VAZ-2101 «Zhiguli»
VAZ-2101 is the first car of the Volga Automobile Plant, which was produced from 1970 to 1988. This is a rear-wheel drive car of a small class I group for mass consumption with a body «sedan». The Italian Fiat 124 served as its prototype. The VAZ-2101 was first called by the people «one», and then this name is completely superseded «penny».
On the platform of this car, a whole family of different cars with different types of bodies, called «classic», and the last of this family was released in 2012. Modification with a body «station wagon» called VAZ-2102, and improved equipment has the code VAZ-2103. In total, 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 received an award a year later «European Car of the Year». According to the results of tests on Russian roads, our engineers were not satisfied with the durability of the body, low ground clearance, rear disc brakes, gearbox, and the outdated lower engine was completely rejected.
In total, about 800 changes were made to the design, such as rear drum brakes, a reinforced front suspension, an upgraded rear suspension, a driveline with an intermediate support, synchronizers in the gearbox, reinforced clutch and other smaller ones. In total, the car has become more comfortable and manageable compared to the Italian prototype. And the ability to fold the seats to make sleeping places was highly appreciated by the owners.
Modifications of the VAZ-2101
- VAZ-2101 «Zhiguli» - 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 - right-hand drive version of the VAZ-2101 car (1974—1982);
- VAZ-21014 - right-hand drive version of the VAZ-21011 car (1974—1982);
- VAZ-21015 «Carat» - a car for special services with an engine from VAZ-2106, additional gas tank and rear suspension from 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 truck body with a carrying capacity of 250-300 kg;
- VAZ-2101-94 - a body from the VAZ-2101 with a 1.5-liter engine from the VAZ-2103;
- VAZ-21016 - a body from the VAZ-2101 with a 1.3-liter engine from the VAZ-21011.
VAZ-2102 «Zhiguli»
VAZ-2102 - rear-wheel drive Soviet car of a small class based on the VAZ-2101, but with a 5-door body type «station wagon». The cars are completely unified with each other, the only differences are in the rear part of the body and the rear suspension, which has been reinforced for greater carrying capacity. Produced at the plant in Tolyatti from 1971 to 1986.
Modifications of the VAZ-2102
- VAZ-2102 - the base model with a 1.2-liter engine and 62 hp;
- VAZ-21021 - with an engine from the VAZ-21011 with a volume of 1.3 liters and a power of 69 hp;
- VAZ-21021-01 - with a 1.3-liter engine from the VAZ-21011 and a dashboard from the VAZ-2103;
- VAZ-21021-02 - with an engine from the VAZ-21011 with a volume of 1.3 liters and a dashboard from the VAZ-21011;
- VAZ-21022 - right-hand drive;
- VAZ-21023 - with interior and engine from VAZ-2103 with a volume of 1.45 liters and a power of 71 hp;
- VAZ-21024 - right-hand drive modification of the VAZ-21021 car;
- VAZ-21026 - right-hand drive modification with interior and engine from VAZ-2103.
VAZ-2103 «Zhiguli»
VAZ-2103 «Zhiguli» - rear-wheel drive Soviet car of a small class II group with a sedan body. Produced at the plant in Tolyatti from 1972 to 1984. This is a more comfortable version of the VAZ-2101 sedan. The biggest difference is the interior geometry, which is 15mm higher, as well as better trim and a completely new dashboard. The power unit was set more powerful - a volume of 1.5 liters with a capacity of 71 hp. For the entire period, about 1.3 million cars were produced.
Modifications of the VAZ-2103
- VAZ-21031 - with an engine from VAZ-2106 volume of 1.6 liters with a capacity of 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 with an engine from VAZ-2101 (1973—1981).