GAZ-M21: specifications, photos

The GAZ-M21 is a Volga car that was manufactured for 14 years since 1956. The development of the car, which was later renamed GAZ-21, began in 1951. This happened because the previous model was very outdated and did not fit Under the standards and requirements of drivers. Even then, the idea of design was created, and it was adhered to all the time, until the car succumbed to the installation of new modifications. At that time aviation and rocket motives became popular, so the GAZ-M21 interface, whose photo below, immediately struck and attracted the attention of customers due to a restrained, but at the same time interesting and elegant appearance.

Design

If we take into account the general design elements of those years, then we can say for sure that the highly evolved accessories did not have a car. But for the Soviet Union the car looked fresh, interesting and attractive. Unfortunately, the interior of "Volga" quickly became faded, because the trends changed every year. Already by 1958 the design of the GAZ-M21 was obsolete and required updating.

The design of the car was changed in the 60's, then he acquired a European appearance. The model has become more conservative, strict and formal. Which became decisive when buying this option for government needs.

Features in the technical tuning

The GAZ-M21, the technical characteristics of which are described below, had the necessary tuning for traffic on the roads of the USSR. The elements of the car were somewhat like American models. The salon was designed for 5-6 people. This is due to the fact that the sofa in the second row has impressive dimensions. The engine, mounted on cars, has 4 cylinders and works paired with an automatic transmission. By the way, the latter was borrowed from the American company Ford. The body had the characteristic features of "Victory", the suspension is also taken from this car. The first was resistant to corrosion, especially stiffness and hardness, which ensured safe movement.

Prototypes of the GAZ-M21

The first prototype of the car had a cherry color. He, along with two other models, which were also the forerunners of the car under review, went on trial. Only one car was equipped with an automatic transmission, the rest - a mechanical one. On the external grounds they were also slightly different - another radiator grille, bumper, body, some decorating elements in the cabin, etc.

The prototype number four was designed in 1955 in the spring. He did not go to the test run. In the same period, this model and the other two received another grille.

Starting production

The very first versions of the GAZ-M21 model were put into production in 1956. During this period five copies were issued.

The tests of the model passed long enough and, perhaps, in extreme conditions. During the autumn-winter period the car passed 29 thousand km. He drove along the roads of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, the Caucasus. The final stage of testing was conducted in Moscow. During this period, a sufficient number of faults were identified, but most of it was eliminated almost immediately. Those that were not liquidated immediately, stayed with it until the end of the release of the model or after some time they were amenable to modernization.

Initial Release

The GAZ-M21 machine was in the pre-series release for two years. Several prototypes came to the public, which differed from each other in appearance and internal parameters. On the finalized series, they were completely different. Their distinctive feature was the chrome-plated set. However, over time, it was provided as an additional bundle and, accordingly, for some money. As unique features, it is possible to note the uncharacteristic appearance of the other cars for the front and rear doors.

Generations (or issues)

Collectors have special designations for different issues of the Volga. There are three series - 1957, 1959 and 1962. The tuning of the GAZ-M21 of different generations was similar, that is why it is practically impossible to understand which modification the car belongs to. First of all, this is due to the fact that a large number of models installed "non-native" units.

Also the main difference is the drainage. They are a small detail that surrounds the roof. These devices are used to prevent water from entering the interior.

Series №1

The first series of GAZ-M21, a photo of which is below, was produced two years, from 1956 to 1958. In the people this model is more known under the name "with a star". In the first year of production, only five cars came off the assembly line. The large-scale production began in 1957.

Initially, the first series was assembled with an engine from the "Victory". In some official sources it is stated that such a model was only issued for a certain period, and the number of cars was limited to a strictly set figure of 1100. However, this information is incorrect. "Volga" was produced with such an assembly almost to the end of production. Over the entire period, more than 30,000 copies were produced and bought.

Series №2

Since 1959, the second car series has been produced. Before the implementation, a small work was done on the external and internal characteristics. Basically, the changes have touched the interior. In February 59 the second modification was implemented. This time she touched the lights, the dashboard. Of course, as in all restyling versions, there are those details, changes that can not be noticed from the first. The GAZ-M21 is no exception.

The second series was developed with a slightly modified body, which has American motifs. However, such an option did not go into production. For all the years of production (from 1959 to 1962) more than 120 thousand cars came off the assembly line.

Series №3

This modification has become the most popular. The appearance of the previous series was obsolete rather quickly, but the manufacturer was not going to restyling the GAZ-M21. "Volga" in the third configuration was presented to a potential buyer with a new bumper and some details that were attached to the body. Over time, the radiator grille was transformed. After serious modernization, the exterior of the car has significantly changed - it has become more dynamic, easy. The model was often compared with the well-known car "The Seagull".

Along with the change of styling, we can note a small update in terms of technology. For example, a 75 horsepower engine has become much more powerful. A version with an automatic gearbox is completely removed from production.

Modernization of styling

The car was produced in two versions - with the usual interior and improved. The latter variant was distinguished by a set of chrome-plated and corrosion-resistant parts. Such a machine was produced more for export, although it was also supplied to the markets of the USSR. Moreover, the "luxury chrome" could be installed on absolutely any version of the "Volga", so it's impossible to say for sure whether it was produced from the assembly line.

There were also such options in which the additional finish could be the basic complete sets. First of all, we are talking about a car with an accelerated unit (for export) and with an average engine.

Four-wheel drive car

This version of the GAZ-21 did not go into mass production. The car with a full drive in the form of a sedan and the versatile person was issued. According to some versions, the last option even belonged to Brezhnev, on which he went hunting.

According to unofficial information, these specimens were a "collab" of several models of the Volga. The only thing, their uniqueness consisted in the fact that those units, which were put on the equipment, were intended for all-terrain vehicles. They were made not in factories, but in salons of maintenance, in garages, military units, etc.

The Red East

An interesting fact is that in China an analogue of GAZ-21 was made, which was completely identical to the original variant in terms of technical characteristics. The interior of the cars was radically different. On the domestic market "Red East" was delivered exactly 10 years. The units that were installed on the car were purchased from the USSR, and the bodies were made by hand.