Hemmings Classic Car – October 2019

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5530 Independence Court, Punta Gorda, FL 33982

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system that proved troublesome and was
dropped in 1961.
Early on, about 32,000 Volgas were
blessed with an automatic transmission,
a fi rst for a Soviet car, but the ability
to service them and stock automatic
transmission fl uid was lacking in
the country. By the end of 1960, the
automatics were phased out.
Model designations were M-21 for
the automatic-equipped base version.
Taxicab models were M-21A and M-21B,
with manual transmissions. The M-21V
was the most common model. Export
models were the M-21D (manual) and
M-21E (automatic) with upgraded trim and
80-horsepower engines, achieved by an
increased compression ratio of 7.2:1.
The deer mascot hood ornament
was deleted in 1961, because it was a
victim of theft, but more importantly, it
caused water to splash directly into the
windshield should an oncoming car run
through a puddle. Another problem with
the deer was its nasty habit of impaling
pedestrians who had the misfortune of
being hit by a Volga. How ironic, a deer
hurting a human hit by a car.
In 1962, the grille slots doubled to

32. The bumper guards were deleted,
    making the car look more modern.
    Inside, the seats were covered in a new
    wool fabric, and there was imitation
    leather headliner. The engine gained 5
    horsepower, and lever arm shocks were
    replaced with telescopic shock absorbers.
    In 1965, a new fl oorpan directed
    warm air to the legs of the rear passengers,
    and base price increased to 6,455 rubles.
    Production for this version would end
    quietly on July 15, 1970, as the last one
    rolled off the assembly line, followed
    immediately by a very modern new
    generation Volga.
    Interestingly, a station wagon/estate
    version debuted in 1962, but sales of the
    ultimate grocery getter were forbidden
    within the Soviet Union. However, it
    was not uncommon to see them used as
    ambulances and airport taxis. Due to their
    rarity, they are highly collectible today.
    Proof of the Volga being a strong car
    are the number of which are available
    today. Have fun and drive a Soviet car to
    your next cruise-in.

Hemmings.com I OCTOBER 2019 HEMMINGS CLASSIC CAR 21