GAZ-21: Difference between revisions

GAZ-21
GAZ-21
Overview
Manufacturer	GAZ
Also called	Dongfanghong BJ760 (China)
Production	1956–1970
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car (E)
Body style	4 door saloon (GAZ-21, GAZ-23); 5 door wagon (GAZ-22);
Powertrain
Engine	2.5L M-21 I4 (GAZ-21/22); 5.5L M-13 V8 (GAZ-23);
Transmission	3-speed automatic (initially); 3-speed manual;
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (110 in)
Length	4,810 mm (189 in)
Width	1,800 mm (71 in)
Height	1,610 mm (63 in)
Curb weight	1,460–1,700 kg (3,219–3,748 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	GAZ-M20 Pobeda
Successor	GAZ-24 Volga

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The GAZ M21 Volga is an automobile produced in the Soviet Union by GAZ (Gorkovsky Avtomobilniy Zavod, in English "Gorky automobile factory") from 1956 to 1970. The first car to carry the Volga name, it was developed in the early 1950s. Volgas were built with high ground clearance (which gives it a specific "high" look, contrary to "low-long-sleek" look of Western cars of similar 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 American manufacturers of the period in which it was introduced, and incorporated such then-luxury features as the reclining front seat, cigarette lighter, heater, windshield washer and three-wave radio.

The GAZ M-21 Volga became the biggest and most luxurious car officially sold to individual owners in the USSR in large quantities; though its very high price made it unavailable for most car buyers, 639,478 cars were produced in total.^[6]

The three series of GAZ-21

Three series GAZ-21 were released, most easily distinguished by the grille. The first series (1956–58), known as the Star, featured a lattice of three large horizontal bars in the centre of which was a medallion with a star. Vehicles of the second series (1958–1962), known as the Shark, featured a grille with 16 vertical slits. Finally, the third series (1962–1970), known as the Baleen, featured a grille with 34 thin vertical rods.

First series (1956–1958)

The design process leading to the GAZ-21 began in November 1953. Alexander Nevzorov, head of the design team, was given a free hand to develop whatever he wanted to reach the objective of competing with American automobiles.^[7] Designer Lev Eremeyev decided to follow the fashion set by the Chevrolet Bel Air, Plymouth Savoy, and Ford Mainline; the finished product bears a resemblance to the 1952-1954 Mainline,^[7] although according to archive documents, the latter was purchased for comparison and on-road testing by GAZ only in mid-1954, after the first prototypes of the GAZ-21 had already been built and tested.^[8]^[9] The prototype appeared in the first quarter of 1954, powered by an inline four with overhead camshaft (driven by chain) and cross-flow hemispherical head.^[7] Since the OHV engine was not ready in time, production M21s had a 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) 2,432 cc (148.4 cu in) sidevalve four, based on the GAZ-20's. The Volga was offered with a three-speed transmission, either manual (with synchronized second and third gears) or automatic. Front suspension was independent, while the rear was a live axle with semielliptical springs; lever shock absorbers were on all four corners.^[7] Lubrication was by a central oiling system, from a drum and foot-operated pump; the oil lines were prone to puncturing, and not all of the 19 lubricated points were supplied equally.^[10] The Volga offered front seats able to fold flat (not unlike a contemporary Nash option) and came standard with cigarette lighter and a radio^[11] (still optional on most U.S. cars).^[12] The three variants were the standard M21G, an M21B taxi (with a taximeter in place of the radio and bucket seats in front instead of a bench), and a tropical model, the M21GYU, all with the GAZ leaping deer hood ornament.^[7]^[11] Drag coefficient was a surprisingly good 0.42.^[11] The only thing that the Volga and Mainline had in common was the Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, which GAZ liecensed for use in their cars, and even then only a few early Volgas had this transmission, before the design adopted a manual transmission.^[13]

The Volga made its public debut in 1955, with a three cars on a demonstration drive from Moscow to the Crimea, two automatic models and a manual.^[7] It was, however, still far from production-ready; in the first year, 1956, only five cars were assembled, the first on 10 October 1956.^[7] Full-scale production began in 1957, with a list price of 5,400 rubles.^[11] The new 1957 production cars, known as Series Ones, had a brand-new 2,445 cc (149.2 cu in) OHV engine, the first model produced by Zavolzhskiy Motorniy Zavod (Zavolzhye Engine Factory, ZMZ). Unusual for the era, it had aluminum block and head, with gear-driven camshaft and compression ratio of 6.6:1; it produced 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) at 4,000 rpm and 123 lb⋅ft (167 N⋅m) at 2,200 rpm.^[11]

The automatic transmission model was soon discontinued, with only 700 built: it was widely criticized as being too difficult for Soviet drivers to maintain, few service stations were available to do the work and few private mechanics were qualified, and a shortage of transmission oil existed.^[14] From 1958, a three-speed manual, with synchromesh on the top two gears, was the only transmission available; this was the M21V, while the taxi became the M21A.^[15] The automatic did go on to be used in the low-production GAZ-13 Chaika, which was also maintained by professionals.^[15] Standard equipment on all models included spare parts and two tool kits, with spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers, a tire pump, and a can of paint to fix minor dings.^[16]

Also, export models were built, M21D with the manual transmission and M21E with the automatic, both with a higher 7.2:1 compression engine, producing 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp).^[15]

Cars produced in the fall of 1958 combined features of the first and second series.

