Volga 21V of 1959: A Rare Transitional Classic in Collectible Car Circles
Released in 1959, the Volga 21V stands as a rare bridge between the first and second production years, a car steeped in history as much as in engineering detail. Its ownership line reads like a small aviation roll call: Igor Valeryevich Chkalov, an Air Force engineer and Colonel, was a family-linked owner, the son of the legendary pilot Valery Chkalov. The car recently surfaced on Auto.ru and found a new steward through a passionate collector who values vintage automobiles for their provenance and craftsmanship.
In its current form, the vehicle has seen a partial restoration, and its body remains in excellent condition. Chrome coatings have been renewed, and the interior features whiskey-colored leather upholstery that complements the timeless silhouette. All electrical systems are fully functional, a testament to careful restoration work.
Mechanical freshness is evident across the board: brakes, drums, pads, cylinders, rubber, and hydraulic lines are all renewed. The carburetor, battery, steering wheel, fuel pump, and the rear filter housing have been replaced with new components. The gearbox has received a recent overhaul and ongoing maintenance, ensuring smooth, dependable shifts. The rear axle now comes from a GAZ-13 Chaika, a detail that adds a distinct lineage to the overall drive train, while the engine and body numbers remain clearly legible for verification.
Notable is the gear selector, which sits on the car floor rather than on the steering column, a modification introduced by the second owner when the car received a ZMZ-402 engine rated at 2.5 liters and approximately 70 horsepower. This change marks a rare deviation from the stock configuration and signals a thoughtful approach to balancing performance with classic design cues. The Volga 21V is a rear-wheel-drive sedan with a top speed around 110 kilometers per hour, a figure that matches its era while still delivering a surprising cadence on modern roads. The odometer reading cites about 3,000 kilometers, and the asking price for this unique specimen is 750,000 rubles.
Photographs accompanying the listing come from Avto.ru and provide a visual tour of the car’s renewed surfaces, interior, and mechanical underpinnings. For collectors in Canada and the United States who prize historical authenticity, the Volga 21V offers a tangible link to mid-century automotive and aviation history, a blend that resonates with enthusiasts who value stories as much as specifications. A buyer should expect a vehicle that has been thoughtfully restored, with attention paid to originality in key areas while embracing practical improvements that ensure reliability on the road today.
Overall, the Volga 21V of 1959 stands as a storied collectible—a transitional model that captures the push and pull of an era when design, engineering, and personal provenance converged in a single automobile. Its combination of a strong historical lineage, careful restoration, and documented maintenance makes it a compelling option for serious collectors and vintage-car lovers who seek not just a showpiece, but a driveable piece of automotive heritage.
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