This vehicle is described as a catch-up model, with the historic codename in internal documents referring to it as the escort car. Informally, it earned nicknames like the overtaker or the crazy, reflecting its role as a more capable evolution of the standard car, designed with purposes tied to KGB assignments. The essence of its development was to push the baseline platform into a higher performance category while maintaining a familiar silhouette and footprint.
The core frame was a modified standard GAZ-24-10 body, but the mechanicals received a substantial upgrade. The suspension was reinforced to handle increased loads and higher dynamics, while power steering was added to improve maneuverability at speed and during complex driving tasks. The propulsion system was rebuilt with different components, swapping in a more robust engine to deliver noticeably stronger performance. The original powertrain featured a V8 engine with a displacement of 5.5 liters and around 195 horsepower, paired with a gearbox chosen to extract maximum response from the upgraded drivetrain. During subsequent restorations, it is likely that the engine was simplified to ensure reliability and ease of maintenance, a common adjustment in classic cars that have lived through multiple ownership cycles and exposure to demanding usage contexts.
The interior finish speaks to a high standard of craftsmanship. The seats are upholstered in premium velvet, a material chosen for its tactile quality and visual appeal, with careful hand assembly that reflects a traditional attention to detail. Such touches would enhance the sense of occasion when the car was deployed for official duties or ceremonial appearances, balancing comfort with the vehicle’s performance characteristics.
In current listings, a beige Volga fitted with a 2.5-liter engine producing about 100 horsepower and a manual transmission is advertised at a price of 5.9 million rubles. The description notes that this is a restored reference example, underscoring its status as a benchmark specimen rather than a typical daily driver. The listing indicates a single prior owner and an odometer reading of roughly 5 kilometers, highlighting the car’s reputation for ghostly showroom mileage and limited use since its restoration. For collectors, the combination of historical significance, considered restoration work, and the provenance of a specialized variant makes such a model a notable entry in the broader spectrum of postwar performance sedans. The vehicle’s story sits at the intersection of Soviet automotive engineering and Cold War-era symbolism, where design decisions were as much about capability as they were about projecting state prestige and authority.
When evaluating cars of this type, enthusiasts consider several critical factors beyond raw power. The engineering choices behind the reinforced suspension and upgraded steering influence ride quality, handling, and stability at speed. The engine swap to a larger displacement unit, even if later simplified, marks a deliberate shift in performance philosophy—prioritizing torque and quick throttle response over compact efficiency. The hand-stitched velvet upholstery and the bespoke assembly speak to a level of care that resonates with the era’s emphasis on craftsmanship and durability. For observers, these details together create a holistic impression: a machine built to perform under demanding conditions while maintaining the ceremonial dignity expected of its original role in state functions. (Editorial summary of postwar Soviet automotive design trends and restoration practices)
Potential buyers today weigh the craft, the performance heritage, and the restoration history against practical realities such as parts availability and long-term reliability. The asking price, framed as a restored reference model, reflects a balance between collectible value and operational practicality. Prospective owners are advised to confirm the restoration scope, verify the provenance chain, and assess the condition of critical components, including the engine, transmission, and suspension, to ensure that the experience aligns with the described specifications. Market behavior for these vehicles often prioritizes authenticity and period-correct details, with buyers looking for vehicles that not only run smoothly but also tell a credible story about their past use and official connections. (Market analysis for classic Soviet-era vehicles and restoration valuation)