GAZ "Volga" - these are cars that were produced at the Gorky Automobile Plant. Cars of this brand were considered a symbol of the prestige of their time. They were driven not only by ordinary motorists, but also by civil servants, heads of organizations and prominent public figures.
Volga GAZ-21
The history of Volga cars dates back to 1956, when the first production samples of the GAZ-21 model were produced. This car replaced the GAZ M-20 Pobeda model on the conveyor. Production began in 1956, and at the end of 1957 and in 1962 the car was modernized ("second series" and "third series"). After that, the GAZ-21 model was produced until July 1970.
"Volga" GAZ-21 has an elegant, dynamic body and interior with a pleasant finish. One of the main features of this car is the spaciousness of the interior space. Also worth noting are two one-piece soft sofas and the possibility of transforming the interior. If you move the front couch almost to the steering column and tilt the backrest back, you can get a lot of resting space.
The trunk of the GAZ-21 is quite spacious - 400 liters, although a spare wheel takes up a lot of space in it.
The 21st "Volga" has a 2.5-liter carburetor engine with a capacity of 65 to 80 horsepower. Most of the cars of this model were aggregated with a 3-speed manual transmission and drive to the rear axle. This model reaches a speed of 100 km / h in 25 seconds, its maximum speed is 120-130 km / h with a consumption of 13-13.5 liters in the combined cycle.
In addition to the base, there are modifications of the 21st "Volga":
- GAZ-21T is a taxi car equipped with a taximeter and a "beacon".
- GAZ-22 is a five-door station wagon. From 1962 to 1970 it was produced in several versions: "civilian" model, "ambulance", aircraft escort car, etc.
- GAZ-23 is a modification for the police and special services. Produced in small batches from 1962 to 1970. Such cars were equipped with a gasoline engine from "Chaika", V8, with a volume of 5.5 liters and a capacity of 195 horsepower with a 3-speed automatic transmission.
- GAZ-21S is an export version of the Volga. In comparison with the standard model, it had an improved interior finish and richer equipment.
The advantages of the GAZ-21 "Volga" include its elegant appearance, comfortable interior, reliable body structure, durable and energy-intensive suspension, high maintainability. Among the shortcomings, mention should be made of low-power motors, ergonomic problems and poor safety.
Volga GAZ-24
The development of the GAZ-24 began back in 1958, but was officially presented only in 1966. Serial production began in 1969.
Compared to the previous model, the GAZ-24 was a technical breakthrough. From 1972 to 1978, the car underwent changes in appearance, interior and mechanics, which marked the beginning of the "second series" of the model.
In 1985, the "third generation" of a model called GAZ-24-10 appeared. Technically, this modification has changed very much, and was produced until 1992, when it was replaced by the GAZ-31029 model.
The body of the GAZ-24 is quite simple, but elegant and solid in its own way. The interior of the 24 model is spacious, but the seating is not very comfortable due to the almost complete lack of lateral support. This car has a capacious trunk - 500 liters, but its shape is not very convenient, moreover, the spare wheel “eats up” a lot of space.
The GAZ-24 "Volga" has a four-cylinder gasoline engine with a volume of 2.4 liters and a capacity of 90-100 horsepower, depending on the modification. The car has rear-wheel drive and a four-speed gearbox. The first hundred kilometers GAZ-24 gains in 20-22 seconds, having a maximum speed of 140-150 km / h. Fuel consumption is 12.5 liters per 100 km on the combined cycle.
In addition to the basic version, "24", it was produced in other versions:
- GAZ-24-01 - to work as a taxi. The car has a derated engine, the green light is "free" and the interior is made of leatherette.
- GAZ-24-02 (GAZ-24-12) is a five-door station wagon (years of manufacture - from 1972 to 1992), with a five- or seven-seater transformable interior.
- GAZ-24-95 is an all-wheel drive version of the sedan, which was created using GAZ-69 units. This car served the "elite" of the country for hunting and outdoor activities (only five such cars were produced).
- GAZ-24-24 (GAZ-24-34) - version of the vehicle for special services. Its feature is a 5.5 liter V8 engine from "Chaika" with a capacity of 195 horsepower, a 3-band "automatic", more durable technical stuffing and the presence of a power steering.
The Volga 24 model is a reliable and durable car with a classic design, spacious interior, energy-intensive suspension, large trunk and high maintainability. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the high fuel consumption, not very good dynamics and rather difficult control of this car.
Volga GAZ-31029 and GAZ-3110
The production of the GAZ-31029 Volga sedan started in the spring of 1992. This is the next update of the GAZ-24-10 model. This modification received new equipment, was technically refined, but was produced for a short time. In 1997, it was replaced by the GAZ-3110 model.
The serial production of GAZ-3110 was timed to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the Gorky Automobile Plant. This car, in addition to the external update, received many technical innovations.
In 2003, the model was finalized, after which it was produced until 2005.
GAZ-3110 "Volga" has unpretentious body outlines, but at the same time it looks quite solid due to its large dimensions. The exterior of the car is recognizable.
This model was equipped with different engines, a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Gasoline engines had a volume of 2.3-2.5 liters (131-150 horsepower), and diesel engines had a volume of 2.1 liters (95-110 horsepower). The maximum speed of the GAZ-3110 is 155-183 km / h, and it picks up 100 km / h in 13.5-19.0 seconds.
GAZ-3110 "Volga" - had modifications of a cargo-passenger model, a taxi and an ambulance.
The main reasons for the popularity of this model are the spacious interior, solid dimensions, relatively low price, good maintainability and excellent ride quality. Among the shortcomings, it should be noted high fuel consumption, poor build quality, low body corrosion resistance and poor sound insulation.
Volga GAZ-31105
The next incarnation of the Volga is the GAZ-31105 model, which was published in 2004. The car was technically improved and externally changed.
In 2006, the sedan received an engine from Chrysler and was modified, and in 2008 it underwent a restyling of the exterior and interior. The model was produced until 2010.
The interior of the GAZ-31105 "Volga" looks solid and attractive - a four-spoke steering wheel, a modern dashboard with an on-board computer, a central console with an analog clock and a radio tape recorder.
The front seats, despite the almost complete absence of lateral support, have comfortable shapes and settings. The second row offers plenty of space and a comfortable sofa with an armrest in the center.
GAZ-31105 was equipped only with gasoline engines with a volume of 2, 4-2, 5 and a capacity of 100-150 horsepower. They all work with a 5-speed manual transmission and are traditionally rear-wheel drive. The maximum speed of these cars is 163-178 km / h, and the acceleration from zero to hundreds is 11, 2-14, 5 seconds.
"Volga" model GAZ-31105 was produced in several versions: a car for a "taxi" service and an extended version of a sedan for a "executive" car or VIP-taxi (produced from 2005 to 2007)
Model 31105 has many advantages: good driving characteristics, comfort when moving, solid dimensions and spaciousness, excellent maintainability and low cost. The disadvantages are low reliability, poor sound insulation and inaccurate handling.
