All Volga models in order: from GAZ-21 to GAZ-31105 (1956–2010)

"Volga" is not just a car, but a symbol of the Soviet and Russian automotive industry. Over 54 years of production (from 1956 to 2010), the Gorky Automobile Plant produced eight main generations of this model, each of which became a stage in the development of the domestic automobile industry. From modest GAZ-21 with its “American” features to the last GAZ-31105 with injection engines - Volgas served taxi drivers, officials, police officers and ordinary families.

In this article we will look at all Volga models in the order of their release, with technical characteristics, design features and interesting facts. You will learn how engines, bodies and equipment changed, why some modifications became iconic, while others became rare. We will pay special attention to “transitional” models (for example, GAZ-24-10 and GAZ-3102), which are often confused even by experienced car enthusiasts.

The material will be useful to those who:

• 🔍 He is looking for a Volga to buy and wants to understand the generations.
• 🛠️ Engaged in restoration or repair of classic Volga cars.
• 📚 Interested in the history of the Soviet automobile industry.
• 💰 He is going to sell his Volga and wants to correctly indicate the model in the ad.

1. GAZ-21 (1956–1970) - the first Volga and the beginning of the legend

GAZ-21 debuted in 1956 and became the first Soviet middle-class car aimed at the mass buyer. Its design is inspired by American cars of the 1950s (especially Ford Mainline and Plymouth Savoy), but with Soviet modifications: simplified finishing, reinforced suspension for bad roads and an engine adapted for low-octane gasoline.

The first Volgas were completed 2.4-liter inline-four 70 hp (modification GAZ-21A), but already in 1958 a more powerful version appeared GAZ-21B (75 hp). The car was equipped with a 3-speed manual transmission (from 1962 - 4-speed) and had a maximum speed of 130 km/h.

Interesting facts about GAZ-21:

• 🚗 The first prototypes were called “ZIM-12” (in honor of the Molotov plant).
• 🎨 The body design was developed by Lev Eremeev, a student of the famous American automobile stylist Raymond Loewy.
• 💰 In the 1960s, the Volga cost 5,500 rubles - this was the salary of an average engineer for 2-3 years.
• 🚔 At the base GAZ-21 produced police and taxi versions, as well as armored personnel carriers for the KGB.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase GAZ-21 check the condition of the frame - in early models it is prone to corrosion in the rear suspension mounting areas. Also pay attention to the presence of the original carburetor K-22 (many owners installed more modern K-126 from GAZ-24, which reduces the collection value).

Modification	Years of manufacture	Engine	Power	Features
GAZ-21	1956–1958	2.4 l, R4	70 hp	Base model with 3-speed transmission
GAZ-21A	1958–1962	2.4 l, R4	75 hp	Improved engine, 4-speed gearbox
GAZ-21I	1962–1970	2.4 l, R4	75 hp	Export version with improved finishing
GAZ-21R	1960–1962	2.4 l, R4	85 hp	Sports modification for racing

2. GAZ-24 (1970–1985) - “Volga” of the era of stagnation

GAZ-24 replaced GAZ-21 in 1970 and became the most popular Volga in history - more than 1.5 million copies were produced. The car received a completely new body with a more modern design (inspired Ford Falcon 1966), but retained a proven technical base: the engine ZMZ-24 (2.4 l, 95 hp) and rear-wheel drive.

Main innovations GAZ-24:

• 🔧 New front suspension with levers and springs instead of springs (like GAZ-21).
• 🚪 More spacious interior with improved sound insulation and ventilation.
• 🔥 Two-chamber carburetor K-126, which made it possible to reduce fuel consumption.
• 🛣️ Improved handling thanks to a new steering column with hydraulic booster (optional for export versions).

Modifications GAZ-24 included:

• 🚖 GAZ-24-01 - a taxi with a yellow color and a meter.
• 🚔 GAZ-24-02 — police version with siren and radio communication.
• 🏁 GAZ-24-03 — station wagon (rare modification, ~10 thousand units produced).
• 💼 GAZ-24-10 — “transitional” model to GAZ-3102 (1985).

⚠️ Attention: When choosing GAZ-24 For restoration, avoid cars with a body after 1982 - they have thinner metal (1.0 mm instead of 1.2 mm in early models). Also check the condition ZMZ-24: These engines are prone to overheating due to a weak cooling system.

Why was the GAZ-24 called a “barge?”

