 31029 created, and by incorporating the chassis and powertrain developed for the new GAZelle families (which in turn were designed for the aborted GAZ-3103/04/05 Volgas), combined with a new interior resulted in the GAZ-3110 model. Given the timing, with the 1998 financial crises that followed, which left many foreign equivalents outside the budget Russia's business and public alike, the GAZ-3110 proved a necessity rather than a cheap alternative during the post-crises years.
GAZ-31105 (2004–2009)
GAZ-31105 was a second stage of the GAZ-3110's modernisation, though the designation was applied to cars produced from January 2004, the mechanical features were introduced almost a year earlier, and certain external ones were available in separate batches as standard or optional in others.
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GAZ-31105 in Monaco
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GAZ-31105 (2007 facelift)
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Taxi in Kyiv
Limited production models
GAZ-3105 Volga (1992-1996)
During the late 1980s GAZ developed a concept car for a future replacement for both the executive -3102 Volga and the luxury limousine GAZ-14 Chaika. However the resulting GAZ-3105, which was never to be part of the Volga family, as it would be produced on the Chaika's conveyor (then still used for the -3102) due to the economic problems never reached production.
GAZ-3111 Volga (1998-2004)
The GAZ-3111 was scheduled to launch in 2000, but the factory's new owner Oleg Deripaska was unimpressed with the vehicle visually and once again, the high price of the car prevented any interest to sales. As a result, only 428 cars were built as part of the pre-production batch.
GAZ Volga Siber (2008-2010)
Although GAZ was developing a "spiritual successor" to the 3111, the front-wheel drive
When GAZ acquired the
In total, about 9,000 cars were produced during the 2008–2010 production run.
See also
References
- ^ "Q&A: Bo Andersson Joined GAZ to Flee Detroit Stardom". Retrieved 8 July 2017.
- ^ Thompson, Andy. Cars of the Soviet Union (Haynes Publishing, Somerset, UK, 2008), p.61
- ^ Thompson, pp.61-62
- ^ Thompson, pp.61-62
- ^ Thompson, p.62
- ^ Thompson, p.62
- ^ Thompson, p.62
- ^ Thompson, p.62
- ^ Thompson, pp.62-63.
- ^ Thompson, p.63
- ^ Thompson, p.63
- ^ Thompson, p.63
- ^ Thompson, p.63
- ^ Thompson, p.123.
- ^ Thompson, p.123.
- ^ Thompson, p.123.
- ^ Thompson, p.123.
- ^ Thompson, p.123.
- ^ Thompson, p.123.
- ^ Thompson, p.123.
- ^ Thompson, p.123.
- ^ Thompson, p.123.
- ^ Photo here
- ^ Thompson, p.124.
- ^ Thompson, p.125.
- ^ Thompson, p.125.
- ^ Thompson, p.125.
- ^ Thompson, pp.125-126.
- ^ Thompson, p.126.
- ^ Thompson, p.126.
- ^ Thompson, p.126.
- ^ Thompson, p.124.
- ^ Thompson, p.124.
- ^ Thompson, p.123 caption.
- ^ Thompson, p.124.
- ^ Thompson, p.124.
- ^ Thompson, p.121.
- ^ Thompson, p.133.
- ^ Thompson, p.121.
- ^ Thompson, p.121.
- ^ Thompson, p.133.
- ^ Thompson, p.121.
- ^ Thompson, p.128.
- ^ Thompson, p.128.
- ^ Thompson, p.128.
- ^ This maintenance-intensive item was retained because it was expected most users would be institutions, and its durability was proven. Thompson, p.127.
- ^ Thompson, p.242.
- ^ Thompson, p.242.
- ^ Thompson, pp.242-243.
- ^ Thompson, p.128.
- ^ Thompson, p.129.
- ^ Thompson, p.246.
- ^ Thompson, pp.246-247.
- ^ Thompson, p.246.
- ^ Thompson, p.247.
- ^ Thompson, pp.246-247.
- ^ Thompson, p.247.
- ^ Thompson, p.247.
- ^ Thompson, pp.115, 236, and 246.
- ^ Thompson, p.246.
- ^ Thompson, p.246.
- ^ Thompson, p.246.
- ^ Thompson, p.247.
- ^ Thompson, p.130 caption.
- ^ Thompson, p.243.
- ^ Thompson, p.245.
- ^ Thompson, pp.242-245.
- ^ Thompson, p.243.
- ^ Thompson, p.243.
- ^ Thompson, p.245.
- ^ Thompson, p.245.
- ^ Thompson, p.245.
- ^ Thompson, p.243.
- ^ Thompson, p.243.
- ^ Thompson, p.243.
- ^ Thompson, p.245.
External links
- / UK road test 1969 GAZ M-21 Volga
- Owners club
- Volga Auto
- GAZ Website[permanent dead link] (in English and Russian)
- Autosoviet on the Volga
- German Volga importer (in German and English)
- About Volga GAZ-24 in English
- About Volga GAZ-21 in English
- Scaldia Volga M24D in English
- Jay Leno's Volga GAZ-21