What kind of car was called a boar: analysis of Soviet nicknames

The term “boar” in the Soviet automobile industry was most often assigned to heavy, powerful cars. GAZ-24 "Volga" second generation and their predecessors, but the exact origin of the nickname depends on the specific year of manufacture and body modification. Driving slang of the 70s and 80s gave this name to cars with a characteristic “humpbacked” rear end or a massive front end reminiscent of the snout of a wild animal. Understanding the etymology of this word is important for understanding the culture of servicing these rare specimens, since this name hides various technical solutions for engines and suspensions.

There is a persistent misconception that only truck modifications or specific racing cars could be called “boar,” but statistics of requests and archives of auto clubs confirm people’s love for the passenger sedans of the Gorky Automobile Plant. It was these cars, with their solid weight and characteristic engine sound, that were associated with strength and clumsiness at the same time. Engine ZMZ-24D, fitted to most of these cars, had enough torque to justify comparison with a powerful forest animal.

Owners of vintage cars are often faced with the need to search for original spare parts, and understanding exactly what model the seller meant by the name “boar” helps to avoid mistakes when purchasing. GAZ-21 with its rounded shapes and GAZ-24 with a more angular design had different approaches to the layout of units, which is critically important during restoration. Below we will examine in detail the technical aspects that gave rise to this nickname, and consider the operating features of these legendary machines.

Origin of the nickname and connection with the GAZ model range

Popular rumor is rarely accidental, and the nickname “boar” stuck to cars GAS for a reason. The main version says that the name came from the visual similarity of the front of the car with the lowered head of a boar. The massive radiator, heavy bumper and characteristic slope of the hood created a silhouette that was easily read in the traffic flow of the time. This was especially true for models with chrome “fangs” on the bumpers.

Another version connects the name with the behavior of the car on the road. A heavy car with soft suspension and inertial control could behave unpredictably in inept hands, “scouring” from side to side, like an angry beast. Rear-wheel drive layout with dependent spring suspension at the rear, it required a certain skill from the driver, especially in winter or on slippery roads.

⚠️ Attention: When restoring GAZ vehicles, it is important not to confuse attachments from different years of production. Bumpers and grille from later models may not fit earlier versions of the "hogs" due to changes in body geometry.

It is interesting that in different regions of the USSR this name could be interpreted differently. Somewhere only black government limousines were called “boar” GAZ-13 "Chaika" or GAZ-14, which were even more massive and more expensive. However, in the mass consciousness of taxi drivers and taxi drivers, it was the workhorse that remained the “boar” - Volga, which carried passengers and cargo daily.

Technical features of the ZMZ-24D and ZMZ-402 engines

The heart of most cars, which could be popularly dubbed “boar”, was the legendary engine ZMZ-24D. This 2.44-liter 4-cylinder unit developed about 95 horsepower, which was a very respectable figure for its time. The engine design with a lower camshaft (in early versions) and an aluminum cylinder block ensured good maintainability and endurance.

Later, with the modernization of the model, the engine replaced ZMZ-402, which retained the basic architectural solutions, but received a number of improvements in the gas distribution and lubrication system. It was these engines that produced that same low, growling sound at idle, which could also be associated with the growl of a beast. Carburetor K-126G or later K-151 required regular tuning for stable operation.

Drivers operating such vehicles needed to constantly monitor the temperature and oil level. The cooling system, although it was effective, could boil under prolonged loads or in traffic jams, requiring the owner to have quick diagnostic skills. ZMZ engine overheating could lead to serious consequences, including deformation of the cylinder head.

A feature of the engine was its torque at low speeds, which allowed the car to feel confident when fully loaded. However, fuel consumption during active driving could reach 13-15 liters per 100 km, which was considered a high figure for a passenger car, but was forgiven for reliability.

Suspension design and handling of a heavy sedan

The chassis of the cars of the Volga family, claiming to be a “boar”, was built according to the classical scheme. An independent pivot (in early versions) or ball suspension on wishbones was installed at the front, and a dependent leaf spring at the rear. This design ensured a smooth ride even on rough roads, but sacrificed control acuity.

Springs The rear suspension lost its elasticity over time, and the car began to “nod” when braking or squat when loading. This added some weight and clumsiness to the image of the car, which again echoed the image of a large animal. Replacing springs or installing additional leaves was a common maintenance procedure.

• 🔧 The front suspension requires regular lubrication of the kingpins (on early models) or checking the ball joints (on later models).
• 🔧 Rear springs often need to be replaced with stepladders and gaskets to eliminate squeaks.
• 🔧 Shock absorbers on such heavy vehicles work under intense pressure and are the first to fail.
• 🔧 The steering mechanism with a globoidal worm requires adjustment of the gearing to eliminate play.

The car's controllability directly depended on the condition of the tires and their pressure. The wide wheels of that time provided good grip but increased rolling resistance. The driver had to take into account the large turning radius and mass inertia when maneuvering in the city.

⚠️ Attention: Operating a car with a faulty front suspension (play in the kingpins or balls) at high speeds can lead to a “shimmy” effect (swaying of the front wheels) and loss of control.

To improve handling, many owners tuned the suspension, installing anti-roll bars from more modern models or changing the shock absorbers to gas ones. This made it possible to reduce roll when cornering and make the car's behavior more predictable.

