GAZ-24

M-24 prototype (photo dated 1967). Some prototypes had quad headlights. First prototypes were built in 1966.

"Pre-serial" Volga depicted on Soviet 1971 10 kopeks post stamp

Development of the GAZ-24 (then called M-24) finished in 1966 when several prototypes were built.[1] The Volga GAZ-24 was unveiled towards the end of 1967.[2] However, only 32 units were built in 1968).[3] primarily for road tests, with another 215 units built in 1969.[4] 1968/69-built Volgas are often called "pre-serial" because full-scale manufacturing started only in 1970 (18,486 units built). Distinctive feature of the very first several prototypes were two outside rearview mirrors fixed on front fenders. Most of the pre-serial and all serial cars got one mirror placed on front left door.[5]

The GAZ-24 was developed to replace the outdated Volga GAZ-21 developed in the 1950s. The new Volga had a longer wheelbase (2,800 mm (110 in)) than the GAZ-21 (2700 mm (106 in), but slightly shorter overall length (4,735 mm (186.4 in) compared to 4,810 mm (189 in)) ) and was substantially lower at 1,490 mm (59 in)) compared to 1,620 mm (64 in). Width remained untouched. Long wheelbase, boxier styling, bucket seats with lower bases and flat roof made the new Volga generously sized inside, with comfortable five- or six-passenger seating. The car was designed to last for years in severe road conditions, and its reinforced unibody construction gave the Volga extra weight if compared to foreign analogues. Yet power steering was not even an option, and it gained the nickname "barzha" (barge).[4]

Standard engine was aluminium-block overhead valve 2,445 cc (149.2 cu in) ZMZ-24D inline-four producing 95 hp (71 kW; 96 PS) with one twin-choke carburetor. Only a four-speed manual transmission with floor-mounted shifter was offered (though GAZ did prototype an automatic, a column-shift manual, and a three-speed manual with overdrive).[6]

The GAZ-21 trim lines ("standard" and "improved") were dropped, all GAZ-24 Volgas had similar trim. No specific options or extras were listed, but standard equipment included self-adjusting power drum brakes with front/rear split brake system, three-wave radio with power antenna, interior safety padding, central armrests (both front and rear), alternator, three-speed windshield wiper and foot-operated windshield washer, heater with defroster, rear window defogger, electric clock, and trunk and engine compartment lights. Early cars had "ribbon" speedometers,[7] with gauges that filled up with red, in a thermometer fashion. The interior was available in three colours – red, brown or light gray. Interior colour selection was often in contrast to the color of the exterior.[8] Official cars were almost always black outside and red inside.[8] The dashboard was made of aluminium and painted in exterior colour, the upper part covered with safety padding and black vinyl.

Some features of the Volga's styling were thematically quite similar to those of the GAZ-21, such as the vertical tail lights, so-called "baleen plates" grille, tiny fins on rear fenders. One of the most recognizable features of the GAZ-24 Volga sedan styling are chromed rhombic vents on the C-pillar. Among other distinctive features can be mentioned dashboard handles with "ivory" plastic inserts, two chromed "fangs" under front bumper, large two spoke steering wheel and large chromed parking brake handle placed under the dashboard on the right.

The GAZ-24 was displayed at the London Motor Show in 1970.[9] Full-scale manufacturing started 15 July 1970.[10] Export sales began in 1971.[9] During 1970-74 the Volga remained almost unchanged. Only minor modifications took place in 1972-73, when the car got new trunk decklid lock, flat ashtrays in rear doors instead of early ashtrays that were built in rear doors armrests, new rear bumper and new radio with more pleasant appearance and modified construction. In 1973 dashboard with simulated wood insert appeared (also there was a "silver" grained finish, used until 1974). After 1973, the ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to under the steering wheel to prevent knee injuries in road accidents, although that was inconvenient for the driver. Also in 1974, the Volga got additional C-pillar parking lights on (something like opera lights). The 24-01 was joined in 1977 by the 24-07, which was fitted to use liquified propane.[9]

