"Traditionnelle et moderne. Fiable et confortable."
With just six words the Belgian Avtoexport leaflet cut right to the chase. The Volga it promoted was clearly one of the finer cars that were driving behind the Iron Curtain. While earlier Volga models had been heavily inspired by the products from Detroit, the designers developed an unique and recognizable design for the GAZ-24. Presented in late 1967 and mass-produced since 1970, the well-proportioned and spacious car soon became a Russian equivalent to the average GM or Ford fleet cars: the GAZ-24 served as a typical government vehicle or taxi in the whole of Eastern Europe, and rarely got into private hands. Did we mention the KGB yet? They, of course, got their own pimped version, called "Device 2424". This car looked like your average Volga, but under its bonnet sat a powerful V-8 engine instead of the standard four-cylinder.
Small improvements from time to time kept the Volga on top of its game. Our pictured car is from the second generation, produced between 1977 and 1985. This revision comprised small indicator lights at the front fenders, yellow fog lights and bumper guards. Demand usually exceeded the production capacities by far, and thus, the eastern designs had a lifespan that was unthought of in the western world. Annual facelifts? Not necessary, comrade.