Body features and corrosion problems

Car body GAZ-24 and its predecessors were distinguished by high strength and safety margins, but had weaknesses in terms of anti-corrosion protection. The metal used in the Soviet automobile industry was often not sufficiently processed, which led to the rapid appearance of rust in hidden cavities.

The most vulnerable places were considered to be the sills, wheel arches, bottom of the doors and the floor in the area where the battery is mounted. Water and dirt accumulating in these areas destroyed the metal from the inside. Corrosion could hide for years under layers of paint and anti-gravel, appearing only during major repairs.

Body area	Typical problem	Solution method	Difficulty
Thresholds	Through corrosion from below	Replacing or inserting a repair kit	High
Wheel arches	Blistering paint, holes	Cutting out rotten metal, welding	Average
Floor (under carpet)	Moisture rotting	Installation of patches, treatment with mastic	High
trunk lid	Edge corrosion	Stripping, priming, painting	Low

Owners of vintage Volgas are advised to regularly troubleshoot the body, tapping suspicious areas and checking the condition of the drainage holes. Timely treatment of hidden cavities with anticorrosive agent can extend the life of a car for decades.

Particular attention should be paid to the quality of welds during repairs. Unprofessional welding can disrupt the geometry of the body and accelerate the process of metal destruction in adjacent areas. Original body panels Today it is difficult to find, so you often have to use analogues or restore old ones.

Secrets of anticorrosion

Use bitumen mastics for the bottom and wax compounds (such as Movil) for hidden cavities. Never paint over rust without completely stripping it down to bare metal - this will only temporarily hide the problem.

Electrics and ignition system in retro cars

The electrical circuit of the GAZ-24 and GAZ-21 cars is quite simple to understand, but requires careful attention to the contacts. On-board voltage is 12 volts, and the mass is often attached directly to the body, which, if the contact is poor, causes many “floating” faults.

The classic ignition system included a distributor-distributor (distributor), an ignition coil and a switch (in later versions with a contact-transistor system). Adjusting the gap in the breaker contacts and the ignition timing was a key skill for the driver.

• 🔌 The breaker contacts required regular cleaning with a file and replacement of the capacitor.
• 🔌 High-voltage wires lost their insulation over time, causing a breakdown to ground.
• 🔌 The alternator often needed to replace the voltage regulator.
• 🔌 The starter had great power, but the shaft bushings required periodic replacement.

Modern owners often upgrade the ignition system by installing contactless ignition (BSI) from newer VAZ or GAZ models. This eliminates the need to constantly monitor contacts and improves engine starting in wet weather.

⚠️ Attention: When installing additional electrical equipment (music, lights), be sure to use fuses and relays. Direct connection to the wiring of older vehicles may cause overheating and fire.

The wiring in these vehicles is exposed in many places, making it easier to troubleshoot, but making it vulnerable to mechanical damage. During restoration, it is recommended to completely rebuild the harnesses, changing the insulation and contacts to more modern and reliable ones.

Comparison of characteristics: GAZ-21 vs GAZ-24

To finally understand what kind of car was called a boar and what the difference is between generations, it’s worth turning to the numbers. GAZ-21, often called the “first sign” of post-war comfort, and GAZ-24, which became a symbol of the era of stagnation, had significant differences in design and dynamics.

The Twenty-First was lighter and more compact, with softer body lines, while the Twenty-Fourth received a more angular, “American” design and reinforced construction. Engine GAZ-24 was a forced version of the predecessor's engine, which gave an increase in power, but increased fuel consumption.

In terms of comfort GAZ-24 also took a step forward: armrests appeared, sound insulation improved, and the interior layout changed. However, both cars were united by a common design philosophy - maximum reliability and adaptability to harsh road conditions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about "wild boars"

Is it true that only the black GAZ-24 was called a “boar”?

No, that's not entirely true. Although the color black was indeed associated with official status and was often found in taxi companies and government agencies, the nickname “wild boar” was applied to all colors and modifications of the GAZ-24 model, and sometimes to the GAZ-21. Color was not a determining factor for the name.

Is it possible to drive a GAZ-24 every day in a modern city?

Technically this is possible, but difficult. The car does not have power steering (in basic versions), has a large turning radius and high fuel consumption. In addition, the lack of a catalytic converter and high environmental standards of the engine may raise questions when passing inspection in some regions, although exceptions are often made for vintage cars.

Where can I find spare parts for restoring a “boar”?

Spare parts for GAZ-24 and GAZ-21 are still produced by industry and many private companies in Russia and the CIS countries. There are specialized retro parts stores, as well as amateur forums where you can find rare original parts or high-quality replicas.

What is the maximum speed of the GAZ-24?

The GAZ-24's rated maximum speed was 145 km/h, but in practice, accelerating to such a speed took considerable time, and stability on the highway at such a speed left much to be desired by modern standards. Comfortable cruising speed is 90-100 km/h.

Why is the ZMZ-24D engine called “millionaire”?

The term “millionaire” is often used erroneously in relation to ZMZ; more often this is what VAZ engines are called. However, ZMZ motors are truly famous for their enormous resource. With proper care and timely oil changes, they can easily run 400-500 thousand kilometers before the first major overhaul, and in a taxi the mileage could reach even greater values.