Specialized coloring and distinctive silhouette GAZ-24 with a flashing light on the roof became a recognizable symbol of law and order on the roads of the Soviet Union in the seventies. It was during this period that the Soviet police fleet underwent significant changes, moving from post-war models to more modern and high-speed vehicles capable of not only patrolling, but also effectively catching up with violators. The basis of the fleet was made up of domestic models, adapted to harsh operating conditions and specific tasks of operational services.
The technical condition and equipment of these vehicles were strictly regulated by departmental orders of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs. Unlike civilian versions, police copies underwent enhanced assembly quality control and were often equipped with additional equipment that was not available to the average buyer. Volga, Moskvich and UAZ designed for internal affairs agencies, they had their own design features that made them a unique segment of the Soviet automobile industry.
The basis of the patrol service in cities was middle-class passenger cars, among which the GAZ-24 "Volga". This car was considered the standard of comfort and reliability, and its appearance on the road was often perceived as a signal to road users about the need to strictly adhere to the rules. In the 70s, it was the “twenty-four” that became the main tool of the road police (traffic police) and criminal investigation, replacing the outdated “twenty-first” models.
Civil versions GAZ-24 had certain restrictions on speed and dynamics, but police modifications often received forced engines or improved transmissions. Particular attention was paid to the braking system and suspension, which had to withstand extreme loads during pursuits. The 2.4-liter ZMZ-24D engine provided acceptable dynamics for that time, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 145 km/h, which was an impressive figure for the roads of that period.
Police body Volga painted in the standard traffic police scheme: white top and blue bottom, separated by a contrast stripe. On the sides were the inscription “POLICE” and the coat of arms of the USSR, which made the car visible from afar. A special partition was installed inside the cabin, separating the front part from the rear compartment, where detainees were transported. This partition often had a reinforced structure and was sometimes equipped with a viewing window.
⚠️ Attention: The installation of any light or sound equipment on civilian cars that imitates special police equipment in the 70s, as now, is strictly prohibited by law and is punishable by confiscation of the device.
For district commissioners and operational groups in rural areas, as well as for transporting personnel, it was widely used UAZ-452, who received the affectionate nickname “Loaf” among the people. This car had phenomenal cross-country ability, which made it indispensable in the absence of paved roads. The design of the “Loaf” allowed it to overcome fords, mud and snow drifts, where other equipment would get stuck.
Inside the police cabin UAZ-452 Spartan comfort reigned: metal seats, minimal sound insulation and a stove powered by an engine. However, it was precisely this simplicity that ensured high maintainability in the field. Operatives valued this vehicle for its capacity: the back could accommodate up to 10 personnel or a corresponding number of detainees, which was critically important when conducting mass events or raids.
Specifications UAZ-452 included all-wheel drive, which was rare for cars of that time. The UMZ-451M engine, although not very powerful, was very high-torque and reliable. Police versions were often equipped with winches, additional searchlights on the roof and reinforced bumpers. The coloring also complied with the standards of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but in some regions variations were allowed, for example, completely green for forestry or mixed patrols.
- 🚔 High cross-country ability made it possible to reach the most remote corners of the area.
- 🚔 The spacious body ensured the transportation of large groups of people.
- 🚔 The simple design of the engine made repairs easier in any conditions.
- 🚔 Having all-wheel drive made the car all-season.
Coloring secrets
In addition to the standard blue and white color scheme, there were special paint projects for different branches of service. For example, medical police cars or those that served special purpose roads could have distinctive signs or color accents known only to specialists.
In large cities, such as Moscow and Leningrad, it was actively used for the daily tasks of local and small operational groups. Moskvich-412. This car was smaller and more maneuverable than the Volga, which made it easy to park in dense city traffic and enter well yards. Engine UZAM-412 with overhead valves, it was considered one of the most progressive in the USSR, providing the car with good speed for its class.
Police Muscovites often equipped with radio stations, which occupied a significant part of the trunk and interior. The antennas were mounted on the roof or on the front wing, which was a characteristic visual feature of the operational vehicle. The salon was equipped with shelves for documentation and weapons, as well as special mounts for a megaphone, which was used to signal pedestrians and drivers.
Reliability Moskvich-412 in police execution it was often subjected to strength tests. The machines worked 24/7, and the mileage per shift could reach several hundred kilometers. Despite less comfort compared to GAZ-24, this car has established itself as a “workhorse”, capable of withstanding intensive use, subject to timely maintenance.
To identify a police car in the 70s, not only the color was used, but also special license plates of the “MIL” or “ML” series, which were issued only to units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
By the end of the 70s, the first VAZ-2101 "Zhiguli" . Although the mass introduction of the “kopek” occurred at a later period, in large cities it was already possible to find patrol cars based on this compact sedan. They were used primarily for patrolling in residential areas and for quickly responding to calls where the power of the Volga was not required.
