Volga cars were almost the only taxis in the USSR.
In 1971, the GAZ-24-01 taxi was introduced.
It had cheap and easy-to-wash all-vinyl interior, low compression ZMZ 24-01 engine (85 hp, SAE 95 hp) able to run on 76 octane fuel (most commonly available in the Soviet Union), taximeter under the dash, and distinctive checkerboard stripe on front doors.
At first, Volga taxis were painted in different light colors; later, most taxis were painted in lime-yellow.
The GAZ-24 is still famous for its roadworthiness and durability.
Volga taxicabs often have more than 1,000,000 km (620,000 mi) on their odometers, and several engine rebuilds.
Taxicab drivers nicknamed GAZ-24 sedan "The Shrimp" due to its slim (compared to the GAZ-21, nicknamed "The Holy Cow") appearance and two "fangs" under front bumper that resembled shrimp's claws.
Wagon taxis GAZ-24-04 (station wagons were used as cargo taxies) were nicknamed "The Shed" due to vast interior space; they had a payload of 400 kg (880 lb), thanks to stiffer rear springs.
Volga cars were almost the only taxis in the USSR. In 1971, the GAZ-24-01 taxi was introduced. It had cheap and easy-to-wash all-vinyl interior, low compression ZMZ 24-01 engine (85 hp, SAE 95 hp) able to run on 76 octane fuel (most commonly available in the Soviet Union), taximeter under the dash, and distinctive checkerboard stripe on front doors. At first, Volga taxis were painted in different light colors; later, most taxis were painted in lime-yellow. The GAZ-24 is still famous for its roadworthiness and durability. Volga taxicabs often have more than 1,000,000 km (620,000 mi) on their odometers, and several engine rebuilds. Taxicab drivers nicknamed GAZ-24 sedan "The Shrimp" due to its slim (compared to the GAZ-21, nicknamed "The Holy Cow") appearance and two "fangs" under front bumper that resembled shrimp's claws. Wagon taxis GAZ-24-04 (station wagons were used as cargo taxies) were nicknamed "The Shed" due to vast interior space; they had a payload of 400 kg (880 lb), thanks to stiffer rear springs.
GAZ-24