Some history:
Volga GAZ 24was produced in Soviet Union by the Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod (GAZ, orky Automobile Plant) from 1970 to 1985.Development of GAZ 24 (then called M24) finished in 1966 when several prototypeswere built. Volga GAZ24 was unveiled towards the end of 1967.However, nly 32 units were built in 1968, rimarily for road tests, ith another 215 units built in 1969.1968/69-built Volgas are often called "pre-serial" because full-scale manufacturing started only in 1970 (18,486 units built). Distinctive feature of the very first several prototypes were two outside rear view mirrors fixed on front fenders. Most of the pre-serial and all serial cars got one mirror placed on front left door
The car was designed to last for years in severe road conditions, nd its reinforced unibody construction gave Volga extra weight in comparing to foreign similar vehicles. Yet, ower steering was not even an option. It gained the nickname "Barzha" (Barge).
Standard equipment included self-adjusting power drum brakes with front/rear, plit brake system, hree-wave radio, nterior safety padding, entral armrests (both front and rear), wo-speed windshield wiper, eater with defroster, lectric clock, runk and engine compartment lights. Early cars had "ribbon" speedometers, ith gauge that filled up with red, n a thermometer fashion. The interior was available in three colors - red, rown or light gray. The dashboard was made of aluminum and painted in exterior color, he upper part covered with safety padding and black vinyl.
Volga's styling was rather conventional and American inspired. One of the most recognizable features of GAZ 24 Volga sedan styling are chromed rhombic vents on the C-pillar. Among other distinctive features can be mentioned dashboard handles with "ivory" plastic inserts, wo chromed "fangs" under front bumper, arge two spoke steering wheel and large chromed parking brake handle placed under the dashboard on the right.
Interior color selection was so haphazard, t was a standing joke the choice was made based on whatever was immediately at hand.Official cars were almost always black outside and red inside.
GAZ 24 was displayed at theLondon Motor Showin 1970.Full-scale manufacturing started 15 July 1970.Export sales began in 1971.During 1970-74 Volga remained almost unchanged. Only minor modifications took place in 1972-73, hen the car got new trunk lid lock, lat ashtrays in rear doors instead of early ashtrays that were built in rear doors armrests, ew rear bumper and newmodifiedradio with more pleasant appearance. In 1973 dashboard with simulated wood insert appeared (also there was a "silver" grained finish, sed until 1974). After 1973, he ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to under the steering wheel to prevent knee injuries in road accidents, lthough that was inconvenient for drivers.
The original strip speedometer was changed to dial in 1975, he same year when ignition switch was moved from the dash to the steering column.
GAZ 24 Volga was exported to many countries, rom Indonesia and Latin America to Western Europe. Right-hand-drive export versions also existed. In Europe, ne of the most popular Volgas were assembled in Belgium by Scaldia-Volga
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