GAZ M22 Volga Estate
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 3
Introduction
Six years after the introduction of the
GAZ M21 Saloon came the M22 Estate (station wagon) version, which remained in production from
1962 to
1970. Best known of these was the 5 door M22D "Universal", which entered service in the Soviet Union as an ambulance.
Naturally the M22 used identical mechanicals to the M21, along with the front bench seat, column
transmission shifter and smooth 1950's design. The M21 and M22 were conventional in most respects, the front
suspension using independent A-arms and coil springs, while the rear
suspension used a solid axle and leaf spring set-up.
surprisingly for the weight of the car, the claimed fuel economy was an amazing 18.1 miles per gallon - and that was for the city cycle! The M22 Estate version was also surprisingly versatile. The rear seats could fold away, creating a huge space for cargo.