Equipment VAZ-2101 for the police included the same elements as other models: a radio station, a flashing light and a specific coloring. The 1.2-liter VAZ-2101 engine was economical, which made it possible to reduce fuel and lubricant costs with the mass use of such vehicles. However, this car was less suitable for chases due to its lower power and dimensions.
The appearance of the Zhiguli marked the beginning of the democratization of the police fleet, making operational transport more accessible. Nevertheless, it remained a status car Volga, and Zhigulis have long been perceived as auxiliary transport. The table below compares the main characteristics of popular police cars of that period.
| Model | Engine | Max. speed | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAZ-24 | 2.4 l (ZMZ-24D) | 145 km/h | Highway patrol, traffic police, criminal investigation |
| UAZ-452 | 2.4 l (UMZ-451M) | 100 km/h | Transportation of personnel, rural areas |
| Moskvich-412 | 1.5 l (UZAM-412) | 140 km/h | Precinct Commissioners, City Operations |
| VAZ-2101 | 1.2 l (VAZ-2101) | 132 km/h | Patrolling residential areas (late 70s) |
☑️ Checking the equipment of a police car from the 70s
The special equipment installed on police vehicles of the 70s was the pinnacle of engineering at that time. The main element was a radio station, which made it possible to maintain constant communication with the duty unit. Most often, models of the “Crystal” or “Diamond” type were used, which operated in the ultrashort wave range.
The sound signals were electro-pneumatic or electronic sirens that produced a characteristic howling sound. Megaphone made it possible to broadcast voice commands over a distance of up to several hundred meters, which was effective when working with a crowd or stopping violators. Light beacons (“flashing lights”) were xenon or lamp-based, rotating, and installed on the roof on special brackets.
The installation of the equipment was carried out by qualified specialists at automobile repair plants of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. All wires were carefully shielded so as not to interfere with radio communications. The special equipment was powered from a separate battery or through special voltage converters so as not to discharge the main battery of the vehicle when parked.
⚠️ Attention: The operation of pneumatic signals in residential areas at night was strictly limited by internal orders so as not to disturb the population, but on highways this rule was often ignored for the sake of efficiency.
Maintenance of the police vehicle fleet was carried out at special maintenance bases (BTO), which had the status of sensitive facilities. Not only scheduled maintenance was carried out here, but also complex engine repairs, body work and installation of new equipment. BTO mechanics had access to classified documents and underwent special testing.
Control over the technical condition was extremely strict: any malfunction that could affect the performance of the combat mission was eliminated immediately. GAZ-24 and UAZ could be sent for repairs at the slightest suspicion of wear on the brakes or steering. Consumables such as oil and tires were issued according to strict standards, and the driver or garage manager was responsible for their overuse.
The service life of police cars in the 70s was quite long. With proper maintenance Volga could travel more than 300 thousand kilometers before major repairs. After being written off from the police, many cars were transferred to other departments (fire department, ambulance) or sold to taxi companies, where they continued to serve for many years.
The main feature of police cars of the 70s was their exceptional survivability and ability to work in any climatic zones of the USSR, from the deserts of Central Asia to the frosts of Siberia.
Today, police cars from the 70s evoke nostalgia and interest among collectors and retro car enthusiasts. Restored copies GAZ-24 wearing police livery regularly become winners of exhibitions and parades of retro equipment. They are a living reminder of an era when the car was not just a means of transportation, but a symbol of status and power.
Finding an original police car in good condition is extremely difficult. Most of them were scrapped or converted. However, enthusiasts continue to search for preserved parts such as badges, flashing lights and radios to recreate the appearance of the iconic patrol cars of the past. This direction of restoration requires deep knowledge of the history and technical features of those years.
What was the maximum speed of the police Volga GAZ-24?
The maximum speed of the serial GAZ-24 was 145 km/h. However, police copies that had undergone special testing and tuning could reach slightly higher speeds, but officially the passport data remained the same.
Why was the UAZ-452 called “Loaf”?
The car received its popular name for its characteristic rounded body shape, reminiscent of a loaf of bread. This term was used by both civilians and police officers themselves.
Were foreign cars used by the Soviet police in the 70s?
In the 70s, the use of foreign cars in regular patrols was almost impossible due to the policy of import substitution and lack of currency. Foreign cars could only be used by senior management or in special units, but not en masse.
Did police cars have navigation?
In the 70s, satellite navigation (GPS/GLONASS) in the modern sense did not exist. Orientation took place using paper maps, knowledge of the area and with the help of dispatchers transmitting information via radio.