The original strip speedometer was changed to dial 1975, the same year the ignition switch was moved from the dash to the steering column.[8] Beginning in 1977, seatbelts began to be offered.[8]

In 1978, about 1000 right-hand drive 24-56s were built for export to India, Pakistan, and Singapore; powered by the Peugeot XDP 4.90 engine, they were not assembled in Belgium, and were the last right-hand drive vehicles GAZ built.[8]

The Volga was a status symbol in the Soviet Union, being large and luxurious, with a three-band radio. Unlike the GAZ-21, however, for most of its production lifetime, it was not commonly available to the public;[8] those that were sold required a special permit to purchase them.[11] This would not begin to change until the 1980s.[11]

• 
  1974 Volga interior – "silver" finished dashboard, central armrest, aftermarket "NORMA" safety belts
• 
  ZMZ 24-01 low compression engine (standard in taxicabs and an available option on standard sedans)
• 
  Door panels before 1976
• 
  Turn signal and parking light
• 
  High/low beam selector, windshield washer pump, radiator louver control, hood release
• 
  1974 Volga taillight

First generation (1968–77)
Overview
Production	1970–1977
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door wagon 4-door convertible
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L ZMZ 24 I4 5.5 L ZMZ-2424 V8
Transmission	4-speed manual 3-speed automatic (V8 only)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110.24 in (2,800 mm)
Length	186.4 in (4,735 mm)
Width	70.86 in (1,800 mm)
Height	58.66 in (1,490 mm)
Curb weight	1,420 kg (3,131 lb)

Volga Estate

Taxi

A Volga taxi in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2007

Volga cars were almost the only taxis in the USSR. In 1971, the GAZ-24-01 taxi was introduced.[9] It had cheap and easy-to-wash all-vinyl interior,[12] low compression ZMZ 24-01 engine (85 hp, SAE 95 hp) able to run on 76 octane fuel (most commonly available in the Soviet Union),[9] taximeter under the dash, and distinctive checkerboard stripe on front doors. At first, Volga taxis were painted in different light colors; later, most taxis were painted in lime-yellow.[13] The GAZ-24 is still famous for its roadworthiness and durability. Volga taxicabs often have more than 1,000,000 km (620,000 mi) on their odometers, and several engine rebuilds. Taxicab drivers nicknamed GAZ-24 sedan "The Shrimp" due to its slim (compared to the GAZ-21, nicknamed "The Holy Cow") appearance and two "fangs" under front bumper that resembled shrimp's claws. Wagon taxis GAZ-24-04 (station wagons were used as cargo taxies) were nicknamed "The Shed" due to vast interior space; they had a payload of 400 kg (880 lb), thanks to stiffer rear springs.[9]

Pickup truck

GAZ-24-95

Volga-based pickup trucks were built by different car repairing plants all over the country. Exteriors differed.

In 1975 the car was slightly modified. It got another, more conventional speedometer, more convenient outside rearview mirror. Engine cooling system was modified to use antifreeze instead of water.[16]

V8-powered version

GAZ-24-34 V8 ZMZ-505.10 engine. GAZ-24-24 had almost the same engine (called ZMZ-2424), 24-34 is a later development of 24-24 produced after 1985

From late 1974, a V8 powered version was produced in small numbers, the GAZ 24-24.[15] It had aluminium 190 hp (140 kW) 5,530 cc (337 cu in) OHV ZMZ 503.10 V8,[15] dual exhaust, 3-speed automatic transmission (same as the Chaika), power steering, modified suspension, and a 105 L (28 US gal; 23 imp gal) fuel tank, but the same drum brakes of the standard Volga.[15] This modification is sometimes designated "device 2424", and was nicknamed "The Double" (for having a V8, rather than a straight four)[9] and "Chaser" (Russian: догонялка, dogonyalka). "Device 2424" was used by the KGB as interceptor and security car. The main function of the "2424" was an outrider vehicle accompanying governmental Chaika and ZIL limousines.

