GAZ-24 "Volga"

GAZ-24 "Volga" — is the car for the middle class, designed for a wide range of consumers. It was mass-produced at the Molotov plant from 1970 up to 1978

The famous GAZ-21 was at the peak of popularity for many years and due to a number of innovations had been leaving behind many of its competitors. But closer to the 60-s years of the twentieth century this car has already looked a little outdated and therefore it was given the mission to the designers of the Gorky plant to take up the search for the new solutions and the development of a new "Volga".

A bit of history

The first works on the creation of GAZ-24 were started in 1961, which were taken over by the chief designer of the Gorky plant Alexander Nevzorov. The designers N. Kireev and L. Tsikolenko were developing the outside appearance. From the very beginning there was no clear pattern depicted, that is why several embodiments of a new GAZ were being developed simultaneously and each of them was made for different engines. They decided to use not only the four cylinder 2.5-liters engine (by the way, from the predecessor GAZ-21) and eight-cylinder V-shaped 3-liters one, but also the 5.53-liters eight-cylinder and four-cylinder diesel (most likely - only for imports).

research of "Volga" production prototype, 1959-60 years

Only 4 years after both appearance and specifications of the new car were finally developed. In such a fairly major upgrade the positive role was played by the fact that precisely at that moment of time the plant itself was also experiencing a major upgrade and got a lot of modern equipment. This allowed to implement all the plans without a lot of difficulties.

American counterparts - AMC Rambler (on the top) and Mercedes-Benz W111 (on the bottom)

Like the previous models of GAZ, the new Volga was created catering the American auto industry. We can see it not only in the "stuffing", but also in the appearance. GAZ-24 was not particularly different for Europe also (as well as for the USSR) it was a well-deserved "average". The only thing that the domestic model can boast with is the fact, that a lot of equipment, which was offered for imported cars as optional, was included in GAZ-24 in the standard model and that is why GAZ-24 met the needs of the demanding buyers. It was not easy to cope with the body design for the construction people, trying to create a modern car, nobody wanted to copy the one of someone else. As a result, for "the final" verdict about six full-size production prototypes (with round and rectangular headlights) were presented. 

In the middle of 1967 the designers stated the official announcement of the upcoming release of a brand new GAZ and in the winter of 1968 this "Volga" was flaunting at the auto show in Kiev, which was held at ENEA (Exhibition of National Economy Achievements). During that year 32 prototypes, which were assembled by the bypassing technology, were released. A year later, this figure rose to 215 cars. But the official release date of GAZ-24 was on the 15th of July, 1970 and the reason of it is very simple - that day the Soviet Union commemorated the centenary of Vladimir Lenin, and it was decided to link this car to the name of the great leader.

"At the wheel" magazine’s figure, 1968

Design solutions of the updated "Volga"

Generally the appearance of the car was typical for that time and was very similar to the American models, although the lighting was close to the European one. Body lines look pretty strictly, its panels are simple and concise, and the glass did not have such a curve as the earlier models did, they only supplement that same "rigor." The roof had rounded corners and sharp edges defining its profile. The glass of the rear and front doors was cut diagonally across the corners, which served as windows. By the way, after a while that "function" was borrowed by some foreign designers. But there were some elements, which strongly individualized GAZ-24 from the rest of the cars, for example: rear rack, decorated with chrome lining, mold-pressed air collector on the hood and air vents. By the way, there were quite interesting looking "fins" on the rear fenders and corbelled rigidity ribs on the front wings (they didn’t perform any special role, but helped the driver to feel the size of the car better).

Control Panel of GAZ-24

The radiator grille had a V-shape, a slight tilt forward and a peculiar pattern, called "whalebone" by the people. The horizontal molding was located all over the width of the radiator grille. Both parking lights and turn signals had a classic European design. Looking at the car from behind, the vertical hexagonal lanterns, which further emphasize the broad dimensions of this model, strike your eye. Initially the headlights were installed separately, but then they were transferred to the lights, thereby simplifying the entire structure. The scheme of the lights work was standard: red - a stop light, white - a back up, and orange - the turn signals.

