Editorial photo #1216193 Human Interest

Many Old Volga Cars In The street of Stepanakert

A view of the early GAZ-21 Volga car, with the iconic deer mascot, on the street in Stepanakert, on May 18, 2016. Volga (Russian: Волга), an automobile brand originated in the Soviet Union, replaced the venerated GAZ Pobeda in 1956. Modern in design, the car survived several generations. Many Volga cars were also used as taxi cabs, road police interceptors and ambulances, and it was their role in serving the Soviet nomenklatura, that made them a contemporary cultural icon. The original GAZ-M-21 was produced between from 1956 and underwent two facelifts (1958, 1962) and a technical modernisation in 1965 before retiring in 1970. The car marked the blossoming era of Nikita Khruschev's thaw, and despite its very limited private sales, was very sought by the Soviet public, becoming a symbol of style and success. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)