Lada 2105 1500
The Lada 2105 and its upmarket sibling the 2107 represent the final chapter of one of the longest-running production car stories in history. Based on the original Fiat 124 platform licensed by the Soviet Union in the late 1960s, these cars were produced from 1980 until 2012 — an extraordinary 32-year production run that made them among the most enduring automotive designs ever.
The 2105 was introduced as an updated version of the VAZ-2101 (the original Soviet Fiat 124), with a new overhead-camshaft engine, revised interior, rectangular headlights, and improved trim. The 2107 added chrome bumpers, a more luxurious interior, and was positioned as the premium model. In export markets, the cars were known as the Lada Riva (UK) or Lada Nova (continental Europe).
The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine was a development of the original Fiat-derived unit, producing 71 hp in standard form. While never fast, the car was mechanically simple, easy to repair with basic tools, and remarkably durable in harsh Russian conditions. The five-speed manual gearbox was a later improvement over the original four-speed.
In the West, the Lada Riva became known as the ultimate budget car — cheap to buy, cheap to run, and utterly no-frills. It was particularly popular in the UK during the 1980s, where its low price made it attractive to budget-conscious buyers. The joke was that it was the cheapest new car you could buy, and you got what you paid for.
Yet the 2105/2107 was perfectly suited to its primary market. In Russia and throughout the former Soviet Union, its simplicity was a virtue. It could be repaired by its owner with basic tools, it started in extreme cold, and it was tough enough for Russia's notoriously poor roads. Millions were produced and the design became as quintessentially Russian as the Fiat 500 is Italian.
Production finally ended in 2012 when AvtoVAZ, by then partnered with Renault-Nissan, retired the ancient platform. The last 2107 rolled off the line at Togliatti, marking the end of the Fiat 124's remarkable 42-year production history in Russia.
Incredibly cheap to buy, even in good condition. Rust is the main concern — check everywhere, particularly sills, floor pans, and wheel arches. Mechanical parts are abundant and cheap through Russian parts suppliers. UK-market Rivas have a dedicated following with specialist clubs. The 1.5 and 1.6 engines are virtually indestructible if oil changes are maintained. Export-spec cars with fuel injection are more refined. Documentation and service history is rarely available for Russian-market cars.
Produced at AvtoVAZ, Togliatti from 1980 to 2012. Based on Fiat 124 platform licensed in 1966. The 2105 replaced the 2101; the 2107 was the luxury version. Exported worldwide as Lada Riva (UK) and Lada Nova (Europe). Late models received fuel injection and catalytic converters for export markets. Total Lada Classic family (2101-2107) production exceeds 17 million units.