Volga had relatively few decorating items. Some of them were silver molding with sharp corners and the emblem of "Volga" on the front and the rear of the body. The design of the door handles with large convenient buttons remained the same. The bumper had a protective rubber strip and was secured without the usage of additional hidden bolts. The license plate was mounted on a special folding platform under the front bumper. In addition, two mirrors on the wings and automatically retractable antenna (it was on the right wing) were provided. As for the color of the car, quite simple and unobtrusive colors were chosen. For domestic sales, cars were stained in blue-gray, white, lemon (for taxis) or gray colors. All other colors were used either for export or were painted for the customized dignitaries. Sometimes you can find duotone Volga cars, but as a rule they were imported models that had already been repainted abroad.

Base car interior of GAZ-24

As for the interior of GAZ-24, it was also quite simple and almost austere. Modest lining, minimum of equipment and muted colors did not cause the wild emotions, but were not intrusive as well. But many people liked it, because the cabin was spacious and wide enough, the sofas (until 1977 they were set both at the back and at the front) were soft, comfortable and had the armrests. The front panel was flat, symmetrical and minimalist (even the tachometer was absent), its covering was made of textured matt chromium, which later was reupholstered with the “wood” covering. Another interesting fact was that there was a tape speedometer, where the speed was displayed via the scroll of red ribbon with the numbers from the left to the right. Wheel and all handles were made of black durable plastic, but the latter ones had additional white decorative inserts (which were replaced by the black ones after a while).

Actually all control devices were of "American-style", and therefore somewhat unusual for the Soviet population. For example, a button to switch low and high beam, as well as - the accelerator pedal were on the floor, and the "handbrake" was under the dashboard. All other buttons and switches (headlights, heating, washers, "tray" ...) were placed horizontally in a row, both right and left of the steering wheel. Color of the sofas was harmoniously combined with the color of door trim (until 1977 it was a combination of the pile fabric and vinyl, and there were used exclusively red, gray or brown colors). Sometimes it was possible to find velour or plush upholstery trim, but they were made exclusively to the orders of the dignitaries. All modifications of GAZ-24 had a tri-band receiver which received waves of different lengths (short, medium and long) and some models were supplemented by short-wave extension under the main radio. Export samples were equipped with a receiver, receiving FM-range and having only English symbols.

General characteristics and technical features of GAZ-24

engine of GAZ-24

The new "Volga", as well as its predecessor, was rear-wheel drive, but the base itself had become 10 cm higher which allowed taking the sofa out of the rear wheels making it wider. Carrying body of the car had a welded engine mounting and differed with such an arrangement, which guaranteed good unitizing to any of its types (wagon, taxi, sedan, etc.). In comparison with GAZ-21, the 24-th model became as much as 13 cm lower and correspondingly did not meet state standards (the front not contemplated area was 1.5 cm longer than valid). But this decision had played a positive role in the drivability at high speed, as well as the comfort of the passengers sitting in it, because the car was much less "shaking" during off-road driving. By reducing the length of the body and increasing the turning points of the front wheels, the maneuverability of the vehicle was improved.

the first sketch of the trunk of GAZ-24

The four-cylinder engine had a fairly simple and typical structure for those times - eight drive valves were located in the cylinder barrel head (2 pieces) with the help of long hoses and a rocker. The cylinder block itself, the pistons, the cylinder head and the intake manifold were made of the light aluminum alloys. As the cartridges were interchangeable (they were called "wet"), the repair of the engine had become much easier. One of the features of “Volga” engine was the fact that it was less forced and this fact in turn had a positive impact on the traction force of the car, especially at low speeds or during the usage of any greasing substances. GAZ-24 accelerated to 100 km / h in just 19 seconds, and thus the top speed was 145 km. Yes, the indicators were not the best, but they were acceptable for the 70s.

layout scheme of GAZ-24

By the way, one of the important innovations was a synchronized gearbox, brake system with separate drives and self-retracted cylinders, full-flow oil filter, shock absorbers of telescopic type, as well as - RWD parking brake. Volga’s shaft drive was double hinged, but the rear axle had the split crankcase, similar to the carters of Timken company. Rear axle of GAZ-24 was noticeably lighter, hypoid and had split crankcase. Chassis differed with its simplicity and conservatism, but it ensured the durability of all details. Pivot front axle was forged, it had very strong cross member and levers. Spring rigging rear suspension had telescopic shock absorbers, but elongated unsymmetrical leaf springs had broader sheets, which improved the suspension itself and the lateral stability of the car. Steering wheel had rear-rods, their hinges were equipped with the inserts made of plastic. The steering wheel itself had two spokes and the hub was slightly recessed. The shoe drum brakes had a hydraulic drive and automatic adjustment of the gap. The diameter of the drum was 11 inches and it ensured excellent dynamics of brakes together with the engine power and the opportunity to drive at fairly high speeds.

