GAZ-21T Volga Moscow taxi 1967

The scale model of the 1967 GAZ-21T Volga Moscow taxi actually represents a taxi version produced from 1962 to 1964. It most likely depicts a car after a major overhaul, since factory two-tone paintwork was virtually unheard of on third-series cars. Taxis with contrasting yellow or red roofs were occasionally built, however. Taxi drivers called such cars ‘Little Red Riding Hood’.

The GAZ-21T’s interior differed slightly from the standard car. The full-width front bench was replaced by separate seats to make carrying bulky luggage easier. The driver’s seat occupied almost half the width of the bench. The seats were upholstered in imitation leather to simplify cleaning and disinfection.

To prevent passengers from stepping into traffic, the left rear door had no inside opening mechanism and could only be opened from outside. The taxi also lacked a cigarette lighter. Instead of a padded grab handle on the bench backrest, it had a shiny metal handle on the right-hand centre pillar.