Second series (1959–1962)

Second-series Volgas were introduced in 1959, with a new grille painted the body color or in chrome. Halfway through the 1959 production run (model year 19591⁄2), a vinyl cover was added to the dash.^[17] Added were windscreen washers and tubeless tires.^[17] Just before the second-series production concluded, telescopic shocks replaced the lever type. The 1961 Volgas were priced at 5,100 rubles.^[10]

Variants of this series included the M21I and M21A taxi with the 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) inline four, and the M21K and right-hand drive M21H (for export) with the 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) engine.^[10]

The Volga was shown at the 1958 Brussels World's Fair and together with the GAZ-52 truck and the GAZ-13 Chaika, it won the award.^[18] In the same year, production for export began.^[10] The second-series Volgas became known for having no frills, but outstanding durability, helped by the 230 mm (9.1 in) ground clearance.^[16] In 1959, a Volga took a class win at the Thousand Lakes Rally in Finland, and third at the Acropolis Rally.^[10] That year, the central lubrication system was deleted, in favor of a more traditional local grease-application nipple.^[10]

In early 1962, a small number of cars were built that combined features of the second and third series.

Third series (1962–1970)

The third series was produced from 1962 to 1970. The 1962 models dropped the leaping-deer hood ornament, and had a new grille.^[10] It used a 6.7:1 compression engine of 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) with an optional 7.65:1 compression of 80 PS (59 kW; 79 hp) (usually reserved for the export models).^[19] The headliner changed from cloth to vinyl, and the radio became optional.^[19] It was offered as the standard M21L, M21T taxi, and right-hand drive M21N export model.^[19]

Also in 1962, GAZ advertised a station wagon/estate model, the M22; most of these were exported or reserved for official use.^[19] The first station wagons/estates were delivered in 1963,^[19] and were designated M22 (75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp)), M22G (export, 75 hp (56 kW; 76 PS)), M22T (export, 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp)); ambulances were M22B (75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp)) and M22BK (85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp)).^[20] An M22 prototype four-wheel drive station wagon/estate was also built, as was an M22A van.^[20]

Belgian importer Sobimpex N.V. assembled Volgas locally for sale in Western Europe. These were often fitted with diesel engines; the cars arrived in Antwerp without an engine and with the gearbox in the trunk. Originally (beginning in 1960) Sobimpex fitted a 1.6-liter Perkins 4.99 unit, a larger Rover engine supplanted that in 1963, and the more modern Indenor [fr] four-cylinder units replaced the Rover engine in 1964.^[21] Belgian-built cars were marketed as "Scaldia-Volgas", named after the Latin name for the river Scheldt. While the diesel models cost considerably more than ones with the original engine, they were quite popular for their economy and reliability, and outsold the petrol models in both Belgium and the Netherlands.^[21]

Models

The car's large size and tough construction made it popular in the police and taxi trades, and V8-powered versions (designated GAZ M23) were produced for the KGB. An automatic transmission was briefly offered in the late 1950s, but later discontinued due to lack of service stations, and then, through the 1960s, on the KGB's V8 version only, with the driver's controls being very similar to the discontinued "civil" automatic.

The M21 Volga was produced in sedan form from 1956 to 1970 and station wagon form (GAZ M22 Universal) from 1962 to 1970. This left the design quite outdated by the 1960s. GAZ developed a boxier, more modern replacement, and in 1970, the M21 platform was discontinued by GAZ. Until the late 1970s, however, spare parts were produced by different plants all over the USSR, and some plants were rebuilding M21s using spare parts, wrecked, and junked cars. In 1988, about 80,000 M21 Volgas were registered in the USSR.^{[citation needed]} Based on the GAZ-21, a number of pick-up trucks were also built on its basis by various autonomous auto repair plants from all around the country. As these plants worked separately, there was no single design for these vehicles.^[22]

The Deluxe variant has additional chrome trim around the windows and spanning the front and rear headlights, with the rear ones being fin-shaped. They also usually included the 79 hp (59 kW) engines instead of the standard 69 hp (51 kW) ones.

One M21 was given to Yuri Gagarin after his orbital flight; Gagarin was very fond of his Volga.^[23]

The UAZ-469 all-terrain vehicle uses a GAZ-21A engine, and the RAF-977 minibus used the GAZ-21 engine and drivetrain.

A special-variant GAZ-23 Volga was produced for Soviet special services only, with a 160 PS (120 kW; 160 hp) 5.53-litre V8 engine from the Chaika.^[10] These were also equipped with the Chaika's automatic transmission. This allowed the M23 to reach 170 km/h (110 mph).^[24] Only 603 of the M23s were built between 1962 and 1970.^[10]

Gallery

Second series (1959–1962)
Third series (1962–1970)
Interior
Steering wheel
"Volga" third series customized, Ukraine
Side view
Rear 3/4 view
GAZ-22 olgain Kyiv, Ukraine
GAZ-22 Volga
GAZ-22B Volga (ambulance)
GAZ-22 Volga rear 3/4 view
GAZ-22 Volga

Popular culture

A GAZ-21 is the main car featured in Rammstein's music video for the song "Du hast".
In the Soviet cult movie Beware of the Car, the protagonist, Yuriy Detochkin, steals Volga cars from officials abusing their powers.
The protagonist of the 2009 Russian superhero movie Black Lightning fights crime with his flying car, a black 1966 GAZ-21.^[25]
The car is featured in the mobile game, Retro Garage, which features many other vehicles produced in the Soviet era, as well as some based on German vehicles.
One of the possible models for the "Black Volga" urban legend is the GAZ-21.

