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GAZ-3111 Volga: a rare flagship, engine and what to know
The GAZ-3111 Volga is a prototype sedan from Gorky Automobile Plant (GAZ) that was intended to be the next generation Volga. Produced from 1998 to 2004, only a few hundred units were made. We look at its history, technology, and what buyers need to know.
GAZ-3111 in brief
The GAZ-3111 was designed as the next generation Volga, aiming to move away from the old GAZ-3110 concept. First shown in 1998, production was set to begin in 2000. The design was completely new, with retro accents reminiscent of the GAZ-21, and was developed in collaboration with a US company.
Although around 25,000 cars per year were planned, only a fraction of the prototype series was produced — over 400 units in total. Due to its high price and the Volga brand's reputation at the time, the car didn't sell well, and the new GAZ owner, O. Deripaska, didn't see its potential.
Model history
The GAZ-3111 was meant to replace the GAZ-3102 and bring features like ABS, power steering, climate control, an automatic transmission, a leather interior, and V6 or even V8 engines to the Volga. Some parts, especially in the early prototypes, were borrowed from older models, such as the axles from the 'Chaika'.
According to the data, 342 cars were delivered in 2001, 20 in 2002, and nine more in 2004, after which production ceased. Despite this, the GAZ-3111 influenced another Volga update — the GAZ-31105, which finally ditched the archaic front suspension design in 2004.
Engine and transmission
Test cars came with the same ZMZ-4062.10 engine as the GAZ-3110 (2.3-litre four-cylinder, around 150 hp). More powerful V6 and V8 engines planned for the test series never made it.
Moreover, the test cars weren't fitted with the planned automatic gearbox, so a manual one was used instead.
What to know when looking for a GAZ-3111
This car is particularly rare – you'll mostly find it in museums and collections. If you're offered one, check its provenance and ensure it's not a converted or modified GAZ-3110 or GAZ-31105.
Parts selection is very limited: unique body elements, headlights, and interior details are hard to find, so the price greatly depends on originality and history.
Trim levels
This model wasn't mass-produced, so there weren't any true trim levels.
GAZ-3111
1998–2004Test series sedan.
- 2.3-litre ZMZ-4062.10 engine
- Manual gearbox (no automatics were available)
- Fewer than 500 units produced
GAZ-3111 review
| GAZ-3111 | |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Collectors and GAZ enthusiasts |
| Engine | 2.3-litre four-cylinder |
| Produced | A few hundred |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ |
The GAZ-3111 is only worth it for a collector. For daily use, opt for the more common Volga with easier-to-find parts.
Pros
- A very rare model
- Retro design touches
- Simple mechanical construction
- An interesting history
Cons
- Practically impossible to find for sale
- Parts selection is very limited
- Outdated construction and equipment
Frequently asked questions
How many GAZ-3111s were produced?
Just over 400 units were produced in the trial run, mostly in 2001.
Why wasn't the GAZ-3111 mass-produced?
Due to its high price and the poor reputation of the Volga brand. Moreover, the new factory owner didn't rate it visually.
What impact did the GAZ-3111 have?
It influenced another Volga update—the GAZ-31105, which ditched the archaic front suspension design in 2004.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
