The question is What car was the Volga 24 copied from?, has been exciting the minds of car enthusiasts and historians for half a century. The myth of Soviet industry’s total copying of Western models has taken hold in the mass consciousness, but the reality turned out to be much more complex and interesting. The engineers of the Gorky Automobile Plant did not just copy the drawings, but carried out large-scale analytical work, studying the advanced solutions of the American and European automobile industry of the early 1960s.
Development GAZ-24 was carried out in conditions of fierce competition and the need to update the model range for the needs of taxi fleets and nomenclature. Soviet designers had access to samples Ford Falcon, Mercury Comet and Chevrolet Nova, which were subjected to careful analysis and testing. However, to claim that there was one specific donor car from which all dimensions were taken would be a grave mistake. It was a complex process of synthesis of technologies adapted to the realities of Soviet roads.
In this article we will analyze in detail which components and assemblies caused the most controversy, and how foreign ideas were transformed into a domestic product. You will learn about the role engine ZMZ-24D, which, contrary to popular belief, was not a direct copy of any Western engine, but represented a deep modernization of the plant’s previous developments.
American roots: Ford Falcon and Mercury Comet
The most obvious parallels can be seen between GAZ-24 and American mid-size sedans of the late 50s and early 60s. In particular, Ford Falcon The first generation is often cited as the main inspiration. The similarities are really striking: the proportions of the body, the roofline and the overall “chubby” shape of the headlights. GAZ engineers carefully studied the ergonomics and interior layout of this particular car.
However, if you look closely at the details, the differences become more significant than the similarities. The American prototype was much lighter and smaller in size. Soviet engineers needed to create a car with a large margin of safety, capable of withstanding overloads and bad roads. Therefore the body Volga was strengthened, and the ground clearance was increased compared to overseas counterparts.
Influence Mercury Comet can also be seen in the design of the front part and the solution of some interior elements. But here, too, it was more about borrowing stylistic solutions than direct copying. The designers took the best ideas and reworked them, making them suitable for mass production in the USSR.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse stylistic influence with technical copying. Body panels GAZ-24 had unique stamping and were not interchangeable with American counterparts.
It is important to note that American cars of that time often suffered from excessive complexity and low service life. The task of Soviet engineers was to simplify the design without losing comfort. That's why suspension and transmission have been redesigned with durability in mind.
European footprint: Opel Rekord and British equivalents
In addition to the American school, I was influenced by the European automobile industry. In particular, many experts point to similarities with Opel Rekord P2 series. The German car also had similar proportions and approach to the layout of the engine compartment. However Opel was smaller and aimed at a different audience.
British roots can also be found in some solutions. For example, steering and braking components were developed based on experience Rover and Standard. Soviet engineers sought to create a universal car that absorbed the best features of different schools of mechanical engineering.
Particular attention was paid to the heating and ventilation system of the cabin, where the experience of European colleagues was fully taken into account. Unlike American cars, where heating efficiency was often lacking, Volga had to feel comfortable in the harsh Russian winter.
Technical documentation and drawings of Western cars served more as reference material than as a ready-made recipe. GAZ engineers carried out their own calculations of strength and dynamics, creating a unique product.
Technical solutions: engine and transmission
The heart of the car is the engine ZMZ-24D, which is often mistakenly compared to Chrysler or Ford engines. In fact, it was the evolution of the engine GAZ-21, which, in turn, dates back to the developments of the late 40s. The aluminum alloy cylinder block with cast iron liners was an advanced solution for its time.
The transmission has also undergone changes. A manual gearbox with synchronizers in all forward gears ensured reliable operation in all conditions. Unlike American machine guns, Soviet Manual transmission was easier to repair and maintain.
The clutch and driveline have been strengthened to handle high torque. This allowed the car to feel confident both in the city and on dirt roads. Host reliability was priority number one.
| Parameter | GAZ-24 | Ford Falcon (1960) | Opel Rekord P2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.445 l (ZMZ-24D) | 2.8 l (I6) | 1.7 l (I4) |
| Power | 95 hp | 101 hp | 55-60 hp |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 210 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Weight | 1420 kg | 1180 kg | 1050 kg |
⚠️ Attention: Installing an engine from a foreign car on GAZ-24 without serious alteration of the body and transmission is almost impossible due to differences in fastenings and dimensions.
Body and design: evolution of style
Body design GAZ-24 developed under the leadership of L. Tsikolenko and N. Kireev. The artists were faced with the task of creating the image of a modern, but strict car. Body lines were smoother than its predecessor GAZ-21, which brought him closer to Western fashion of the time.
However, unlike the Americans, Soviet designers abandoned frills like fins and chrome. The style has become more functional and restrained. This was dictated not only by aesthetics, but also by the technological capabilities of the factories.
The body metal underwent special anti-corrosion treatment, although by modern standards it was insufficient. However, for its time it was a step forward. The torsional strength of the body was higher than that of many analogues.
The interior was also created with an eye to Western standards, but adjusted for the availability of materials. Plastic, fabric and leather were used in domestic production, which affected the durability of the finish.
☑️ Checking the originality of the body
Suspension and chassis: adapted to the roads
Chassis Volga - this is a separate topic for engineers to be proud of. The double wishbone and coil spring front suspension provided excellent ride comfort. The leaf spring rear suspension was a proven solution for carrying heavy loads.
Unlike American cars, which often used front dependent suspension, GAZ-24 received an independent circuit. This had a positive effect on handling. However, the springs at the rear required periodic lubrication and maintenance.
The brake system with drum mechanisms on all wheels and hydraulic booster was reliable, but required careful attention. Brake adjustment was an important part of maintenance.
Power steering made driving a large car comfortable even in urban conditions. The reliability of the power steering pump was high, which reduced the number of failures.
⚠️ Attention: Operating a car with a faulty power steering is prohibited, as this can lead to complete failure of the steering and an accident.
Comparison results: copy or original?
To summarize, we can say that GAZ-24 - this is not a copy, but the result of a deep processing of world experience. Engineers created a car that was ideal for the conditions of the USSR. It was easier to repair, more durable and adapted to local fuel.
Foreign prototypes served only as a starting point, a source of ideas. The implementation of these ideas was completely Soviet. The car turned out to be unique and recognizable all over the world.
Today The Volga remains a cult car, a symbol of the era. Interest in it does not fade, and restoration of such cars is becoming a popular hobby. This proves that the engineers' work was not in vain.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it true that the GAZ-24 is an exact copy of the Ford Falcon?
No, it's a myth. Although there are external similarities, technically these are different cars. GAZ-24 is heavier, has a different engine, a reinforced body and an adapted suspension. This is independent development using individual ideas.
What engine was installed on the first versions of the Volga 24?
On all production versions GAZ-24 engine was installed ZMZ-24D volume 2.445 liters. Later a modification appeared GAZ-24-10 with engine ZMZ-402, which was a modernized version of it.
Why does the Volga have springs at the rear and not springs?
Leaf spring suspension was chosen for its ability to withstand heavy loads and poor roads. Springs are more comfortable, but less durable under overload conditions, which was critical for taxis and official vehicles.
Was there a Volga with an automatic transmission?
Serial GAZ-24 It was equipped only with a manual transmission. Experimental samples with a machine gun existed, but did not go into production due to complexity and cost.