References

^ "The Russian GAZ Volga M21 derivates". China Car History. 15 March 2022.
^ Gloor, Roger (2007). Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 – 1960 [All the cars of the 1950s, 1945–1960] (in German) (1 ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 978-3-613-02808-1.
^ "GAZ 21 Specs". Cars Directory. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
^ "1969 Gaz Volga 23 (V8) all versions specifications and performance data". Automobile Catalog. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
^ "1962 Gaz M-23 Volga (aut. 3) (model since mid-year 1962 for Europe ) car specifications & performance data review". Automobile Catalog. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
^ Tverdiukova, Elena (11 February 2015). ""Стиляга" с волнистой обивкой: "Волга" ГАЗ-21 на экспорт" [Stylish with wavy upholstery: Volga GAZ-21 for export]. Rossiyskaya Gazeta (in Russian). Federal State Budgetary Institution.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Thompson, Andy (2008), Cars of the Soviet Union: The Definite History, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset: Haynes, p. 61, ISBN 978-1-84425-483-5
^ GAZ report on the Ford Mainline (PDF)
^ "An article on the history of the GAZ-21 in the Avtomobilny Modelizm magazine". Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ Thompson, p. 65.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Thompson, p. 62.
^ Flory, J. "Kelly", Jr. American Cars 1946–1959 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2008), passim.
^ "Ford's Cruise-O-Matic and the C Family of Automatic Transmissions (Part III)". Techtelegraph. 15 June 2022.
^ Thompson, pp. 62–63.
^ ^a ^b ^c Thompson, p. 63.
^ ^a ^b Thompson, p. 66.
^ ^a ^b Thompson, p. 64.
^ "Expo 1958". volga.nl.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Thompson, p. 123.
^ ^a ^b Thompson, p. 124.
^ ^a ^b "Дизельные ГАЗ-21 "Волга" в Бельгии" [Diesel GAZ-21 "Volga" in Belgium]. GAZ21Volga.com (in Russian). Archived from the original on 25 February 2011.
^ "пикапы на базе ГАЗ-21". Denisovets.
^ Thompson, p. 121.
^ GAZ-21S Militsya, Avtomobil Na Sluzhbie, No.2, DeAgostini 2010, ISBN 978-5-9774-0418-1 (in Russian)
^ Internet Movie Car Database: 1966 GAZ 21 Volga in Chernaya molniya, Movie, 2009

External links

[1] "The Russian GAZ Volga M21 derivates". China Car History. 15 March 2022.

[AlleAutosder50er-2] Gloor, Roger (2007). Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 – 1960 [All the cars of the 1950s, 1945–1960] (in German) (1 ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 978-3-613-02808-1.

[3] "GAZ 21 Specs". Cars Directory. Retrieved 3 December 2024.

[4] "1969 Gaz Volga 23 (V8) all versions specifications and performance data". Automobile Catalog. Retrieved 3 December 2024.

[5] "1962 Gaz M-23 Volga (aut. 3) (model since mid-year 1962 for Europe ) car specifications & performance data review". Automobile Catalog. Retrieved 3 December 2024.

[6] Tverdiukova, Elena (11 February 2015). ""Стиляга" с волнистой обивкой: "Волга" ГАЗ-21 на экспорт" [Stylish with wavy upholstery: Volga GAZ-21 for export]. Rossiyskaya Gazeta (in Russian). Federal State Budgetary Institution.

[Thompson,_p.61-7] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Thompson, Andy (2008), Cars of the Soviet Union: The Definite History, Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset: Haynes, p. 61, ISBN 978-1-84425-483-5

[8] GAZ report on the Ford Mainline (PDF)

[9] "An article on the history of the GAZ-21 in the Avtomobilny Modelizm magazine". Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2016.

[Thompson,_p.65-10] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ Thompson, p. 65.

[Thompson,_p.62-11] Thompson, p. 62.

[12] Flory, J. "Kelly", Jr. American Cars 1946–1959 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2008), passim.

[13] "Ford's Cruise-O-Matic and the C Family of Automatic Transmissions (Part III)". Techtelegraph. 15 June 2022.

[14] Thompson, pp. 62–63.

[Thompson,_p.63-15] Thompson, p. 63.

[Thompson,_p.66-16] Thompson, p. 66.

[Thompson,_p.64-17] Thompson, p. 64.

[18] "Expo 1958". volga.nl.

[Thompson,_p.123-19] Thompson, p. 123.

[Thompson,_p.124-20] Thompson, p. 124.

[Technik-21] "Дизельные ГАЗ-21 "Волга" в Бельгии" [Diesel GAZ-21 "Volga" in Belgium]. GAZ21Volga.com (in Russian). Archived from the original on 25 February 2011.

[22] "пикапы на базе ГАЗ-21". Denisovets.

[23] Thompson, p. 121.

[24] GAZ-21S Militsya, Avtomobil Na Sluzhbie, No.2, DeAgostini 2010, ISBN 978-5-9774-0418-1 (in Russian)

[25] Internet Movie Car Database: 1966 GAZ 21 Volga in Chernaya molniya, Movie, 2009

