Soviet-produced cars under the Volga brand tried very hard to emulate the style of American luxury vehicles from nearly the entire length of the Cold War. Everyone likes the look of a classic Cadillac, but if someone actually drove an ElDorado through Red Square during the Cold War, they might as well hand in their Party membership card start wearing an “I Love Ronald Reagan” shirt. Nobody wants to do that.
For the luxury car connoisseur seeking a less capitalist commuter, this 1981 Volga GAZ-24 for sale on eBay may be the vehicle for you. The guys down at the Politburo office will be jealous when you come cruising into the Square. That’s because the 1981 GAZ-24 carries all the looks and technology of a classic American car from the 1950s. It’s a real throwback. According to the seller, the GAZ-24 was imported from Ukraine, and currently holds a New Jersey title.
At $12,500, this Soviet work of automotive craftsmanship may be priced a little high, but that’s exactly what the West would want you to think. With just over 69,000 miles on the odometer, the GAZ-24 is in fairly good shape. The Volga is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four connected to a manual transmission. That means you can have at least some fun rowing through gears on your way to see Leonid Brezhnev speak.