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 car 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 index and the clearance under the "belly" of the three-volume are 2700 mm and 190 mm, respectively. The curb weight of the machine varies from 1450 to 1490 kg, depending on the modification.

The interior of the GAZ-21 "Volga" leaves an extremely pleasant impression, and not only with its design, but also with the quality of performance. 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, on which a radio receiver, an analog clock and various switches flaunt.

The main "trump card" of the car is the interior space: in front and behind there are two solid sofas (which is why a four-door is considered a six-seater 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 hold up to 400 liters of luggage, while the compartment has a very good shape. True, a good portion 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 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 the 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 wheels of the Soviet passenger car there are drum brake devices.

In addition to the basic version, there are other modifications of the original Volga:

• 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 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 vehicle, 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 petrol 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 purchase 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.

Volga is GAZ-M21. This car was produced from the factory belt for 14 years, starting in 1956. The project for the car was ready back in the 51st year. But, the first model of "Volga" was a little outdated and had some disadvantages, which the car owners spoke about aloud. The design remained the same, the components of the mechanisms were improved. As a result, the design of the car was also redone. She looked prestigious and attracted all car lovers with her appearance.

It looks like a GAZ-M21

At the time when this car was produced, the design was quite attractive for the entire Soviet Union. Although, if you look at it, there are no individual elements in this car. But, even with such a solid form, by the 58th year, the Volga had lost its individuality, because the plant produced new modifications every year, which had not only internal changes, but also external ones.

By that time, the car began to look more formal and more strict. Therefore, the government of the Soviet Union became interested in this brand. GAZ-M21 had all the necessary internal data in order to drive on the roads of the USSR. The car could accommodate 6 people. A huge sofa was placed in the back. The internal combustion engine was a four-cylinder, the gearbox was an automatic, taken from the American firm Ford. The body of the car very much resembled the Pobeda car.

The suspension was also taken from this car brand, because it was made of metal that was difficult to corrode and was made of the highest grade of iron.

It looks like a Gas 21 engine

Ancestors of the machine

The first car had a dark red color like cherry. He had an automatic gearbox. Externally, the car was also very different - the radiator grille, bumpers, body streamlining. There were some elements in the cabin that distinguished the car from the GAZ-M21. In the 55th year, the car received a different radiator grill. In the 56th year, 5 cars came out. The car has been experiencing everything for a very long time. The most extreme situations were created for him. During the autumn and winter, the Volga covered 29,000 km. She traveled across Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and the entire Caucasus. As a result, she appeared in Moscow. With such a long journey, the machine's shortcomings were identified, some of the drawbacks were immediately corrected, but those with which the Volga traveled throughout its entire period remained.

Read also

Valve adjustment GAZ 21

Initially, 2 types of the Volga were published. They differed both externally and “internally”. As a result, a model that was not similar to any kind of predecessors got into mass production. It was distinguished, first of all, by the application of chrome to individual parts of the body. But even this later became an additional part of the car, for which you need to pay extra monetary units. But all the same, the appearance was unique, which only the rear doors cost.

Generations

There are 3 series of production "GAZ-M21". Basically, on all series, the design of the car was similar. Differences have drainage pipes on the roof of the car. This was done to prevent moisture from entering the vehicle interior.

• 1 series. Produced from the 56th year. It ended in 58th year. People called this model "Volga with a star". There was a power unit from the Pobeda car. For 25 years, the plant has produced 30,000 car models.

appearance of the first series of GAZ-21M

• 2 series. 59th year. The Volga has undergone some changes. They mainly concerned design. The lights, the dashboard were different. The body was changed. It was possible to see American notes in its features. But, with foreign hints, a certain number of cars came out. These were mostly with minor changes. During the production period of the 2nd series, 120,000 vehicles were produced.

Type Gas 21M of the second series

• 3 series. The bumpers were changed and details were added in the body itself. The radiator grille also looked different. As a result, the car could be called "light" due to the modification of the body. She has often been compared to the famous "The Seagull". They also installed a more powerful power unit. He was now 75 hp. The gearbox was discontinued and completely replaced by a mechanic.

This is how Gaz 21M of the third series looks like

1964 GAZ 21 Volga - One owner

GAZ-21 "Volga" - Soviet middle-class car, mass-produced at the Gorky Automobile Plant from 1956 (1957) to 1970. Model factory index - initially GAZ-M-21, later (since 1965) - GAZ-21... A total of 639,478 copies of all modifications were produced.

BACKGROUND

Since 1946, GAZ has been producing the GAZ-M-20 Pobeda passenger car. At the time of the start of production "Pobeda" was distinguished by a fairly modern design and advanced design.

