>>28567636
They wanted to export the Volga to the US, that's why the higher ups told the designers to scrap the original designs and go with a more "American" look.
I'll post it if I can find it, but the original designs for the GAZ24 Volga were more akin to a 60s American barge, with large fins and all.
Also one of the reasons they developed a 3 litre and a 5.5 litre V8 engine for the car.