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@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 | predecessor = [[GAZ-M20 Pobeda]]
 | successor   = [[GAZ-24|GAZ-24 Volga]]
-| wheelbase   = {{convert|2700|mm|in||abbr=on}}<ref name=AlleAutosder50er>{{cite book |last=Gloor |first=Roger | title=Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 – 1960 | trans-title = All the cars of the 1950s, 1945–1960 | language= de | edition=1 | date = 2007 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=978-3-613-02808-1}}</ref>
+| wheelbase   = {{cvt|2700|mm}}<ref name=AlleAutosder50er>{{cite book|last=Gloor|first=Roger|title=Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 – 1960|trans-title=All the cars of the 1950s, 1945–1960|language=de|edition=1|date=2007|publisher=Motorbuch Verlag|location=Stuttgart|isbn=978-3-613-02808-1}}</ref>
-| length      = {{convert|4810|mm|in||abbr=on}}
+| length      = {{cvt|4810|mm}}
+| weight = {{convert|1460-1700|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |title=GAZ 21 Specs |url=https://www.cars-directory.net/car-specs/gaz/21/21-341/ |website=Cars Directory |access-date=3 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1969 Gaz Volga 23 (V8) all versions specifications and performance data |url=https://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/gaz/volga_1gen_gaz-21_22_23/volga_1gen_gaz-23/1969.html |website=Automobile Catalog |access-date=3 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1962 Gaz M-23 Volga (aut. 3) (model since mid-year 1962 for Europe ) car specifications & performance data review |url=https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1962/1023020/gaz_m-23_volga.html |website=Automobile Catalog |access-date=3 December 2024}}</ref>
 | related     =
-| aka     =  [[Dongfanghong BJ760]] (China)<ref>{{cite web |title=The Russian GAZ Volga M21 derivates |url=https://chinacarhistory.com/2022/03/15/the-russian-gaz-volga-m21-derivates/ |website=China Car History}}</ref>
+| aka         = [[Dongfanghong BJ760]] (China)<ref>{{cite web|title=The Russian GAZ Volga M21 derivates|url=https://chinacarhistory.com/2022/03/15/the-russian-gaz-volga-m21-derivates/|website=China Car History|date=2022-03-15}}</ref>
-| width       = {{convert|1800|mm|in||abbr=on}}
-| height      = {{convert|1610|mm|in||abbr=on}}
+| width       = {{cvt|1800|mm}}
-| body_style   = {{unbulleted list|4 door saloon (GAZ-21, GAZ-23)|5 door wagon (GAZ-22)}}
+| height      = {{cvt|1610|mm}}
+| body_style  = {{unbulleted list|4 door saloon (GAZ-21, GAZ-23)|5 door wagon (GAZ-22)}}
-| class        = [[Executive car]] ([[E-segment|E]])
+| class       = [[Executive car]] ([[E-segment|E]])
-| engine       = {{ubl
+| engine      = {{ubl
   |2.5L ''M-21'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]] (GAZ-21/22)
   |5.5L ''M-13'' [[V8 engine|V8]] (GAZ-23)
@@ Line 28: / Line 29: @@
 The Volga was stylistically in line with the major American manufacturers of the period in which it was introduced, and incorporated such then-luxury features as the reclining front seat, cigarette lighter, heater, windshield washer and three-wave radio.
-When in 1959 the six-cylinder line of GAZ cars was discontinued, GAZ M-21 Volga became the biggest and most luxurious car officially sold to individual owners in the USSR in large quantities; though its  very high price made it unavailable for most car buyers, 639,478 cars were produced in total.<ref>{{cite journal | url = http://www.rg.ru/2015/02/11/rodina-volga.html | journal = Rossiyskaya Gazeta | title = "Стиляга" с волнистой обивкой: "Волга" ГАЗ-21 на экспорт | trans-title = Stylish with wavy upholstery: Volga GAZ-21 for export | language = ru | first = Elena | last = Tverdiukova | date = 11 February 2015 | publisher = Federal State Budgetary Institution }}</ref>
+The GAZ M-21 Volga became the biggest and most luxurious car officially sold to individual owners in the USSR in large quantities; though its very high price made it unavailable for most car buyers, 639,478 cars were produced in total.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.rg.ru/2015/02/11/rodina-volga.html|journal=Rossiyskaya Gazeta|title="Стиляга" с волнистой обивкой: "Волга" ГАЗ-21 на экспорт|trans-title=Stylish with wavy upholstery: Volga GAZ-21 for export|language=ru|first=Elena|last=Tverdiukova|date=2015-02-11|publisher=Federal State Budgetary Institution}}</ref>
 == The three series of GAZ-21 ==
-Three series GAZ-21 were released, most easily distinguished by the grille. The first series (1956–58), known as the ''Star'', featured a lattice of three large horizontal bars in the centre of which was a medallion with a star. Vehicles of the second series (1958–1962), known as the ''Shark'', featured a grille with 16 vertical slits. Finally, the third series (1962–1970), known as the ''Baleen'', featured a grille with 34 thin vertical rods.
+Three series GAZ-21 were released, most easily distinguished by the grille. The first series (1956–58), known as the ''Star'', featured a lattice of three large horizontal bars in the centre of which was a medallion with a star. Vehicles of the second series (1958–1962), known as the ''Shark'', featured a grille with 16 vertical slits. Finally, the third series (1962–1970), known as the ''[[Baleen whale|Baleen]]'', featured a grille with 34 thin vertical rods.
 [[File:GAZ-21 (1st generation) "Volga" in Moscow (front view).jpg|thumb|First series (1956–58)]]
-===First series 1956–1958===
+===First series (1956–1958)===
