Interesting Facts About the Lada 2101
The Lada 2101, also known as the Zhiguli, rolled off the AvtoVAZ production line in 1970 as the Soviet People's Car. Based on the Italian Fiat 124 but re‑engineered for Soviet conditions, it remained in production until the late 1980s.
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Birth of the Soviet People's Car
Introduced in 1970, the VAZ‑2101 was AvtoVAZ's first mass‑produced model and quickly became known as the Soviet People's Car. Its production spanned from 1970 to 1988, offering a 4‑door sedan layout that appealed to a wide range of drivers.
Engine Design That Set It Apart
The original VAZ‑2101 was equipped with a 1,198 cc (1.2 L) inline‑four engine featuring an overhead camshaft (OHC) design—a configuration that Fiat never used on the original 124 platform. This engine delivered around 60 PS (44 kW) and, in later specifications, 64 hp (47 kW) at 5,600 rpm.
A Joint Venture Legacy
Lada’s roots trace back to a 1960s joint venture between communist Russia and Italy, which enabled the adaptation of the Fiat 124 into the VAZ‑2101 with modifications suited for Soviet roads and climate. This collaboration gave the 2101 its distinctive blend of Italian styling and rugged Soviet engineering.
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