In addition, the knowhow of the Soviet automobile industry was a hydro-air-free amplifier which, in fact, was a full replica of the node Girling Power Stop and modern interior heating function blowing not only the front, but the rear window as well. Although the new "Volga" had gained quite ergonomic and modern layout, we should pay our attention to a few of its disadvantages. Firstly it is a discrepancy of proportions and angles of the lowered roof with a doorway, making getting into the car a bit difficult. Secondly it is inconvenient trunk with excessive loading height and complicated access to its front wall. Although the trunk itself may rather boast with a more convenient and reliable lock.

Technical characteristics of GAZ-24

Manufacturing and exports

The history of production of this car can be divided into three stages, although actually it consists of two. "The third series" was a subject to very serious modernization and it received index GAZ-24-10, so it does not belong to GAZ-24 itself, it is considered to be a separate model.

Volga of the "first series" release, in the period from 1968 to 1977

In the early years “Volgas” were produced in small batches and each of them had its own differences. Designers constantly had to test cars, to correct errors, to use certain developments and to improve the car. First of all rear mirrors had to be fixed, which was inconvenient in practice. As a result, the left mirror was moved to the driver's door and the right was excluded completely. Furthermore reliable trunk lock and springs were installed, and because of the inaccuracy of indicators ribbon speedometer, it was replaced by the usual one - the pointer. By the way, a few years later the designers decided to establish rear parking lights, which were always lit while opening the passenger door.

The "second life" of the car began in 1977, when upgrading was performed of not only the technical side, but also of its appearance. Bumpers got a sort of "fangs", which emphasized the severity and aggressiveness, as well as - fog lights. Rear lights were additionally equipped with headlights. All metal parts of the interior were covered with upholstered fabric or leatherette. It made the interior more comfortable, cozy and safe. Taking care of the passengers, the designers had installed seat belts, although they had to give up arms.

Interior of exported RHD "Volga"

Soviet "Volga" was very popular in many European countries and even in those which considered to be more developed in terms of automobile production. Every year thousands of Soviet cars were imported as assembled and in the form SKD (sets for further assembly). It is worth noting that the most popular was the model with the economical diesel engine and foreign dealers often changed the interior design or the color solution of GAZ-24.

Major modifications of the twenty-fourth "Volga"

GAZ-24-01 – taxi with a marked body sedan, with derated engine ZMZ-24-01, taximeter, green light (free)

taxi sedan model 24-01

The five-doors station wagon GAZ 24-02

GAZ-24-03 – ambulance 

GAZ-24-04 – taxi sedan . 

GAZ-24-24 – limited car for special services with an improved engine, higher speed of driving (up to 170 km / h) and the reinforced body. It was widely known as "catch-up". 

model GAZ-24-24, designed for special services ("catch-up")

GAZ-24-95 — limited edition with four-wheel drive and the absence of frame. Totally only 5 copies were produced, one of which went to Brezhnev, and others - to the high-ranking military, police and in the regional committees.

Gas 2495 restored by Avtoclassika.

Interesting facts and memorable events

Volga was often used at Soviet competition, and was one of the most powerful participants. Its drivers had quite a reputation for aggressive and just reckless riders, every race often finished with serious injuries. By the way, GAZ-24 constantly took part in various races up to the 2000s

In 1976, the plant "Radon" (and then the plant "Agate" joined to it) held the mass-production of the souvenir toys GAZ-24 in the scale 1:43. The first people to buy them were only the readers of the magazine "Autolegends of the USSR» #9, where the toys were attached as a gift.

Toy GAZ-24, which was attached to the magazine "Autolegends of the USSR" #9

British band «Depeche Mode», shooting the video «Stripped» in 1986, used a black Volga in many shots. People liked to call the car "barge" (freighter

GAZ-24 Convertible was quite rare, which was produced even not by Gorky plant, but by Bronnitsky plant only before grand military parades.

Rare copy of the Volga Convertible, presented in one of the museums

This car had also found its fame in such movies as "Office affair" and "People and mannequins", as well as in the TV series "Chernobyl zone of estrangement"

"Volga" in one of the episodes of the movie "Office affair"