-The design process leading to the GAZ-21 began in November 1953. [[Alexander Nevzorov (automotive engineer)|Alexander Nevzorov]], head of the design team, was given a free hand to develop whatever he wanted to reach the objective of competing with American automobiles.<ref name="Thompson, p.61">{{citation | ref = CSU | title = Cars of the Soviet Union: The Definite History | first = Andy | last = Thompson | publisher = Haynes | location = Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset | page = 61 |year = 2008 | isbn = 978 1 84425 483 5 }}</ref> Designer Lev Eremeyev decided to follow the fashion set by the [[Chevrolet Bel Air]], [[Plymouth Savoy]], and [[Ford Mainline]]; the finished product bears a resemblance to the 1955 [[Ford Mainline|Mainline]],<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/> although according to archive documents, the latter was purchased for comparison and on-road testing by GAZ only in mid-1954, after the first prototypes of the GAZ-21 had already been built and tested.<ref>[http://www.gaz24.ru/mainline.pdf GAZ report on the Ford Mainline (PDF)]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gaz24.ru/am_gaz21.zip |title=An article on the history of the GAZ-21 in the ''Avtomobilny Modelizm'' magazine |access-date=24 February 2016 |archive-date=27 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227063743/http://www.gaz24.ru/am_gaz21.zip |url-status=dead }}</ref> The prototype appeared in the first quarter of 1954, powered by an [[Inline-four engine|inline four]] with [[overhead camshaft]] (driven by chain) and cross-flow [[Hemi engine|hemispherical]] [[cylinder head|head]].<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/> Since the OHV engine was not ready in time, production M21s had a {{convert|65|PS|kW hp|abbr=on|lk=on}} {{convert|2432|cc|cid|abbr=on}} [[sidevalve]] four, based on the [[GAZ-M20 Pobeda|GAZ-20]]'s. The Volga was offered with a three-speed [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]], either [[Manual transmission|manual]] (with synchronized second and third gears) or [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]. Front suspension was [[Independent suspension|independent]], while the rear was a [[Beam axle|live axle]] with [[Leaf spring|semielliptical spring]]s;  lever shock absorbers were on all four corners.<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/> Lubrication was by a central oiling system, from a drum and foot-operated pump; the oil lines were prone to puncturing, and not all of the 19 lubricated points were supplied equally.<ref name="Thompson, p.65">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 65.</ref> The Volga offered front seats able to fold flat (not unlike a contemporary [[Fraser Nash|Nash]] option) and came standard with cigarette lighter and a radio<ref name="Thompson, p.62">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 62.</ref> (still optional on most U.S. cars).<ref>Flory, J. "Kelly", Jr. ''American Cars 1946–1959'' (Jefferson, NC:  McFarland & Coy, 2008), ''passim''.</ref> The three variants were the standard M21G, an M21B taxi (with a [[taximeter]] in place of the radio and bucket seats in front instead of a bench), and a tropical model, the M21GYU, all with the GAZ leaping deer [[hood ornament]].<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/><ref name="Thompson, p.62"/> [[Automobile drag coefficient|Drag coefficient]] was a surprisingly good 0.42.<ref name="Thompson, p.62"/> The only thing that the Volga and Mainline had in common was the [[Ford-O-Matic]] transmission, which the GAZ plant liecensed for use in their vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ford’s Cruise-O-Matic and the C Family of Automatic Transmissions (Part III) |url=https://techtelegraph.co.uk/fords-cruise-o-matic-and-the-c-family-of-automatic-transmissions-part-iii/}}</ref>
+The design process leading to the GAZ-21 began in November 1953. [[Alexander Nevzorov (automotive engineer)|Alexander Nevzorov]], head of the design team, was given a free hand to develop whatever he wanted to reach the objective of competing with American automobiles.<ref name="Thompson, p.61">{{citation|ref=CSU|title=Cars of the Soviet Union: The Definite History|first=Andy|last=Thompson|publisher=Haynes|location=Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset|page=61|year=2008|isbn = 978-1-84425-483-5}}</ref> Designer Lev Eremeyev decided to follow the fashion set by the [[Chevrolet Bel Air]], [[Plymouth Savoy]], and [[Ford Mainline]]; the finished product bears a resemblance to the 1952-1954 [[Ford Mainline|Mainline]],<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/> although according to archive documents, the latter was purchased for comparison and on-road testing by GAZ only in mid-1954, after the first prototypes of the GAZ-21 had already been built and tested.<ref>[http://www.gaz24.ru/mainline.pdf GAZ report on the Ford Mainline (PDF)]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaz24.ru/am_gaz21.zip|title=An article on the history of the GAZ-21 in the ''Avtomobilny Modelizm'' magazine|access-date=2016-02-24|archive-date=2013-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227063743/http://www.gaz24.ru/am_gaz21.zip|url-status=dead}}</ref> The prototype appeared in the first quarter of 1954, powered by an [[Inline-four engine|inline four]] with [[overhead camshaft]] (driven by chain) and cross-flow [[Hemi engine|hemispherical]] [[cylinder head|head]].<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/> Since the OHV engine was not ready in time, production M21s had a {{cvt|65|PS|kW hp|lk=on}} {{cvt|2432|cc|cid}} [[sidevalve]] four, based on the [[GAZ-M20 Pobeda|GAZ-20]]'s. The Volga was offered with a three-speed [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]], either [[Manual transmission|manual]] (with synchronized second and third gears) or [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]. Front suspension was [[Independent suspension|independent]], while the rear was a [[Beam axle|live axle]] with [[Leaf spring|semielliptical spring]]s; lever shock absorbers were on all four corners.<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/> Lubrication was by a central oiling system, from a drum and foot-operated pump; the oil lines were prone to puncturing, and not all of the 19 lubricated points were supplied equally.<ref name="Thompson, p.65">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 65.</ref> The Volga offered front seats able to fold flat (not unlike a contemporary [[Fraser Nash|Nash]] option) and came standard with cigarette lighter and a radio<ref name="Thompson, p.62">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 62.</ref> (still optional on most U.S. cars).<ref>Flory, J. "Kelly", Jr. ''American Cars 1946–1959'' (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2008), ''passim''.</ref> The three variants were the standard M21G, an M21B taxi (with a [[taximeter]] in place of the radio and bucket seats in front instead of a bench), and a tropical model, the M21GYU, all with the GAZ leaping deer [[hood ornament]].<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/><ref name="Thompson, p.62"/> [[Automobile drag coefficient|Drag coefficient]] was a surprisingly good 0.42.<ref name="Thompson, p.62"/> The only thing that the Volga and Mainline had in common was the [[Ford-O-Matic]] automatic transmission, which GAZ liecensed for use in their cars, and even then only a few early Volgas had this transmission, before the design adopted a manual transmission.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ford's Cruise-O-Matic and the C Family of Automatic Transmissions (Part III)|newspaper=Techtelegraph|date=2022-06-15|url=https://techtelegraph.co.uk/fords-cruise-o-matic-and-the-c-family-of-automatic-transmissions-part-iii/}}</ref>
