VAZ-2101

Infobox Automobile


name = VAZ-2101
aka = Lada 1200
Lada 1500
Kopeyka (~ one cent)
Zhiguli
Klassika (Classics)
manufacturer = AutoVAZ
parent_company =
production = 1970-1984
successor = Lada Riva
class = Family car
platform = Front-engine rear wheel drive
body_style = 4-door sedan
layout = FR layout
engine = 1.2 liters, carburetor
transmission = 4-speed mechanic
wheelbase = Auto mm|2424
length = Auto mm|4043
width = Auto mm|1611
height = Auto mm|1440
weight = convert|955|kg|lb|0|abbr=on
fuel_economy = 6.9-9.4 liters per 100 km
fuel_capacity = Convert|39|L|usgal impgal|0|abbr=on|lk=on
related = Fiat 124
SEAT 124
similar =
designer =

The VAZ-2101 is a mid-sized family car, sedan, produced by AvtoVAZ and introduced in 1970. Better known as the Lada outside of its native Russia, it was a localised version of the Fiat 124 tailored for the Soviet and Eastern European market.

Known as the "Zhiguli" within the Soviet Union, the main differences between the VAZ-2101 and the Fiat 124 are the use of thicker gauge steel for the bodyshell, an overhead camshaft engine (in place of the original Fiat OHV unit), and the use of aluminium drum brakes on the rear wheels in place of disc brakes. Early versions of the car featured a starting handle for cranking the engine manually should the battery go flat in Siberian winter conditions, and an auxiliary fuel pump.

AvtoVAZ were forbidden from selling the car in competing markets alongside Fiat 124; however exports to Western European nations began in 1974 when the 124 was discontinued in favour of Fiat's newer 131 Mirafiori model. The 2101 was sold in export markets as the Lada 1200/1300/1500 until 1983, when it was replaced by the facelifted VAZ-2105 model - badged as the Lada Riva.

Modifications

* VAZ-2101 (1970) — first variant was equipped with 1.2 liters engine
* VAZ-21011 (1974) — engine 1.3 l instead of 1.2 l. Further changes included self-adjusting drum brakes on the rear axle (ths was fitted to the VAZ-2101 as well), flat forward turn light glasses (instead of the roof-shaped ones on the VAZ-2101). The "horns" on the bumpers were removed and replaced with a rubber strip running the whole length of the bumper. The rear lights were also flattened in a similar manner like the turn indicator glasses and the passive reflector (previously a separate part underneath the main rear lights) was incorporated as a small, square-shaped part in the rear light glasses themselves. Material and coloring of the instrument panel was changed from the original black marking on light gray to white marking on black background, the instrument panel lighting was altered as well. The export series were designated the Lada 1300.
* VAZ-21013 (1977) — similar to VAZ-21011, engine 1.2 liters, exported as the Lada 1200 with an upgraded version (incorporating the exterior and dashboard changes introduced with the VAZ-21011) called Lada 1200S. Also, a break version was available, called Lada 1200 Combi.
* VAZ-21016 — modification for Soviet militia, engine 1.5 l (from Vaz-2103)