GAZ-M21 - a car of the Volga brand, which was produced for 14 years from 1956. The development of the car, which was later renamed GAZ-21, began back in 1951. This happened because the previous model was very outdated and did not fit according to the standards and requirements of drivers. Even then, the design idea was created, and it was adhered to all the time while the car succumbed to the installation of new modifications. At that time, aviation and rocket motifs became popular, so the GAZ-M21 interface, the photo of which is below, immediately struck and attracted the attention of buyers due to its discreet, but at the same time interesting and elegant appearance.
Design
If we take into account the general design elements of those years, then we can say for sure that the car did not have any prominent accessories. But for the Soviet Union, the car looked fresh, interesting and attractive. Unfortunately, the interior of the Volga quickly became bleak because the trends changed every year. Already by 1958, the design of the GAZ-M21 car was outdated and required updating.
The design of the car was changed in the 60s, then he acquired a European appearance. The model began to have a more conservative, strict and official look. What became decisive when buying this option for the needs of the government.
Features in technical tuning
The GAZ-M21 car, the technical characteristics of which are described a little below, had the necessary tuning for driving on the roads of the USSR. The elements of the car are somewhat reminiscent of American models. The salon was designed for 5-6 people. This is due to the fact that the sofa in the second row has an impressive size. The engine installed on cars has 4 cylinders and is paired with an automatic transmission. By the way, the latter was borrowed from the American company Ford. The body had the characteristic features of the "Victory", the suspension was also taken from this car. The first one was distinguished by resistance to corrosion, special rigidity and hardness, which ensured safe movement.
Prototypes of the GAZ-M21 car
The first prototype of the car had a cherry color. He, together with two other models, which were also the predecessors of the car under review, went to the test. Only one car was equipped with an automatic transmission, the rest with a manual one. According to external features, they also differed slightly - a different grille, bumper, body, some decorating elements in the cabin, etc.
The prototype number four was constructed in 1955 in the spring. He did not go on a test run. During the same period, this model and two others received a different grille.
Start of production
The very first variants of the GAZ-M21 model were put into production in 1956. During this period, released five copies.
Tests of the model took a long time and, perhaps, in extreme conditions. During the autumn-winter period, the car covered 29 thousand km. He drove along the roads of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, the Caucasus. The final stage of testing was carried out in Moscow. During this period, a sufficient number of malfunctions were identified, but most of them were eliminated almost immediately. Those that were not eliminated immediately remained with her until the end of the model's release, or after some time they succumbed to modernization.
Initial release
The GAZ-M21 car was in pre-production for two years. Several prototypes came out to the public, which differed from each other in appearance and internal parameters. They were completely different from the finally formed series. Their distinguishing feature was the chrome-plated set. However, over time, it began to be provided as an additional package and, accordingly, for separate money. As unique features, one can note the appearance of the “front” and rear doors, uncharacteristic for other cars. 
Generations (or releases)
Collectors have special designations for different editions of the Volga. There are three series - 1957, 1959 and 1962. The tuning of the GAZ-M21 of various generations was similar, therefore, by external signs, it is almost impossible to understand which modification this or that car belongs to. This is primarily due to the fact that a large number of models had “non-native” units installed.
Also the main difference is the drains. They are a small detail that surrounds the roof. These devices are used in order to avoid water entering the cabin.
Series #1
The first series of GAZ-M21, the photo of which is below, was produced for two years, from 1956 to 1958. In the people, this model is better known under the name "with a star." In the first year of production, only five cars rolled off the assembly line. Large-scale production began in 1957.
Initially, the first series was assembled with an engine from Pobeda. In some official sources, it is stated that such a model was produced only for a certain period, and the number of cars was limited to a strictly established figure - 1100. However, this information is incorrect. Volga was produced with such a unit almost until the end of production. Over the entire period, more than 30 thousand copies were produced and purchased. 
Series #2
Since 1959, the second series of the car began to be produced. Before implementation, a little work was done on the external and internal characteristics. Basically, the changes affected the interior. In February 59, the second modification was implemented. This time she touched on the lights, the instrument panel. Of course, as in all restyled versions, there are those details whose changes cannot be noticed the first time. The GAZ-M21 car is no exception.
The second series was developed with a slightly modified body, with American motifs. However, this variant never went into production. For all the years of production (from 1959 to 1962), more than 120 thousand cars rolled off the assembly line.
Series #3
This modification has become the most popular. The appearance of the previous series became outdated quite quickly, but the manufacturer was not going to restyle the GAZ-M21 car. "Volga" in the third configuration was presented to a potential buyer with a new bumper and some parts that were attached to the body. Over time, the radiator grill has also changed. After a major modernization, the appearance of the car has noticeably changed - it has become more dynamic, lighter. The model was often compared with the notorious Chaika car.
Along with the change in styling, small updates can be noted in For example, the 75 horsepower engine has become much more powerful. And the option with an automatic transmission is completely removed from production. 
Styling upgrade
The release of the car was made in two versions - with a conventional interior and improved. The latter version was distinguished by a set of chrome-plated and corrosion-resistant parts. Such a machine was produced more for export, although it was also supplied to the markets of the USSR. Moreover, “luxury chrome” could be installed on absolutely any version of the Volga, so it’s impossible to say for sure whether it was produced like that from the assembly line.
There were also options in which additional trim could be basic. First of all, we are talking about a car with a forced unit (for export) and with a medium power engine.
All wheel drive car
This version of the GAZ-21 did not go into mass production. A car with all-wheel drive was produced in the form of a sedan and station wagon. According to some versions, the last version even belonged to Brezhnev, he used it to go hunting.
According to unofficial information, these copies were a "collaboration" of several Volga models. The only thing, their uniqueness was that those units that were installed on the equipment were intended for all-terrain vehicles. They were not made in factories, but in maintenance shops, garages, military units, etc. 
"Red East"
An interesting fact is that an analogue of the GAZ-21 was made in China, which was completely identical to the original version in terms of technical characteristics. The interior of the cars was radically different. Krasny Vostok has been supplied to the domestic market for exactly 10 years. The units that were installed on the car were purchased from the USSR, and the bodies were made by hand.