-The Volga made its public debut in 1955, with a three cars on a demonstration drive from Moscow to the Crimea, two automatic models and a manual.<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/> It was, however, still far from production-ready; in the first year, 1956, only five cars were assembled, the first on 10 October 1956.<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/> Full-scale production began in 1957, with a list price of 5,400 [[ruble]]s.<ref name="Thompson, p.62"/> The new 1957 production cars, known as Series Ones, had a brand-new {{convert|2445|cc|cid|abbr=on}} OHV engine, the first model produced by Zavolzhskiy Motorniy Zavod ([[Zavolzhye Engine Factory]], ZMZ). Unusual for the era, it had aluminum block and head, with gear-driven [[camshaft]] and [[compression ratio]] of 6.6:1; it produced {{convert|70|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}} at 4,000 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]] and {{convert|123|lbft|Nm|abbr=on|lk=on}} at 2,200 rpm.<ref name="Thompson, p.62"/>
+The Volga made its public debut in 1955, with a three cars on a demonstration drive from Moscow to the Crimea, two automatic models and a manual.<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/> It was, however, still far from production-ready; in the first year, 1956, only five cars were assembled, the first on 10 October 1956.<ref name="Thompson, p.61"/> Full-scale production began in 1957, with a list price of 5,400 [[ruble]]s.<ref name="Thompson, p.62"/> The new 1957 production cars, known as Series Ones, had a brand-new {{cvt|2445|cc|cid}} OHV engine, the first model produced by Zavolzhskiy Motorniy Zavod ([[Zavolzhye Engine Factory]], ZMZ). Unusual for the era, it had aluminum block and head, with gear-driven [[camshaft]] and [[compression ratio]] of 6.6:1; it produced {{cvt|70|PS|kW hp}} at 4,000 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]] and {{cvt|123|lbft|Nm|lk=on}} at 2,200 rpm.<ref name="Thompson, p.62"/>
 The automatic transmission model was soon discontinued, with only 700 built: it was widely criticized as being too difficult for Soviet drivers to maintain, few [[Automobile repair shop|service station]]s were available to do the work and few private mechanics were qualified, and a shortage of [[Hydraulic fluid|transmission oil]] existed.<ref>[[#CSU|Thompson]], pp. 62–63.</ref> From 1958, a three-speed manual, with synchromesh on the top two gears, was the only transmission available; this was the M21V, while the taxi became the M21A.<ref name="Thompson, p.63">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 63.</ref> The automatic did go on to be used in the low-production [[GAZ-13]] Chaika, which was also maintained by professionals.<ref name="Thompson, p.63"/> Standard equipment on all models included spare parts and two tool kits, with [[Adjustable spanner|spanners]], [[wrench]]es, [[screwdriver]]s, a tire pump, and a can of paint to fix minor dings.<ref name="Thompson, p.66">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 66.</ref>
-Also, export models were built,  M21D with the manual transmission and M21E with the automatic, both with a higher 7.2:1 compression engine, producing {{convert|80|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Thompson, p.63"/>
+Also, export models were built, M21D with the manual transmission and M21E with the automatic, both with a higher 7.2:1 compression engine, producing {{cvt|80|PS|kW hp}}.<ref name="Thompson, p.63"/>
 Cars produced in the fall of 1958 combined features of the first and second series.
@@ Line 48: / Line 49: @@
 [[File:GAZ-21 (2nd series "i") "Volga" (front view).jpg|thumb|Second series (1959–62)]]
-=== Second series 1959–1962 ===
+=== Second series (1959–1962) ===
 Second-series Volgas were introduced in 1959, with a new grille painted the body color or in chrome. Halfway through the 1959 production run ([[model year]] 1959{{frac|1|2}}), a [[Polyvinyl chloride|vinyl]] cover was added to the dash.<ref name="Thompson, p.64">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 64.</ref> Added were windscreen washers and tubeless tires.<ref name="Thompson, p.64"/> Just before the second-series production concluded, telescopic shocks replaced the lever type. The 1961 Volgas were priced at 5,100 rubles.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/>
-Variants of this series included the M21I and M21A taxi with the {{convert|70|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}} inline four, and the M21K and right-hand drive M21H (for export) with the {{convert|80|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}} engine.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/>
+Variants of this series included the M21I and M21A taxi with the {{cvt|70|PS|kW hp}} inline four, and the M21K and right-hand drive M21H (for export) with the {{cvt|80|PS|kW hp}} engine.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/>
-The Volga was shown at the 1958 [[Brussels World's Fair]] and together with the [[GAZ-53|GAZ-52 truck]] and the GAZ-13 Chaika, it won the award.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.volga.nl/medailleEN.htm | title = Expo 1958 | work = volga.nl }}</ref> In the same year, production for export began.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/> The second-series Volgas became known for having no frills, but outstanding durability, helped by the {{convert|23|cm|in|abbr=on}} ground clearance.<ref name="Thompson, p.66"/> In 1959, a Volga took a class win at the [[Rally Finland|Thousand Lakes Rally]] in Finland, and third at the [[Acropolis Rally]].<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/> That year, the central lubrication system was deleted, in favor of a more traditional local grease-application nipple.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/>
