GAZ-21 Volga

Few people know that in 1965 a NAMI design team led by E. Molchanov began modernising the third-series GAZ-21 with its “whalebone” grille. A “fourth generation” of the legendary model was intended for production, but several practical factors prevented it.

Chief among them was the readiness of the entirely new GAZ-24 Volga for series production.

The revised 21 could have had a more futuristic appearance: a rectangular grille with horizontal bars and black detailing, a side moulding and redesigned, more modern hubcaps.