CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

GAZ 21

GAZ 21 — 4-door saloon (gaz-21, gaz-23); 5-door wagon (gaz-22), 2.5 L ''M-21'' I4 (GAZ-21/22); 5.5 L ''M-13'' V8 (GAZ-23). Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

GAZ 21
Engine2.5 L ''M-21'' I4 (GAZ-21/22); 5.5 L ''M-13'' V8 (GAZ-23)
Transmission3-speed automatic (initially); 3-speed manual

About the GAZ 21

GAZ 21 is a 4-door saloon (GAZ-21, GAZ-23); 5-door wagon (GAZ-22) in the executive car (e) class. The available vehicle data lists 2.5 L ''M-21'' I4 (GAZ-21/22); 5.5 L ''M-13'' V8 (GAZ-23) as an engine configuration, paired with 3-speed automatic (initially); 3-speed manual. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This GAZ 21 guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 2.5 L ''M-21'' I4 (GAZ-21/22); 5.5 L ''M-13'' V8 (GAZ-23) and 3-speed automatic (initially); 3-speed manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

GAZ 21 specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make GAZ
Model 21
Model years Not specified
Body style 4-door saloon (GAZ-21, GAZ-23); 5-door wagon (GAZ-22)
Vehicle class Executive car (E)
Manufacturer GAZ
Production 1956–1970
Market / country FI, NL, UA

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the GAZ 21 includes 2.5 L ''M-21'' I4 (GAZ-21/22); 5.5 L ''M-13'' V8 (GAZ-23).. Transmission information includes 3-speed automatic (initially); 3-speed manual.

Engine 2.5 L ''M-21'' I4 (GAZ-21/22); 5.5 L ''M-13'' V8 (GAZ-23)
Transmission 3-speed automatic (initially); 3-speed manual

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase 2700 mm
Length 4810 mm
Width 1800 mm
Height 1610 mm
Kerb / curb weight 1460-1523 kg lb 0

GAZ 21 other specifications

Image 2018-08-26. Авто-мото экзотика 20.jpg
Name GAZ-21
Aka Scaldia-Volga M21 (export markets)Dongfanghong BJ760 (China)

GAZ 21 features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓It was, however, still far from production-ready
✓in the first year, 1956, only five cars were assembled, the first on 10 October 1956
✓assembled Volgas locally for sale in Western Europe
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for GAZ 21

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear
Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear
Load condition Front Rear Status
Normal 32 PSI 30 PSI Estimate
Fully loaded 34 PSI 33 PSI Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about GAZ 21

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the GAZ 21 have?
The available source data lists the GAZ 21 engine as 2.5 L ''M-21'' I4 (GAZ-21/22); 5.5 L ''M-13'' V8 (GAZ-23). Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the GAZ 21?
For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.
What is the best engine oil for the GAZ 21?
There is no single best engine oil for every GAZ 21 configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.
What body style is the GAZ 21?
The GAZ 21 is classified as a 4-door saloon (GAZ-21, GAZ-23); 5-door wagon (GAZ-22).
What are the dimensions of the GAZ 21?
The available source data lists length 4810 mm, width 1800 mm, height 1610 mm, and wheelbase 2700 mm.
What transmission does the GAZ 21 have?
The available source data lists 3-speed automatic (initially); 3-speed manual transmission options for the GAZ 21.
Who makes the GAZ 21?
The manufacturer listed for the GAZ 21 is GAZ.
When was the GAZ 21 produced?
The available source data describes production as 1956–1970.
How much does the GAZ 21 weigh?
The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 1460-1523 kg lb 0. Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.
Where was the GAZ 21 built?
The available source record lists assembly information as Soviet Union: GorkyBelgium: Antwerp (Sobimpex N.V.).
What class of car is the GAZ 21?
The GAZ 21 is listed in the Executive car (E) class.
Which markets or countries sold the GAZ 21?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the GAZ 21 with FI, NL, UA. Market availability and specifications can differ.
What came after the GAZ 21?
The available vehicle data lists GAZ-24 Volga as a successor where applicable.
What replaced the GAZ 21?
The available vehicle data lists GAZ-24 Volga as the successor where applicable.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the GAZ 21?
Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the GAZ 21?
No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the GAZ 21 is fully loaded?
It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.
Can the GAZ 21 have different tire pressures front and rear?
Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.
Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the GAZ 21?
Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

GAZ 21 images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.

GAZ 21 photo
GAZ 21 photo