In the Smolensk region a unique project based on the 1964 GAZ-21 Volga has surfaced for sale. The exterior preserves the car’s original proportions and dimensions, yet the design has been thoroughly reimagined. The most striking modification is the roof: a soft convertible top now takes the place of the traditional hard roof. The donor vehicle for this element remains unidentified, with only a conjecture that the roof is entirely a handmade addition.
The second notable change on the body is in the doors. The car now features just two wide, frameless doors. The window frames are absent, with only the sloping edge of the rear body side preserved, and the doors open outward for easy access.
If questions arise about the precision of the build and the practicality of this design, the seller and potential buyers share a cautious stance. Yet the overall look, especially in photographs, is appealing. The design is cohesive in many respects, though certain original details have been retained for consistency, such as the third-series native radiator grille and deer figurines on the hood from the first and second GAZ-21 series.
Under the hood lies a notable power upgrade: an inline six-cylinder BMW M50 engine with a 2.0-liter displacement producing about 150 horsepower. The transmission details aren’t disclosed in the Avito listing, but it is likely that the Bavarian engine’s torque is directed to the rear axle through a suitable gearbox, aligning with classic BMW drivetrain layouts.
The interior appears to borrow heavily from BMW influences as well. The seats feature electric adjustment and seat belts, complemented by leather upholstery. The sale price also includes an original trailer crafted from the rear section of another white Volga. For the complete package, the seller asks 2,500,000 rubles, with some willingness to negotiate.
The vehicle is marketed not only as a showpiece but also as a potential source of income through photo shoots, weddings, graduations, advertisements, and film projects. It is presented as suitable for exhibitions, with the author promising prize potential for display events.
Crucially, the project is described as fully legal. It is registered as a GAZ-21 convertible, with a documented re-equipment process that includes the necessary paperwork and certifications, including US documents in the records. This legal status is emphasized to reassure buyers about ownership and compliance, alongside the supporting drawings and certificates from the certification process.
Additional notes suggest testing on another Volga variant, the GAZ-24, described as a prestigious model from the USSR era of the 1970s. The listing also points to a social channel where a short description of the project can be found, indicating ongoing engagement with potential buyers and enthusiasts.
Overall, the car presents a bold, eye-catching reinterpretation of a Soviet classic. It blends vintage silhouette with modern performance and interior touches, offering a distinctive platform for collectors, enthusiasts, and production teams alike. The project illustrates how a legendary automobile can be reimagined while maintaining a recognizable lineage and the charm of its original era [attribution: listing details with project overview].