+The Volga was shown at the 1958 [[Brussels World's Fair]] and together with the [[GAZ-53|GAZ-52 truck]] and the GAZ-13 Chaika, it won the award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.volga.nl/medailleEN.htm|title=Expo 1958|work=volga.nl}}</ref> In the same year, production for export began.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/> The second-series Volgas became known for having no frills, but outstanding durability, helped by the {{cvt|230|mm|in}} ground clearance.<ref name="Thompson, p.66"/> In 1959, a Volga took a class win at the [[Rally Finland|Thousand Lakes Rally]] in Finland, and third at the [[Acropolis Rally]].<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/> That year, the central lubrication system was deleted, in favor of a more traditional local grease-application nipple.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/>
 In early 1962, a small number of cars were built that combined features of the second and third series.
@@ Line 59: / Line 60: @@
 [[File:Volga GAZ 21 M.JPG|thumb|Third series (1962–70)]]
-===Third series 1962–1970===
+===Third series (1962–1970)===
-The third series was produced from 1962 to 1970. The 1962 models dropped the leaping-deer hood ornament, and had a new grille.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/> It used a 6.7:1 compression engine of {{convert|75|PS|kW|abbr=on}} with an optional 7.65:1 compression of {{convert|80|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}} (usually reserved for the export models).<ref name="Thompson, p.123">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 123.</ref> The [[Headliner (material)|headliner]] changed from cloth to vinyl, and the radio became optional.<ref name="Thompson, p.123"/> It was offered as the standard M21L, M21T taxi, and right-hand drive M21N export model.<ref name="Thompson, p.123"/>
+The third series was produced from 1962 to 1970. The 1962 models dropped the leaping-deer hood ornament, and had a new grille.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/> It used a 6.7:1 compression engine of {{cvt|75|PS|kW hp}} with an optional 7.65:1 compression of {{cvt|80|PS|kW hp}} (usually reserved for the export models).<ref name="Thompson, p.123">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 123.</ref> The [[Headliner (material)|headliner]] changed from cloth to vinyl, and the radio became optional.<ref name="Thompson, p.123"/> It was offered as the standard M21L, M21T taxi, and right-hand drive M21N export model.<ref name="Thompson, p.123"/>
-Also in 1962, GAZ advertised a [[station wagon]]/estate model, the M22; most of these were exported or reserved for official use.<ref name="Thompson, p.123"/> The first station wagons/estates were delivered in 1963,<ref name="Thompson, p.123"/> and were designated M22 ({{convert|75|PS|kW|abbr=on}}), M22G (export, {{convert|75|hp|kW PS|abbr=on}}), M22T (export, {{convert|85|PS|kW|abbr=on}}); ambulances were M22B ({{convert|75|PS|kW|abbr=on}}) and M22BK ({{convert|85|PS|kW|abbr=on}}).<ref name="Thompson, p.124">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 124.</ref> An M22 prototype [[four-wheel drive]] station wagon/estate was also built, as was an M22A [[Sedan delivery|van]].<ref name="Thompson, p.124"/>
+Also in 1962, GAZ advertised a [[station wagon]]/estate model, the M22; most of these were exported or reserved for official use.<ref name="Thompson, p.123"/> The first station wagons/estates were delivered in 1963,<ref name="Thompson, p.123"/> and were designated M22 ({{cvt|75|PS|kW hp}}), M22G (export, {{cvt|75|hp|kW PS}}), M22T (export, {{cvt|85|PS|kW hp}}); ambulances were M22B ({{cvt|75|PS|kW hp}}) and M22BK ({{cvt|85|PS|kW hp}}).<ref name="Thompson, p.124">[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 124.</ref> An M22 prototype [[four-wheel drive]] station wagon/estate was also built, as was an M22A [[Sedan delivery|van]].<ref name="Thompson, p.124"/>
-Belgian importer Sobimpex N.V. assembled Volgas locally for sale in Western Europe. These were often fitted with diesel engines; the cars arrived in [[Antwerp]] without an engine and with the gearbox in the trunk. Originally (beginning in 1960) Sobimpex fitted a 1.6-liter [[Perkins Engines|Perkins]] 4.99 unit, a larger [[Rover Company|Rover]] engine supplanted that in 1963, and the more modern {{ill|Indenor|fr}} four-cylinder units replaced the Rover engine in 1964.<ref name=Technik>{{cite web | url = http://www.gaz21volga.com/Technik/belgien/belgische.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110225065708/http://www.gaz21volga.com/Technik/belgien/belgische.htm | archive-date = 25 February 2011 | title = Дизельные ГАЗ-21 "Волга" в Бельгии | trans-title = Diesel GAZ-21 "Volga" in Belgium | language = ru | work = GAZ21Volga.com }}</ref> Belgian-built cars were marketed as "Scaldia-Volgas", named after the Latin name for the river [[Scheldt]]. While the diesel models cost considerably more than ones with the original engine, they were quite popular for their economy and reliability, and outsold the petrol models in both Belgium and the Netherlands.<ref name=Technik/>
+Belgian importer Sobimpex N.V. assembled Volgas locally for sale in Western Europe. These were often fitted with diesel engines; the cars arrived in [[Antwerp]] without an engine and with the gearbox in the trunk. Originally (beginning in 1960) Sobimpex fitted a 1.6-liter [[Perkins Engines|Perkins]] 4.99 unit, a larger [[Rover Company|Rover]] engine supplanted that in 1963, and the more modern {{ill|Indenor|fr}} four-cylinder units replaced the Rover engine in 1964.<ref name=Technik>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaz21volga.com/Technik/belgien/belgische.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225065708/http://www.gaz21volga.com/Technik/belgien/belgische.htm|archive-date=2011-02-25|title=Дизельные ГАЗ-21 "Волга" в Бельгии|trans-title=Diesel GAZ-21 "Volga" in Belgium|language=ru|work=GAZ21Volga.com}}</ref> Belgian-built cars were marketed as "Scaldia-Volgas", named after the Latin name for the river [[Scheldt]]. While the diesel models cost considerably more than ones with the original engine, they were quite popular for their economy and reliability, and outsold the petrol models in both Belgium and the Netherlands.<ref name=Technik/>