However, by the beginning of the next decade, its appearance gradually began to become obsolete, the aggregate part also lagged behind the level of world leaders. There was a need to replace it with a more modern technically and visually perfect model.

"POBEDA-NAMI"

The first attempt to develop a promising model to replace the existing GAZ-M-20 dates back to 1948, when NAMI specialists, commissioned by the Ministry of the Automotive Industry, developed their own version of the restyling of the serial Pobeda, which in history remained under the designation Pobeda-NAMI. There were two options - the authors of the first, Y. Dolmatovsky and L. Terent'ev, and the second, Y. Dolmatovsky and V. Aryamov.

THE SECOND GENERATION VICTORY PROJECT

Since 1951, the development of a new-generation middle-class car under the designation GAZ-M-21 "Pobeda-II" (General Designer - AA Lipgart, later - V. Solovyov; designer - L. Eremeev) began directly at GAZ. The sample was brought to a plaster model, which outwardly to a large extent resembled the serial GAZ-M-12 "ZIM", the designer of which was the same Lev Eremeev.

However, "ZIM" itself had already become obsolete by this time, therefore the second generation "Pobeda" project was not accepted for production. And soon the plant began to work on other, much more promising models, one of which was later chosen for mass production as the successor to the "Victory".

BASIC MODIFICATIONS OF THE BASE SEDAN

• GAZ-M-21 - sedan model 1957 with automatic transmission;
• GAZ-M-21A - 1957-1958, taxi model 1957;
• GAZ-M-21AYU - 1959-1958, tropical version of the 1957 model taxi;
• GAZ-M-21A - 1959-1962, taxi model 1959;
• GAZ-M-21AYU - 1959-1962, tropical version of the 1959 model taxi;
• GAZ-M-21B - 1957, taxi model 1957 with a lower valve engine;
• GAZ-M-21V 1957-1958, 1957 base sedan
• GAZ-M-21VYU - 1957-1958, tropical version of the 1957 model;
• GAZ-M-21G - 1956-1957, 1957 base sedan with a low-valve engine;
• GAZ-M-21GYu - 1956-1957, tropical version of the 1957 model with a low-valve engine;
• GAZ-M-21D - 1957-1958, export version of the 1957 model;
• GAZ-M-21DU - 1957-1958, tropical export version of the 1957 model;
• GAZ-M-21E - export version of the 1957 model with automatic transmission;
• GAZ-M-21EE - tropical export version of the 1957 model with automatic transmission;
• GAZ-M-21I 1958-1962, 1958 base sedan
• GAZ-M-21K - 1959-1962, export version of the 1958 model;
• GAZ-M-21KB - 1960-1962, car kit for Belgium, model 1958;
• GAZ-M-21KYu 1959-1962, tropical export version of the 1958 model
• GAZ-M-21L - 1962-1964, base sedan model 1962;
• GAZ-M-21M - 1962-1964, export version of the 1962 model;
• GAZ-M-21MU - 1962-1964, tropical export version of the 1962 model;
• GAZ-21N - 1964 - export version of the 1962 model with right-hand drive;
• GAZ-21NYU 1964 - Tropical export version of the 1962 model with right-hand drive;
• GAZ-21P - export version of the 1965 model with right-hand drive;
• GAZ-21PE - export version of the 1965 model with right-hand drive and automatic transmission;
• GAZ-21R - 1965-1970, base sedan model 1965;
• GAZ-21S - 1965-1970, export version of the 1965 model;
• GAZ-21T - 1962-1964, taxi model 1962;
• GAZ-21TS - 1965-1970, taxi model 1965;
• GAZ-21U - 1959 (roughly) -1964, modification with improved design of 1959 and 1962 models;
• GAZ-21US - 1965-1970, modification with improved design of the 1965 model;
• GAZ-21F - experienced with a pre-chamber engine;
• GAZ-21E - 1965-1970, sedan model 1965 with shielded electrical equipment;

The Volga was produced for a long time - an entire era in the history of the country and the world, thanks to which it became an integral part of the urban landscape of socialist countries of the sixties - seventies.

"Volga" can be seen in almost all Soviet films since 1956. The most famous film, in which the GAZ-21 acts practically as a hero, is “Beware of the car”. And in the fantastic film "Black Lightning" directed by Alexander Voitinsky, this car is able to fly.

Volga GAZ-21 starred in videos for the songs "Kill The King" by Megadeth, "Du Hast" by Rammstein and "Moonlight Shadow" by Groove Coverage.

