GAZ 21 (volga)

    In 1953 at the Gorky Automobile Plant. Molotov was decided to develop a completely new model of the car, which would replace the conveyor outdated by the standards of the global automotive fashion, the legendary M-20 "Victory". Created a design team led by A. Nevzorov at the end of the 53rd year, has begun to develop the car. Strong influence on the development of a new model body designs have the "Ford" - "ancestor" of the gas. Machine Design developed the Leo Eremeev.

Already in 1954, when the design of the project was approved, the construction of prototypes. They were equipped with experimental OHV engine with hemispherical combustion chamber and a chain-driven camshaft. The new car was developed two transmissions - automatic and manual. Both were three-way. The main gear was not the first hypoid as on models manufactured after 1957, the year, and the cone. The car had independent front suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers lever. Back, common, independent on the longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs. Tires 6,70-15. With the bonnet of the car soared chrome deer. From him at the center hood to the windshield was wide molding. Grille with 10 vertical holes. The rear lights have included parking lights, brake and turn signals - three in one red lens and reversing lights in steel chrome salary. "Volga" are equipped with a three-band radio as standard equipment. The exceptions were modified taxi - "21A" (later "21T"). By taxi instead of whole front sofa set two separate chairs. There was in these modifications and the cigarette lighter. Large round clock with the words in a half-circle of the "Made in the USSR" is installed on all versions of the car.

In 1955, the government began May 3 tested three samples of "Volga" - both with automatic transmission and one with a manual. Part of the test was run Moscow - Crimea and back. "Volga" must go, where is the "Victory", and tests have shown that it is even better than its predecessor on patency.

First production models, in which the technology of conveyor assembly, collected October 10, 1956-year. A full-scale conveyor assembly in December 1956 - the official start date of the car model M-21 "Volga".

The first cars were equipped with central lubrication system (DCS). When you press the pedal to the special liquid oil came from a tank on the oil line to the 19-point grease the front suspension and steering rod joints. From a system that was abandoned in 1959 in favor of the traditional rubber bushings and grease fittings.

From the earliest prototypes, hood "Volga" decorated figure frozen in a dynamic pose deer. The choice of this animal as a heraldic emblem had deep roots - deer have long depicted on the coat of arms of Nizhny Novgorod. Nakapotnaya stylized figure had traditional emblems of cars in the form of animals proportions and stance.

Figurine of a deer had some differences depending on the year of the car, and draw images of the prototypes across those that have separate shows deer antlers and a higher level of detail than serial.

In all the "Volga" with regular set "deer" with the plant, in addition to the statues, the hood had long cast longitudinal trim, which is a continuation of the sculptural legs deer, clear (not red) plastic stand and the so-called "boat" - a pointed end portion of the molding encircling the stand.

From the appearance of the "Volga" nakapotnaya her figure was very popular, were frequent cases of theft statuettes bonnet of the car for sale or a kind of "collectibles." Therefore, and because of its high cost and - most importantly - traumatic, even in the late fifties figure deer stopped to put on export cars and taxis, replacing it with "drop" - travmobezopasnoy streamlined shape elongated shape. In 1962, all the ornaments off the hood of the "Volga" was removed - and the deer stand, and drop, and the longitudinal trim of two parts.

On the "Volga" the first issue facing front end was in the same style as the "Victory" last series (1955-1958) - three horizontal chrome bar. The upper beam was laid on the hood and the bottom to confine the edges turn indicators. Composition crowned five-pointed star. The appearance of the cladding on the first series of machines - is another story. On mandatory display of experimental vehicles in the Kremlin did not like the front end design of GK Zhukov. The factory in Moscow was given urgent cond injective: remake. Altered. Star Marshal could not be to the liking. In 1958, when the captain fell into disgrace, has come a new directive - remake. By the time it was released about 31 thousand "Volga" with the star.

Own motor car was only in 1957. It was an overhead valve engine. Camshaft drive carried textolite helical gears. The cylinder block and head cast in aluminum alloy. Cooling jacket was a "wet" liners. In modern engines, "Volga" working volume remained the same as in the first, - 2.445 liters. To "GAZ-21" and "GAZ-21", he gave 70 liters. with. at 4000 rev. / min. and maximum torque of 17 kg at 2200 rev. / min. On the "Volga" was first in the local car was commercially used automatic transmission. It was a "Spark" torque converter and planetary 3-speed manual. However, there was napryazhenka with quality oils and high quality service. Ordeals of 700 owners of cars with guns led to the fact that since 1958, the year the "Volga" were installed only a mechanical 3-speed gearbox.

