Crazy Bryki

SOVIET LADA 2107

Lada is the trademark of AvtoVAZ, a Soviet car manufacturer located in the city of Togliatti. It was chosen for exports over the domestic Zhiguli brand. Lada made its name in Western Europe selling the Lada Riva as an economy car in large quantities during the 1980s, but subsequent models have not enjoyed the same success as the Riva. Although introduced in 1980, the Riva's origins are older: it is a restyled version of the Italian Fiat 124-based Lada 2101 / "Zhiguli" saloon, which was introduced in 1970. The Riva's running gear is similar to that of the Fiat 124, although rear drum brakes are used instead of discs, primarily for suitability to Russia's colder climate. The Lada was widely exported throughout the world in the 80s and 90s (the US was the only large market not to have imported Ladas, although they can be found in Canada) and is unique in being the only car model that can be found on every continent, including Antarctica (where the Russian research base used Lada Nivas). The rugged design of the original Lada, which was built to cope with extreme Siberian climates and poor roads, meant that huge mileages were possible in well-maintained examples (300,000 mls or more on the same engine has been reported). Tightening European safety and emissions legislation led to the Riva being withdrawn from most Western European markets by 1997, although it is still in production at the AutoVAZ factory in Russia. Our Russian automobiles are sure to bring to mind classic spy thrillers from the 1980s, in which James Bond is seen running away from the dastardly KGB, as they chase him through the streets of Moscow in their Ladas and Volgas.

SOVIET LADA 2107

  • Soviet copy of Fiat
  • Widely exported throughout the world
  • The only car that can be found in Antarctica