Also, due to the combination of appearance, in many ways similar to classic American cars, and wide distribution, GAZ-21 became the basis for the creativity of hot rodding and customizing fans.

The GAZ-21 is considered a classic oldtimer car, and early and rare modifications are prized as collectible cars. At the same time, a relatively large number of cars are still in daily use, and the considerable total number of cars produced by this brand makes the collection value of most versions of the Volga rather dubious.

In Russia and in many foreign countries, there are clubs of GAZ-21 fans. Abroad, this car is perceived as one of the symbols of the Russian (Soviet) car industry.

VLADIMIR PUTIN'S CAR

According to the available information, Russian President Vladimir Putin owns a GAZ-21 (M-21) of the "second series" (in appearance) of the "ivory" color, rebuilt on modern units. As a donor of aggregates, in particular, the Bentley brand is called. Despite the many times repeated information that it was released in 1956, this fact cannot correspond to reality - in fact, experimental cars of this year have not reached our time. According to the traffic police database in Moscow and the region (as of 2007), two Volgas are registered for Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich - M-21 1960 and GAZ-21R 1965. The car shown to the press is very similar to the model from 1959-1962. On it, Putin rolled US President George W. Bush. According to available sources, the car has now been transferred to the exhibition at the AvtoVille Museum in Moscow.

Until now, this car - Volga GAZ 21 looks luxurious. Years have passed, even, rather, decades, many car models on our roads have changed, foreign-made cars have actively and firmly entered our life.

Classic Volga GAZ 21

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

Yes, a lot of cars have appeared that are more powerful, technical characteristics that are significantly surpassed by this miracle of the Soviet automobile industry. Yes, the fuel consumption of this car does not at all correspond to modern requirements associated with the widespread struggle for energy saving, but few motorists, approaching a GAZ 21 car they see on the street, or even more so, will not catch themselves on the desire to carefully stroke its hood, touch roof or pillars.

auto GAZ M21 1956 release

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

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

At that time, many automakers bought samples of competitors' models, disassembled them almost by cogs, studying the types of material that went into the manufacture of 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.

Diagram of the device 21 Volga

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

Produced "twenty-first", but in fact, the first model of "Volga" for fourteen years, having gone through 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 such a car model, which in many respects repeats the lines and general outline of the American design school of that time, but still it managed to give certain authentic features.

Volga gaz 21 1953 release

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

They were equipped with then also experimental engines with overhead valves and a combustion chamber in the form of a hemisphere, 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.

At first, two projects were developed, one was called GAZ M21 "Volga", the other - 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 grill GAZ 21 third series

"Volga" with this type of lattice was called by the people "Marshal", or "Zhukovsky". The first years of its existence, the car was doomed to constant comparison with the no less legendary car "Pobeda".

But the "Volga" even on 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 field of automotive industry was, of course, obvious, but the path from testing a new car model to its entering the series, that is, in serial production, took years.

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

Start of serial production

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

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

Well, as for the appearance, it is still, as many motorists like to joke, the main one, billowing in front of the hood.
And from this "main part" to the front glass was molding. A new radiator grill appeared instead of the old "marshal", the so-called "shark teeth", where vertical wide struts were interspersed with holes. That added a special flavor to the overall design.

The car interior deserves special attention. With 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 size of, say, the trunk is an absolute plus, because a modern owner of a GAZ 21 or those who still have a GAZ M 21 can consider themselves the lucky owners, if you will, of a semi-truck model of a car. The weight of the cargo that the Volga can carry is hardly comparable to any other passenger car.

semi-cargo volga gaz 21

However, let's return to the salon of our car. Nobody 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 simply would be nowhere to place the gear lever.

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

But although serial production began, the engine that equipped the GAZ M 21, the predecessor of the GAZ 21, was borrowed from earlier cars, such as the Pobeda or ZIM. The Volga nevertheless received its engine, but a little later, and, in the same year, it was also 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, overhead valve design, quite innovative for its time.

Read also

Volga GAZ-M21 car

And, by the way, at the same time the GAZ M 21 series appeared, which was equipped with an automatic gearbox (three stages) and a liquid transformer. But this innovation was then doomed to failure in the USSR, since the quality of lubricants was not just at a low level, but very low, then the first GAZ 21 with automatic transmission brought their owners more trouble than pleasure.

And already since 1958, the production of Volga cars with an automatic transmission was suspended for an indefinite period and cars equipped exclusively with a manual transmission were produced. In the same year, many more extraordinary events took place.

automatic transmission gas 21

In addition to the fact that the USSR became the first country in the world to launch a spacecraft, the Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow, almost forgotten by everyone in the world, has now taken place. This event characterized the famous Khrushchev "thaw" and, as a result of this phenomenon, "Volga" entered the international car market.