 ==Models==
-The car's large size and tough construction made it popular in the police and taxi trades, and [[V8 engine|V8]]-powered versions (designated GAZ M23) were produced for the [[KGB]]. An [[automatic transmission]] was briefly offered in the late 1950s, but later discontinued due to lack of service stations, and then through the 1960s on the KGB's V8 version only, with the driver's controls being very similar to the discontinued "civil" automatic.
+The car's large size and tough construction made it popular in the police and taxi trades, and [[V8 engine|V8]]-powered versions (designated GAZ M23) were produced for the [[KGB]]. An [[automatic transmission]] was briefly offered in the late 1950s, but later discontinued due to lack of service stations, and then, through the 1960s, on the KGB's V8 version only, with the driver's controls being very similar to the discontinued "civil" automatic.
-The M21 Volga was produced in [[sedan (car)|saloon]] form from 1956 to 1970 and station wagon form (GAZ M22 Universal) from 1962 to 1970. This left the design quite outdated by the 1960s. GAZ developed a boxier, more modern replacement, and in 1970, the M21 platform was discontinued by GAZ. Until the late 1970s, however, spare parts were produced by different plants all over the USSR, and some plants were rebuilding M21s using spare parts, wrecked, and junked cars. In 1988, about 80,000 M21 Volgas were registered in the USSR.
+The M21 Volga was produced in [[sedan (car)|sedan]] form from 1956 to 1970 and station wagon form (GAZ M22 Universal) from 1962 to 1970. This left the design quite outdated by the 1960s. GAZ developed a boxier, more modern replacement, and in 1970, the M21 platform was discontinued by GAZ. Until the late 1970s, however, spare parts were produced by different plants all over the USSR, and some plants were rebuilding M21s using spare parts, wrecked, and junked cars. In 1988, about 80,000 M21 Volgas were registered in the USSR.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}} Based on the GAZ-21, a number of [[Pickup truck|pick-up trucks]] were also built on its basis by various autonomous auto repair plants from all around the country. As these plants worked separately, there was no single design for these vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |title=пикапы на базе ГАЗ-21 |url=http://www.denisovets.ru/gaz/gazpages/gaz21pickup.html |website=Denisovets}}</ref>
-The ''Deluxe'' variant has additional chrome trim around the windows and spanning the front and rear headlights, with the rear ones being fin-shaped. They also usually included the 79&nbsp;hp engines instead of the standard 69&nbsp;hp ones.
+The ''Deluxe'' variant has additional chrome trim around the windows and spanning the front and rear headlights, with the rear ones being fin-shaped. They also usually included the {{cvt|79|hp}} engines instead of the standard {{cvt|69|hp}} ones.
 One M21 was given to [[Yuri Gagarin]] after his [[Vostok 1|orbital flight]]; Gagarin was very fond of his Volga.<ref>[[#CSU|Thompson]], p. 121.</ref>
@@ Line 77: / Line 78: @@
 The [[UAZ-469]] all-terrain vehicle uses a GAZ-21A engine, and the [[RAF-977]] minibus used the GAZ-21 engine and drivetrain.
-A special-variant GAZ-23 Volga was produced for Soviet special services only, with {{convert|160|PS|kW|abbr=on}} 5.53-litre V8 engine from the Chaika.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/> These were also equipped with the Chaika's automatic transmission. This allowed the M23 to reach {{convert|170|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>''GAZ-21S Militsya'', Avtomobil Na Sluzhbie, No.2, DeAgostini 2010, {{ISBN|978-5-9774-0418-1}} {{in lang|ru}}</ref> Only 603 of the M23s were built between 1962 and 1970.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/>
+A special-variant GAZ-23 Volga was produced for Soviet special services only, with a {{cvt|160|PS|kW hp}} 5.53-litre V8 engine from the Chaika.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/> These were also equipped with the Chaika's automatic transmission. This allowed the M23 to reach {{cvt|170|kph}}.<ref>''GAZ-21S Militsya'', Avtomobil Na Sluzhbie, No.2, DeAgostini 2010, {{ISBN|978-5-9774-0418-1}} {{in lang|ru}}</ref> Only 603 of the M23s were built between 1962 and 1970.<ref name="Thompson, p.65"/>
 ==Gallery==
 <gallery widths="200px" heights="140px">
-GAZ-21 (2nd series "i") "Volga" in Lithuania.jpg|Second series (1959-1962)
+GAZ-21 (2nd series "i") "Volga" in Lithuania.jpg|Second series (1959–1962)
-Wolga_GAZ_21_C,_Bj._1969_(2015-07-04_r).JPG|Third series (1962-1970)
+Wolga_GAZ_21_C,_Bj._1969_(2015-07-04_r).JPG|Third series (1962–1970)
 GAZ-21 "Volga" interior.jpg|Interior
 GAZ-22 in Museum of automotive technology 1.jpg|[[Steering wheel]]
@@ Line 97: / Line 98: @@
 == Popular culture ==
 * A GAZ-21 is the main car featured in [[Rammstein]]'s music video for the song "[[Du hast]]".
-* In the Soviet cult movie ''[[Beware of the Car]]'', the protagonist, Yuriy Detochkin, steals Volga cars from corrupt officials.
+* In the Soviet cult movie ''[[Beware of the Car]]'', the protagonist, Yuriy Detochkin, steals Volga cars from officials abusing their powers.
 * The protagonist of the 2009 Russian superhero movie ''[[Black Lightning (2009 film)|Black Lightning]]'' fights crime with his flying car, a black 1966 GAZ-21.<ref>Internet Movie Car Database: [http://imcdb.org/vehicle_275925-GAZ-21-Volga-1966.html 1966 GAZ 21 Volga in Chernaya molniya, Movie, 2009]</ref>
-* The car is featured in the mobile game, Retro Garage, which features many other vehicles produced in the Soviet-Era, as well as some based on German vehicles.
+* The car is featured in the mobile game, Retro Garage, which features many other vehicles produced in the Soviet era, as well as some based on German vehicles.
+*One of the possible models for the "[[Black Volga]]" urban legend is the GAZ-21.
 == References ==