Second generation (1977-85)
Overview
Production	1977–1985
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door wagon
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L ZMZ-2401 I4 5.5 L ZMZ-2424 V8
Transmission	4-speed manual 3-speed automatic (V8 only)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110.24 in (2,800 mm)
Length	187.4 in (4,760 mm)
Width	70.86 in (1,800 mm)
Height	58.66 in (1,490 mm)
Curb weight	1,420 kg (3,131 lb)

In 1976-78 the car was completely refreshed. To improve the safety, bumperguards, yellow front fog lamps,[17] secondary turning signals on front fenders and seat belts (both front and rear) became standard equipment.[18] The car got modified interior. New dashboard consisted of aluminium body and two pieces of soft polyurethane foam padding. Upper door panels had the same construction. Lower door panels were completely different from the previous version. Seats got more convenient vinyl-and-cloth upholstery with cloth seat cushion. Due to installation of seatbelts front central armrest was eliminated. New interior was available in red, brown, yellow, lime green, dark green, dark blue, or black. Interior trim became non-reflective.

GAZ-24-10

From 1985 to 1992 GAZ produced an improved version, simplified for large-scale manufacturing – GAZ-24-10. This car was GAZ-24 body with improved 98 hp (73 kW) engine, revised mechanicals, heavily modified interior and many exterior differences (different headlights, flush door handles reducing the risk of pedestrian injury , ventless front doors, bumpers without bumper guards, plastic grille, plastic "aerodynamic" hubcaps, fewer bright metal parts, and so on). Also GAZ-24-12 station wagon, GAZ-24-11 taxicab and other versions were produced.

RAF-2203 "Latvija" van by Rīgas Autobusu Fabrika (in production 1976-97) was based on drivetrain and suspensions of GAZ-24 Volga.

GAZ-3102 Volga (produced since 1982) and almost all later GAZ passenger cars (31029, 3110, 31105) use central body shell of GAZ-24.

Wolga GAZ 24 of the East German Volkspolizei.

The GAZ-24 Volga was exported to many countries, from Indonesia and Latin America to Western Europe. Right-hand-drive export versions also existed. In Europe, one of the most popular Volgas were cars, both sedans and wagons, assembled in Antwerp by Scaldia-Volga S.A..[20] These cars were shipped to Belgium without engines, where they were fitted with Indenor diesels (the same as in the Peugeot 404),[21] a 2.1 litre unit with 62 PS (46 kW) until the 2300 D was introduced for 1980. The 2.3 litre XD2 has 70 PS (51 kW).[22] Those models were called M24D and M24DB (Break, station wagon), and there was also a "Luxe" version.[23] Standard Volgas with Soviet engines were sold as M24 and M24B (Break). Cars that were sold in Europe often had such features as metallic paint, simulated vinyl roof, leather interior and other luxuries. Station wagons sometimes had simulated "wood" decoration and often a rear window wiper and heater. These features were usually installed by local European GAZ dealers.

The petrol engine began disappearing from western European price lists towards the end of the 1970s. The Volga offered good value for money, with the retail price being lower than that of a Volkswagen Golf Diesel – however, the resale value was abysmal.[24] By late 1983, Belgian Volgas were also no longer available with sedan bodywork. The Diesel Break came either as the "N" (Normale) or the better equipped "GL".[25] The car was also sold in Austria, where importer ÖAF-Gräf & Stift referred to it as the "Wolga Attaché GAZ-24." ÖAF-Gräf & Stift stopped bringing in New Volgas after early 1981, although stock continued to be available until the end of the year and the company also kept providing occasional cars for Czech and Soviet diplomats stationed in Austria.[26] As in most European markets, the car found its main market amongst taxi drivers, who appreicated its low price and robustness, while being less concerned with resale values.[26]

• Kudriavtsev, Jury V. (1996). Volga GAZ-24 passenger car and its modifications. Argo Kniga. ISBN 5-88957-013-7.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to GAZ-24 Volga.

• DL24's site (in Russian)
• DL24's site
• Scaldia Volga M24D