At that time, there were no international car dealerships yet, and car exhibitions were a great rarity, but the sensation that the Volga GAZ 21 made in European countries is best described by nicknames stuck to the Soviet car, such as "tank on wheels", or more elegant "tank in a tailcoat". By this time, the production of GAZ M 21 was discontinued, and only the "twenty-first" Volga, which was not supplied with any additional letters in the model name, was in the "series".

Operational data and technical characteristics of the Volga GAZ-21

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

An example of a Volga GAZ 21 black

The unpretentiousness of the car and excellent technical characteristics contributed to its popularity. The Volga was successfully used in taxis 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 passenger cars "Volga" 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 could easily accommodate five people, including the driver. The distance between the axles (wheelbase) of the Volga is 2.7 m. The body has 4 doors.

The production also includes GAZ 22 - a version of a passenger car in a station wagon type.

It looks like a classic Volga Gaz-22 with a station wagon

This modification appeared later in mass production, 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 trunk door consisted of two halves - upper and lower. The salon was already able to transport 7 people, and it accommodated three rows of seats. The last row was folded, and the volume of the luggage compartment increased markedly. There were no other fundamental differences between GAZ 22 and GAZ 21.

Unlike its predecessor "Pobeda", "Volga" had good visibility due to the installed panoramic windshield. The track of the front wheels of the 21st is 1, 41 m, the rear wheels - the track of 1, 42 m. GAZ21 has a good turning radius, and in general it almost does not lag behind modern cars in this indicator.

Original painted Volga 21

Performance data

According to the vehicle manual, GAZ 21 has the following characteristics:

The safety of the car was not at the highest level. This was due to the complete absence of seat belts. In addition, the tie rods were so positioned that, with any serious impact, the hard steering in the cabin shifted back, and the driver's chance of survival was not very great.

Engine specifications

In the sixties of the last century, structurally ZMZ 21 was considered a perfect engine, not only by Soviet standards, but also globally.

Graphs showing the characteristics of the gas engine 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 since 1957 and had the following characteristics:

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Deer figurine on the Volga

Transmission and Clutch Specifications

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

The Volga automatic gearbox was produced for a short time, in the Soviet Union there were not enough skilled craftsmen to service the automatic transmission, there was no special oil in the required amount. In addition, a weak acceleration of the car was obtained on a 4-cylinder engine, the maximum speed was less than with a manual gearbox.

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

Clutch diagram of the twenty-first volga

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

The mechanical gearbox was inherited from the GAZ M 20, it only differed in the presence of a hand brake, which was installed on the rear 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 gearbox control. There is an opinion 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 wheel, had long rods.

Diagram of the gear shifting device in the Volga

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

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

• Squeezing the pedal became easier;
• Dirt and water stopped flowing into the passenger compartment, since the slot around the pedal, which was necessary for a mechanical drive, was eliminated.

Transmission and clutch technical data:

Fuel system

The fuel system for GAZ 21 is a carburetor type.

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

The fuel tank was located at the rear under the floor 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. Mechanical fuel pump with glass top. The transparent lid had its own conveniences - it was clear whether gas was coming into 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 produced in 1956–58, the second series of GAZ 21 includes cars up to 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 the 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, the K124 device model appeared.

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

Suspension characteristics

The front suspension of the Volga 21 is spring-loaded, independent. The steering knuckles have a pivot connection. On the first models of the car, the upper suspension arms also served as shock absorbers - they were supplied with shock absorber fluid through rubber hoses. But such a scheme was very inconvenient, and later telescopic shock absorbers, more familiar for 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 upper platform is the beam itself;
• Springs. They provide a smooth ride when the vehicle is moving;
• Pivot rack. Connects the suspension arms. A steering fist 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, front hubs are the same, replaceable with each other. Studs are pressed into the hubs, and the wheels are screwed on with nuts.

Restart of the series originally launched in winter 2018. Both launches will exit in parallel.

Touch the pride of the Soviet car industry - assemble a model of the legendary GAZ-21 in a 1: 8 scale together with a new one collection "M21 Volga"... Publisher DeAgostini.

This fast-moving passenger car, originally from the 50s of the last century, has long become a cult in its native land. "Volga" is purchased and restored by collectors and enthusiasts who are simply in love with this car. Today, not a single self-respecting automobile museum in Russia can manage in its collection without a car with a flying deer on the hood, or even without three M21 Volga models demonstrating all three series.