The nickname “barge” appeared because of the soft suspension and high body, which made the car too “rolly” when cornering. Additionally, the non-power steering required significant effort, which added to the driving experience. However, it was precisely these features that made the Volga comfortable on rough roads - it “swallowed” potholes without transmitting shock to passengers.

3. GAZ-3102 (1982–2006) - “Volga” for nomenclature

GAZ-3102 (originally GAZ-24-10) appeared in 1982 as a luxury version for party workers and high-ranking officials. Outwardly, she was almost no different from GAZ-24, but had a number of key improvements:

Differences GAZ-3102 from GAZ-24:

• 🔹 ZMZ-402 — new engine (2.4 l, 100 hp) with an aluminum cylinder head.
• 🔹 5-speed gearbox (instead of 4-speed).
• 🔹 Improved interior trim: velor seats, wooden inserts on the panels, electric windows (optional).
• 🔹 Disc brakes on the front wheels (instead of drum brakes).

I wonder what GAZ-3102 was released in parallel with GAZ-24 until 1985, and then became an independent model. In the 1990s, it received an injection engine ZMZ-406 (145 hp), but outwardly remained recognizable as a “twenty-four”.

Now GAZ-3102 with an injector - one of the most popular Volgas on the secondary market thanks to:

• 💰 Relatively low price (from 150 thousand rubles for a well-maintained copy).
• 🛠️ Easy to repair (many spare parts are interchangeable with GAZ-24).
• 🚗 Possibility of installing LPG (engine ZMZ-406 adapts well to gas).

4. GAZ-31029 and GAZ-3105 - experiments with design

In the 1990s, GAZ tried to update the design of the Volga by releasing two transitional models: GAZ-31029 (1992) and GAZ-3105 (1992–1996). Both vehicles were based on the platform GAZ-3102, but had a modern “cladding”:

GAZ-31029:

• 🚘 New plastic bumper and radiator grille.
• 🔥 Engine ZMZ-402 (carburetor) or ZMZ-406 (injector).
• 💺 Salon with elements from GAZ-3110 (new instrument panel).

GAZ-3105:

• 🚗 Completely redesigned front part of the body (headlights from Ford Sierra).
• 🔧 Engine ZMZ-406 (145 hp) and 5-speed gearbox.
• 🛣️ Improved suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers.

Both models were produced in small series and were not widely used due to high prices and poor build quality. Today GAZ-3105 - rarity, and its value on the secondary market starts from 500 thousand rubles for surviving copies.

5. GAZ-3110 (1997–2004) - the last “classic” Volga

GAZ-3110 became the first Volga with a completely new body after a 25-year break. The design was developed taking into account modern trends (inspiration Opel Omega B), but the technology remained the same: the engine ZMZ-402 (carburetor) or ZMZ-406 (injector), rear-wheel drive and manual transmission.

Main innovations GAZ-3110:

• 🔹 New body with improved aerodynamics (coefficient Cx=0.34).
• 🔹 Security: seat belts front and rear, reinforced doors.
• 🔹 Comfort: power steering, air conditioning (optional), electric mirrors.

Modifications:

• 🚗 GAZ-3110 - basic version with ZMZ-402.
• 💨 GAZ-31105 - with engine ZMZ-406 (injector).
• 🚖 GAZ-31104 — taxi with yellow coloring.
• 🛡️ GAZ-31106 - armored version for security forces.

⚠️ Attention: U GAZ-3110 with engine ZMZ-406 a common problem with oiler (oil pump). When purchasing, check the oil pressure at idle speed - it should be at least 1.5 bar. Also pay attention to the condition subframe: It is prone to corrosion and may require replacement.

Body condition (especially sills and arches)|Injector operation (are there any errors in the ECU)|Engine oil pressure|Power steering serviceability|Suspension condition (shock absorbers, silent blocks)-->

6. GAZ-31105 (2004–2010) - the last Volga

GAZ-31105 became the final model in the history of Volga. In essence, this is a deeply modernized GAZ-3110 with new engine ZMZ-405 (2.5 l, 152 hp), corresponding to the standard Euro-3. Externally, the car has hardly changed, but received:

Key updates:

• 🔧 New engine with distributed injection and catalytic converter.
• 🔌 Electronic gas pedal (E-Gas).
• 🛡️ Reinforced frame and body to improve passive safety.
• 💺 New instrument panel with on-board computer.

