Volga: GAZ-21, GAZ-24, GAZ-3110

As seen in: Beware of the Car (1966), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), The Transporter 3 (2008), A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

With a design on par with contemporary Western models, the first Volga car (GAZ-21) was produced at the Gorky Automobile Factory (GAZ) in 1956. It was a luxurious model, featuring reclining front seats, a cigarette lighter, and a radio and, though available to regular consumers, had quite a steep price making it more of a premium model. 

In 1968, the model was surpassed by GAZ-24, which was more sleek-looking in response to the changing design standards set by the American car industry. Interestingly, in the 1970s, the car was exported to Belgium, France and the Scandinavian countries in the modification known as GAZ-24-76 Scaldia: it was assembled in Belgium, boasted a diesel Peugeot Indenor XD2P engine, and its braking system was made by the Rover Company. 

And the final Volga model, GAZ-3110, downgrading from premium to middle class, was released in 1996 and produced till 2004. These can sometimes still be seen in the streets with their “rounder” and seemingly simpler design. In their prime, GAZ-3110 cars often served as taxis, police patrol cars, or even ambulances  – in the station wagon modification.

Zhiguli or Kopeika: VAZ-2101

As seen in: Gentlemen of Fortune (1971), The Kopeck (2002), Wanted (2008)

A legend in its own right, Zhiguli (VAZ-2101) was the first car produced by AvtoVAZ (Volga Automotive Plant) between 1970 and 1988. The plant was a result of collaboration between the Soviet authorities and the Italian company Fiat in the aptly-named Tolyatti, a Russian city named after a secretary of the Italian Communist Party. Though over the years, the public eye has downgraded the car by giving it the colloquial name Kopeika (the smallest Russian currency unit), in 2000 it was voted as the best Russian car of the 20th century. And its lasting status is a reason why Kopeikas are still seen in the streets today – bought on Avito and modified by the younger generation. 

Chaika: GAZ-14

As seen in: Red (2010)

To be fair, yours truly wasn’t even aware this car existed but having found it while researching for this article, I have to mention it. Just look at the pictures! It is the ultimate spy car; it is something you would rent out to impress your friends with a cool ride! And no wonder: it was hand-assembled between 1977 and 1988, with only 1,114 Chaikas produced over this time. Naturally, it wasn’t made for retail – the models were distributed between heads of Soviet republics and other “apparatchiks” – administration bigwigs. A phaeton-type model was also produced specifically for various parades and processions.

Devyatka: VAZ-21099

As seen in: The Criminal Quartet (1989), Genius (1991), Black Summer series (2019), 

From spy cars, we proceed right on to the stereotypical “bad guy” cars of the nineties and noughties that can still be spotted on the street. The car got its colloquial name from its series number (nine is devyat in Russian) and, in its high time, 1990-2004, partook in many undeserving activities (unknowingly, we are sure). These days, no such fame is associated with these cars – instead, if you see someone driving one, they just might be a car enthusiast, with all sorts of complex handmade upgrades done to the car. 

Niva: VAZ-2121

As seen in: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

The only still-manufactured car on our list, this off-road car is considered the best model to have been produced by VAZ – and, according to some experts, has even inspired the popular Suzuki Vitara. Designed as a comfortable car for rural areas, it has become a classic, with models selling all around the world, from Iceland (as featured in one of our big-screen examples) to Australia. Perhaps its popularity can be explained by a popular Russian saying that alludes to the country’s two greatest problems – fools and roads. On a Niva, there seems to be no road that you can’t tame.