Modification of the "Volga" are divided into three main lineup. In common parlance, "the star", "shark mouth" and "baleen". In fact, the plant changed four times the index base model. And at the beginning of the production of new versions were produced each time a significant number of so-called "transitional" models. For example: at the end of 1958 produced the "Volga" with index 21B, but with a new front bumper, radiator grille with vertical holes, etc.

So, the start of serial production of "Volga" is dated December 1956 year. Issued two vehicle modifications: basic general-purpose model - M-21B, and modification for a taxi - M-21G. Taxis are different from the basic model is installed with radio counter, warning lamp and green seats, upholstered in leatherette type tekstovinit (base model was upholstered with elements avtobima (also leather), gamma upholstery depend on the color of the body).

On cars are upgraded nizhneklapannym "pobedovsky" engine, bored and 2432 cu. see power 65hp The main gear was a spiral-bevel.

Another characteristic of the distinctive elements of these particular vehicles, the first issue was finishing frame rear window. This item was placed on all versions up to the third quarter of 1958, the first year.

The first production of "Volga" nitroemalyu painted and produced from the Belgian steel.

In May 1957, the "Volga" began installing a new overhead valve engine, created especially for her. Simultaneously started the installation of rear axle with hypoid final drive. With the introduction of these innovations changed the factory index basic model in the M-21B. Taxi received index M-21A.

Then have started making modifications to export with enhanced by increasing the compression ratio engine. Its index - M-21d.

In 1958 he started producing versions with automatic transmission. Basic general-purpose model has an index and M-21. The modification to export installed forced induction engine, this car has received index M-21E. Unfortunately, the production of "Volga" with automatic transmission was discontinued in the year due to lack of conditions in the country to ensure proper care for the "automatic".

Since the beginning of 1959 the car has undergone major exterior changes. Installed a new radiator grille with 16 vertical holes, front bumper and sidelights. On cars are a new form of the instrument panel (speaker receiver removed first), and reducing the size of the radio. On the rear fenders the rubber aprons - mudguards. On the back of the front seat and put the soft rail ashtray for rear passengers, and the rear lights have introduced reflective element - reflectors. Appeared windscreen washer, later upgraded.

In addition to external changes in the factory applied primer body immersion, which greatly increased the corrosion resistance of the machine. Longevity Body "Volga" was determined by its corrosion protection, not of iron, as we often hear. The thickness of the bottom plate and the roof was only 1.1 mm, and parts of feathers and even less - 0.9 mm. But the "black" box besides cleaning and etching exposed phosphatization and then primed by immersion. After drying, the body "dipped" for the second time and re-dried. Primed surfaces manually aligned. At the bottom of both sides of anti-sprayed mastic, which, in essence, is an additional layer of protection. Very thoroughly coated with her joints and wheel arches. Only after that the body stained synthetic enamel.

The new models have the following indexes: base version - M-21I, modification for export - M-21K - differed from the base uprated engine and chrome belt molding, extending along the lower edge of the glass body. Taxis index has not changed - the M-21A.

In 1960 he changed the polarity of the vehicle electrical system: the body is fed the "minus" (instead of "plus" on the first models). Started the installation of telescopic shock absorbers instead of levers and fine filter fuel. Eliminated centralized chassis lubrication. On the part of the car instead of the coarse and fine filters are clean install centrifugal oil filter. However, due to its unreliability, soon returned to the original scheme

In 1961, the plant began to install the roof sheathing with bezgvozdevym mount. Upgraded front seat (removed from the back deck legs).

When assembling the body began to use a single piece sidewall. Since their introduction the opportunity to adjust the position of the door in the opening.

In 1962, spending the last update external "Volga". Cars 'third series' different grille with 36 narrow slits, bumpers, lower decorative overlays, factory mark, Front and rear lights and license plate light. With the hood removed nakapotny ornament - "deer" or "drop". The interior used new upholstery. With the installation of new bumpers front tow hooks appeared. Was subjected to a major upgrade engine - its power increased to 75 hp Improved front suspension. With bumpers disappeared fangs. Themselves bumpers have become more refined. Chrome now covers only the upper part of them, and the lower apron, painted in body color. Front bumper in terms of acquired wedge. In the grille instead of the 16 large holes appeared narrow 36. The rear lights have lost their steel salary, together with reflectors were cast in plastic. New license plate light on the trunk got the form hovering seagulls.

Base version received index M-21L. Also made: M-21U with improved trim, M-21T - for a taxi (in 1963 it set separate front seats); export version - M-21M. The latter differs from the basic set chrome trim front and rear windows, lap pads, pads front and rear wings and the stylized words "Volga" in the front fenders. To export cars also were set boosted to 80 or 85 years hp engines.

