GAZ-21 Volga USSR Auto Legends

The first Volga 21 rolled off the assembly line in 1956, and a total of 639,478 cars in this series were built. The version with a star on its grille later became known as the “first release” or “first series” and, at the time the original was written, was the most highly prized by vintage-car collectors.

The five-pointed star was no accident: the State Acceptance Commission was chaired by the Soviet defence minister, Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov. He wanted everything to convey drive and victory.

The very first M-21 prototype was written off after a severe side impact. The second and third cars underwent extremely demanding tests, while the fourth was sent to the Murom Radio Plant in the Vologda region. This car was used for final adjustment and checking of the A-18 radio receiver.