Model

The 1: 8 scale model represents the Volga from the very first years of production - “with a star”. This is the most spectacular car of the entire family - it had the richest exterior decor with an abundance of chrome details and, quite often, a two-tone body color. The scale of the model allows not only to reproduce with scrupulous accuracy all the external nuances of a real car, including in the cabin and under the hood, but also to add functionality - all the doors, hood and trunk are opened on the model, the windows of the front and rear doors are lowered, the vents are turned, headlights and interior lighting, a movable suspension is made and a mechanism for turning the front wheels using the steering wheel is installed.

• Scale 1: 8
• Working headlights
• Accurate interior reproduction
• Detailed engine design
• Moving parts

Features of the model:

Original symbolism
The hood of your model 21 Volga will be decorated with the legendary figurine of a deer frozen in a leap - the ancient symbol of Nizhny Novgorod, depicted on the city's coat of arms.

Included headlights
The model has working headlights, sidelights and taillights - they are activated by a small switch hidden in the interior of the model.

Sliding windows
The model reproduces the mechanism of the sliding glasses - they are lowered due to the rotation of the handles on the doors.

Exact copy of the engine
The engine of the model repeats to the smallest detail the power unit of a real GAZ-21 Volga.

Swivel vents
Swivel vents in the front doors can be opened and tilted to any angle.

High detail
The detailing of the M21 "Volga" model will pleasantly surprise the most demanding modeler - for example, all instrument scales with corresponding inscriptions are reproduced in the salon.

Radio
On the dashboard you can see a miniature imitation of a radio receiver with curly chrome trims, buttons and knobs made of ivory-like plastic.

Sun shields
On the model, they not only exactly repeat the shape of the original, but are also functional - they can be turned and left in any position, just like real ones.

Spare wheel
In the trunk of the model, a spare wheel is fixed in its place. If desired, they can replace any wheel on the model.

Rear lights
The taillights, which turn on simultaneously with the headlights, shine, as expected, a bright red color.

Trunk lid
On the trunk lid, you can see not only realistic hinges and miniature locks, but also the license plate illumination wiring laid according to all the rules. On the body hiding the light bulb there is a miniature inscription "Volga".

Folding salon
The front sofa of the model can be folded into a wide berth - just like it was done on the real M21 Volga car.

Attention to detail
In order to properly unfold the front sofa of the Volga into a sleeping place, folding legs were mounted in its back - all the same was done in a large-scale model of a car.

Interior lighting
On the model, the interior lighting is simulated through the shade of the original form, completely repeating in miniature the one that was installed on real cars.

Realistic suspension
All suspension elements of the model's wheels are operational - each wheel of the model is sprung in the same way as on a real car.

Moving parts
The steering of the model is made active - the front wheels turn due to the impact on the steering wheel of the "Volga".

Model size:
Length: 59.7 cm
Width: 23.6 cm
Height: 20.2 cm

The model has such detail and fidelity that during the assembly process the study of the vehicle and its design is inevitable. A fully assembled model has more than just collectible value. Exhibited in a special showcase, it will become a decoration of any home. A large model with an abundance of functional details will inevitably attract the attention of not only children, but also adults. And the fact that it is assembled from many small parts, and not purchased ready-made, will only add respect to the owner of the house.

Magazine

Any legendary item must have its own fascinating history. Our "Volga" was no exception - in each issue of the magazine several pages are devoted to historical facts, one way or another connected with it. And all this is richly illustrated by numerous archival and contemporary photographs. The people to whom we owe the creation of this wonderful car are not forgotten either.
Assembling the model is easy thanks to very detailed instructions and many illustrations. And in addition, on the pages of the magazine it will be possible to find a description of certain design features of the car, which will not only help to imagine how the assembled unit looked on a real car, but also to understand its design and purpose.

• Car in detail... A car is a complex device consisting of many parts, components and assemblies. They all have their own meaning, design and even history. The model is doubly interesting to assemble, reading in each issue a description of the very parts and assemblies that are proposed to be assembled from the appendix to this issue.
• Step by step instructions... In each issue, detailed step-by-step instructions for assembling the M21 Volga will help you create your legend with your own hands.
• Top 100... A catalog of 100 of the most significant Soviet passenger cars that have left a noticeable mark on the history of our automotive industry.

Release Schedule

№1 – Parts for assembly – 16.08.2018 (17.02.2018)
№2 – Parts for assembly - September 2018
№3 – Parts for assembly – 2018
№4 – Parts for assembly – 2018
Frequency: weekly. (in brackets the release date of the first launch)