Interesting fact: GAZ-31105 became the first Volga to be officially exported to Europe (mainly to Eastern European countries). However, due to the high price and outdated design, demand was low.

Today GAZ-31105 - one of the most reliable Volgas for daily use thanks to:

• 💪 More powerful and economical engine ZMZ-405.
• 🛠️ Availability of spare parts (many components are unified with GAZelle).
• 🚗 Possibility of installing modern options (for example, multimedia system with support Android Auto).

7. Rare and experimental Volga models

In addition to production models, GAZ produced unique and experimental versions of the Volga, which are rarities today:

The rarest Volgas:

• 🚗 GAZ-23 (1962) - “Volga” with V8 from GAZ-13 "Chaika" (195 hp). ~600 units produced. for the KGB.
• 💨 GAZ-24-24 (1971) - prototype with a coupe body. 2 copies have survived.
• 🛡️ GAZ-3101 (1982) - armored version for high-ranking officials.
• 🚙 GAZ-3111 (1998) - executive sedan with engine V8 (230 hp). ~50 units produced.

If you come across one of these models, this is a real find for a collector. For example, GAZ-23 today is estimated at 3–5 million rubles, and GAZ-3111 — from 2 million rubles (depending on condition).

8. How to determine the Volga model by external features?

Owners and buyers often confuse Volga models, especially “transitional” versions like GAZ-24-10 and GAZ-3102. Here are the key signs for identification:

Table of differences by generation:

Sign	GAZ-21	GAZ-24	GAZ-3102	GAZ-3110	GAZ-31105
Headlights	Round, separate	Rectangular (since 1977)	Rectangular	Oval	Oval
Radiator grille	Chrome plated, vertical strips	Wide, horizontal slats	Narrow, with an emblem in the middle	Plastic, integrated	Plastic, with chrome edging
Tail lights	Vertical, small	Horizontal, large	Horizontal	High, with repeaters	Tall, LED (optional)
Engine	ZMZ-21 (2.4 l, 70–75 hp)	ZMZ-24 (2.4 l, 95 hp)	ZMZ-402 (2.4 l, 100 hp)	ZMZ-402/406	ZMZ-405 (2.5 l, 152 hp)

If in doubt about the model, pay attention to VIN number (located on a plate under the hood or on the windshield). The first digits indicate the year of manufacture and model:

• XTA — GAZ-24 (1970–1985).
• XTC — GAZ-3102 (1982–2006).
• XTT — GAZ-3110 (1997–2004).
• X7L — GAZ-31105 (2004–2010).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Volga models

Which Volga is the most reliable for daily use?

For regular driving it is better to choose GAZ-31105 with engine ZMZ-405. It has an injector that meets modern standards and more reliable electrics compared to carburetor models. Alternative - GAZ-31029 with ZMZ-406, but it is more difficult to find in good condition.

Is it possible to install a Volga engine on a Gazelle?

Yes, engines ZMZ-402, ZMZ-405 and ZMZ-406 interchangeable with Gazelle (models before 2010). However, modifications to the fastenings and electrics will be required (especially for injection versions). A popular option is installation ZMZ-405 on GAZ-3110 to increase power.

How much does it cost to restore a Volga?

The cost of restoration depends on the model and condition:

• GAZ-21: from 300 thousand rubles (body work + engine).
• GAZ-24: from 200 thousand rubles (floor replacement is often required).
• GAZ-3110: from 150 thousand rubles (main expenses - electronics).

The most expensive stage is body repair (sandblasting, welding). The engine and gearbox will cost less - spare parts are widely available.

Which Volga is better to choose for the collection?

The most valuable models for collectors are:

• GAZ-21R (sports, ~100 copies).
• GAZ-23 (with V8, ~600 copies).
• GAZ-3111 (representative, ~50 copies).
• GAZ-3105 (experimental, ~500 copies).

The price of rare Volgas starts from 1 million rubles and can reach up to 10 million for museum copies.

Is it possible to install an automatic transmission on a Volga?

Technically yes, but it is a complex and expensive modification. Most compatible options:

• Automatic transmission from Toyota (A340E) - requires adaptation of the bell and electronics.
• Automatic transmission from BMW (ZF 4HP22) - suitable for ZMZ-406, but the fastenings need to be improved.

The cost of the alteration is from 150 thousand rubles (excluding the automatic transmission itself).