History and description car VAZ-2101 «Zhiguli»

VAZ-2101 "Zhiguli"

VAZ-2101 is the first car of the Volga Automobile Plant, which was produced from 1970 to 1988. It is a rear-wheel drive small class car of the first group for mass consumption with a "sedan" body. Its prototype was the Italian Fiat 124. The VAZ-2101 was first called "one", and then this name was completely replaced by "kopeck".

A whole family of different cars with different types of bodies, called "classic", was created on the platform of this car, and the last of this family was released in 2012. The modification with the "station wagon" body is called VAZ-2102, and the improved configuration has the code VAZ-2103. A total of 4.85 million VAZ-2101 cars were produced. According to the magazine "Behind the Wheel", it was named the best Soviet car of the 20th century.

A bit of history

In 1966, our specialists got acquainted with the Italian car Fiat 124, which a year later received the award "European Car of the Year". According to the results of tests on Russian roads, our engineers were not satisfied - the durability of the body, low ground clearance, rear disc brakes, gearbox, and the outdated lower-shaft engine was completely rejected.

In total, about 800 changes were made to the design, such as rear drum brakes, reinforced front suspension, upgraded rear suspension, cardan transmission with intermediate support, synchronizers in the gearbox, reinforced clutch and other, smaller ones. As a result, the car became more comfortable and controllable compared to the Italian prototype. And the ability to fold the seats to make sleeping places was highly appreciated by the owners.

VAZ-21011, front view

VAZ-21011, back view

VAZ-2101, interior

Modifications of VAZ-2101

• VAZ-2101 "Zhiguli" - the original version, 1.2 liter engine (1970-1983);
• VAZ-21011 "Zhiguli-1300" - with a modified body and a more powerful 1.3-liter engine with 69 hp (1974-1983);
• VAZ-21013 "Lada-1200s" — the same body as the VAZ-21011 but with a 1.2 liter engine (1977-1988);
• VAZ-21012 is a right-hand drive version of the VAZ-2101 (1974-1982);
• VAZ-21014 is a right-hand drive version of the VAZ-21011 (1974-1982);
• VAZ-21015 "Karat" - a car for special services with an engine from VAZ-2106, an additional gas tank and rear suspension from a VAZ-2102;
• VAZ-21018 - with a single-section rotary engine VAZ-311 with a capacity of 70 hp.;
• VAZ-21019 - with a single-section rotary engine VAZ-411 with a capacity of 120 hp.;
• VAZ-2101 pickup - with a pickup body with a load capacity of 250-300 kg;
• VAZ-2101-94 — body from VAZ-2101 with 1.5 liter engine from VAZ-2103;
• VAZ-21016 - body from VAZ-2101 with 1.3 liter engine from VAZ-21011.

VAZ-2102 "Zhiguli"

VAZ-2102 is a rear-wheel drive Soviet small car based on the VAZ-2101, but with a 5-door station wagon body. The cars are completely unified with each other, the only differences are in the rear of the body and the rear suspension, which was reinforced for greater load capacity. It was produced at the plant in Tolyatti from 1971 to 1986.

Modifications of VAZ-2102

• VAZ-2102 is a basic model with a 1.2-liter engine and 62 hp.;
• VAZ-21021 - with a 1.3-liter engine from the VAZ-21011 and a power of 69 hp.;
• VAZ-21021-01 — with a 1.3-liter VAZ-21011 engine and a VAZ-2103 instrument panel;
• VAZ-21021-02 — with a 1.3-liter VAZ-21011 engine and a VAZ-21011 instrument panel;
• VAZ-21022 - with right-hand steering;
• VAZ-21023 - with a salon and an engine from VAZ-2103 with a volume of 1.45 liters and a power of 71 hp.;
• VAZ-21024 is a right-hand drive modification of the VAZ-21021;
• VAZ-21026 is a right-hand drive modification with the interior and engine from the VAZ-2103.

VAZ-2103 "Zhiguli"

VAZ-2103 "Zhiguli" - rear-wheel drive Soviet small car of the II group with a sedan body. It was produced at the plant in Tolyatti from 1972 to 1984. This is a more comfortable version of the VAZ-2101 sedan. The main difference is the geometry of the cabin - it became 15 mm higher, as well as better quality trim and a completely new dashboard. The power unit was more powerful - a volume of 1.5 liters with a capacity of 71 hp. Over the entire period, about 1.3 million cars were produced.

Modifications of VAZ-2103

• VAZ-21031 - with an engine from VAZ-2106 1.6 liter engine with 80 hp.;
• VAZ-21032 — right-hand drive modification (1973-1981);
• VAZ-2103 Lada 1500S Automatic — with automatic transmission 3L30 (TH180) manufactured by General Motors (1977-1983);
• VAZ-21033 — with an engine from VAZ-21011 (1977-1983);
• VAZ-21035 - export version with engine from VAZ-2101 (1973-1981).

VAZ-2103, back view

VAZ-2103, interior

VAZ-2103, dashboard