Started producing modifications for export to countries with left-hand traffic. The model has received index M-21E. Distinguish it from 21M were in the right location of the controls.

Simultaneously with the release of "third series" started mass production car based on the M-21 with the body of the "universal". The base model has a code of M-22. Modification of "universal" for the export index was M-22M and differs from the basic set of decorative elements like chrome model M-21M. Also, it was possible engine power setting of 80 or 85 hp

Modification of the 22 th to be used as an ambulance - M-22B. Interior divided by a partition into the driver's compartment and sanitary. In the latter mounted stretchers, and there were two seats. In the driver's seat compartment installed separately; receiver were equipped model does not. Sanitary modification, intended for export, the designation M-22BM.

In 1962, GAZ-21, 195-strong set dvigatelV8 of "The Seagull", automatic transmission, and a modification called "GAZ-23". Exclusive customer "GAZ-23" was the KGB. This car was heavier than the base for more than 100 kg, and developed an average speed of 160 km / h, a top speed of hundred for 16 seconds (compared to 34 seconds for the "GAZ-21L"). Brake booster under the hood compartment has no place, and the braking system is unchanged.

Interior of these vehicles was sometimes decorated with rich, there were additional ceiling lighting is often installed leather seats, headlamp-finder and other equipment, used insulation.

Externally, the car is no different from the serial 21st. And even two pipe exhaust system reduces underneath in one pipe. Car version 23A was developed originally as a basic modification of the car with a manual transmission, which later turned out to be able to work with such a powerful engine. Therefore, in the "series" went car with an automatic transmission and no letter index. There was the same machine 23B - export version 23 - with chrome trim exterior.

From 1962 to 1970, was issued 603 "GAZ-23".

In 1964, the plant produced the latest upgrade of the "Volga". Externally, it is not changed. The car was reinforced front side members, roller bearings in the front hub. Was upgraded front seat: reduced height of the pillow and put adjustable backrest. Heater is installed more performance, upgraded windshield wipers. To improve temperature control engine redesigned pump. The modifications to the body "versatile" reinforced springs for larger capacity.

For vehicles that went into production in 1965, a group of U.S. experts, headed by E. Molchanov finished version restyling, not having gone into production. This project is sometimes conventionally referred to as "the fourth series of" GAZ-21.

If it was implemented, the GAZ-21 models in 1965 would have received a new futuristic rectangular contours of the grille with horizontal bars and blackening, molding on the side, the new, more modern caps. Overall, the car is well-known figures on the impression of futuristic, dynamic and visually pleasant enough. Of course, this project would significantly "rejuvenate" later editions of "Volga" in appearance.

However, for a variety of reasons (mostly having to 1965 almost completed project "Volga" new generation - GAZ-24), the project was not implemented, and the model 1965 does not differ in appearance from the model in 1962.

The designation of modifications "Volga" letter "M" was replaced by "GAS" - the base model designated GAZ-21R. Taxi - GAZ-21T.

For export produced three versions. GAZ-21US differs from the basic set of chrome trim elements, the engine - standard, 75 hp The modification GAZ-21C mounted 80-horsepower engine, as it was different from 21US exterior mirrors and chrome lip on the end of the exhaust pipe. For countries drive on the left produced a modification GAZ-21H, which mans like 21C, but had mounted gearshift lever on the floor.

Base version with a body "versatile" received index GAZ-22B. Export - GAZ-22g. Sanitary index model had GAZ-22e, it reinforced springs have not set.

In 1958, the Soviet automobile exposition at Brussels International exhibition was awarded the "Grand Prix". Given that such exhibitions collected the cream of the global industry, and competition "Car of the Year" was not yet invented, the best car of the year 1958, at least in Europe, can be considered "GAZ-21" and "GAZ-13". In Belgium, the "Volga" dubbed "tank on wheels." In Finland and Norway - "tank in evening dress." In England, where it sold 15 vehicles (right-hand drive version with "21E"), the "Volga" spoken of as a "work horse." (For export to the drive on the left was released about 100 cars, most of which went to Indonesia.) Wherever it was sold, the car has proven to be an extremely reliable and low maintenance.

Lineup GAZ-21 "Volga" in 1964 produced almost no change to the end of production. Last GAZ-21 "Volga" off the line Gorky Automobile in 18 hours and 40 minutes of July 15, 1970-year. It was a modification 21US color "anthracite." Just 13 and a half years, was released 638,875 vehicles M (GAS) - 21 and its modifications.