The history of this legendary car began in 1953, when the talented (and at that time chief) constructor of car factory named Molotov, Andrey Lipgart, started the drawing of another "bomb" for the USSR motorists. Being the creator of “Pobeda” M-20 and having a long-term training in the United States at the Ford factory, he understood that even his "Pobeda" (which is one of the best cars of the time in the USSR) required significant modernization.
Full-scale plaster models M-21 "Homeland" ("Volga") and M-21 "Star"
And so, already by 1953, Lipgart picked up the drawing paper and began to elaborate a completely new model, called “M-21”. Many sources say that GAZ 21 is a kind of replica of Ford. But was it so? Lipgart, who took an active part in the development and modernization of these cars, only took over the invaluable experience that he was given by the American engineers and implemented them into a unique unit, which has for many years been living under the name of "Volga".
The birth of a new “Star”
In the end of 1953, Alexander Nevzorov was appointed the designer of a new model, and the design itself was entrusted to Leo Eremeev. From the very beginning to the end of the development of GAZ 21, many samples of the newest American car (Plymouth Savoy, Ford Mainline and Chevrolet Styline Deluxe) were taken into account and we can see some of their parts in the design and in the design of "Volga" as well . Only two years have passed since the start of the design, and 3 samples were ready to test on public. Updated GAZ had a capacity of 70 horsepower, each copy was equipped with overhead valve engine. But this type of engine had a hemispherical combustion chamber and was only experimental, so it has been through a lot of failures but finally it has not been approved for some serious production. One version of Volga had a manual transmission, and the other two - automatic (it was a sensation for the citizens of the Soviet Union at the time). These automatic transmissions were of three-stage, and the main gear had tapered shape (only a few years later it was released as hypoid).
Also, the first GAZ-21 had an independent front suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers; rear independent suspension on the springs; grille “Star”; rear lights, consisting of side lights; lenses; brake; spotlights and a reversing lamp. The interior was equipped with a radio operating in three ranges, the brand logo - a figure of a deer was installed on the hood. The probation route was the road "Moscow-Crimea" (round way). The results showed that both the mechanical and the automatic gearboxes coped with the difficulties on the road (mountains, sand, uneven surface, stones, etc.). As a result, in 1957 the very first "Volgas" rolled off to the market. But due to the poor economic situation of the USSR, as well as the lack of high-quality motor oils and highly service centers, GAZ 21 with an automatic transmission was limited only to 700 copies, the emphasis was placed on the manual one. The total amount of all released cars in the following 2 years was more than 30 thousand, the price of which was 17,500 rubles.
“The tank on the wheels” of the world scale
In 1958 "Volga" literally gained the “second life”. The modernization of the model significantly touched its appearance: the direction indicators were changed, the bumper got another, more subtle, form, and the radiator had 16 vertical holes instead of “Star” (therefore “Volga” was called the "Shark jaw"). The car interior became more comfortable, the finish of imitation leather was present at some versions of the car, as well as the wool covers for the seats and back sofa. That year is considered to be significant for “Volga” by the fact that it was presented at the International Motor Show and received the award “Grand Prix”. After that, the Soviet factory started to produce 4 versions at once: a regular sedan, “limited” version, taxi and export version. There was a huge demand both in Europe and beyond. This car had a lot of nicknames: “tank on the wheels”, “workhorse” and “tank in the tail-coat”. In any case it meant only one thing - this is one of the most prominent representatives of the automotive industry of the twentieth century, which instantly won the hearts of millions.
No wonder that closer to 1962, our “Volga” acquired the status of “the best car of the 60s”.
Not only its great popularity promoted this fact, but regular external changes as well. By getting rid of the acute form, the appearance of "Volga" had become more elegant and modern, a new grille, nicknamed “whalebone”, which consisted of 37-uprights, rear light illuminating the license plate had a form of a flying seagull.
By the way, in the same year, on special assignment, GAZ-23 was developed. It was completely secret modification of the car with a 160-horsepower engine V 8 “Chaika”, power steering and automatic transmission. Almost for 7 years only 603 copies were released not for public use, but only for special services.
In 1965 "Volga" the engineers of the Molotov plant started another (and as it turned out - the latter) modernization of “Volga”. Front-wheel drive vehicle was equipped with roller bearings, advanced wipers and more effective internal heater were installed, frame rail was significantly increased. It is known that there was even a project to complete restyling of GAZ-21 of the fourth generation developed, which, unfortunately, was not destined to become a reality. After all, in the summer of 1970 the production of all modifications was stopped and on 5 July “Volga GAZ-21УС” (numbered body - 334312) was last to leave the assembly line and still takes pride of place in the museum of the world famous factory of the Molotov. But no matter what, "Volga" even in our time is very valuable and demanded. It is loved both by modern drivers and connoisseurs of undying classics.
