The GAZ-24 "Volga" is a mid-size passenger car built by the Gorky Automobile Plant, which replaced the GAZ-21 on the assembly line. The official start of production is considered to be 15 July 1970; manufacture in various versions continued until 1992.[1][2] It was the most numerous "Volga" in the family's history.
Appearance
Prototypes of the new "Volga" were shown even before series production began: in the winter of 1968 the car was displayed at an automobile exhibition in Kiev, and 32 prototype units were built that year.[1] Series production began in 1970, and the first generation ran until 1978, after which the model was updated and remained on the assembly line until 1992.[1]
Modifications
In 1985 the car was modernized: the sedan received the designation GAZ-24-10, and the station wagon GAZ-24-12.[1]
Special versions for the security services formed a separate line: a "Volga" with a 5.5-liter eight-cylinder engine producing 195 hp and a three-speed automatic transmission — externally indistinguishable from a regular car. In 1974 an experimental four-wheel-drive modification was also built, in a run of just five units.[3]
Role
The GAZ-24 was a mid-level official car, a taxi, and an object of desire for private owners: the waiting list for one was measured in years. For The City of Gorky, the "Volga" became a calling card of the city on a par with the GAZ-13 Chaika" — it was known throughout the country precisely as the car from Gorky.
Sources
- avtoclassika.com — Avtoclassika — History of the GAZ-24 "Volga": overview and modifications (archive)
- zr.ru — Za Rulyom — The Volga GAZ-24: how the "new Volga" won hearts and why it lost them (archive)
- 5koleso.ru — 5 Koleso — The unknown "Volga": secret modifications of the GAZ-24 (archive)