GAZ M-21 Volga (second series, 1958)

GAZ M-21 Volga (second series, 1958).

Successor to Gaz M-20 Pobeda, developed in the first half of the fifties. Originally Soviet Union designers planned use of many innovative components, among others: automatic transmission and a central lubrication system of the front suspension and steering gear, but eventually abandoned these solutions (automatic transmission had only 700 copies, the lubrication system was used until 1961).

M-21 was comfortable and roomy car, thanks to the curved, panoramic panes driver had a very good visibility from the cab. Volga was the first Russian passenger car, which had a standard radio and windshield washers. Front wheel suspension was independent on the transverse control arms and coil springs, rear dependent on half eliptic leaf springs. Double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers are in front and in back.

In total, in the years 1956 – 1970 GAZ produced 639,478 copies in three main production series whhich differ mainly exterior styling and minor changes in the design. Interesting fact is that this model of the car was a hero legends distributed in Poland since the mid-60s with black Volga, which allegedly kidnapped children.

Specifications M-21 Volga (Series II)
Length: 4.81 m
Width: 1.80 m
Height: 1.62 m
Wheel base: 2.70 m
Curb weight: 1450 kg
Number of seats (capacity): 5 (425 kg)
Maximum speed: 125 km / h
Drive: petrol engine, inline, 4-cylinder GAZ-21A (later ZMZ-21A)
Capacity: 2445 cm3
Power: 70 hp
Average fuel consumption: 13.5 l / 100 km