VAZ-2103
Encyclopedia
The VAZ-2103 is a deluxe compact ("2-nd small class" in Soviet classification) car, sedan, produced by AvtoVAZ
and introduced in 1972. Better known as the Lada
outside of its native Russia
, it was a localized version of the Fiat 124 Speciale
model 1968 tailored for the Soviet and Eastern European market. VAZ-2103 model differs from the VAZ-2101 exterior, with four headlights, moldings on the sides of the bus and large rear lights. Its main difference - the more powerful engine 1.5L (75 hp). In addition, this model is distinguished by the presence of vacuum brake booster and automatic adjustment of the gap between the rear brake pads and drum, "sport" instrument panel with tachometer.
Known as the Zhiguli within the Soviet Union, the main differences between the VAZ-2103 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 VAZ-2103 was sold in export markets as the Lada 1500 from mid-1970's to early 1980; it was sold in the United Kingdom
from May 1976. It was the second Lada car to be sold in the United Kingdom. Sales Lada 1500 ES in the UK ended in May 1979.
AvtoVAZ
AvtoVAZ is the Russian automobile manufacturer formerly known as VAZ: Volzhsky Avtomobilny Zavod , but better known to the world under the trade name Lada. The company was established in the late 1960s in collaboration with Fiat...
and introduced in 1972. Better known as the Lada
Lada
Lada is a trademark of AvtoVAZ, a Russian car manufacturer in Tolyatti, Samara Oblast. All AvtoVAZ vehicles are currently sold under the Lada brand, though this was not always so; Lada was originally AvtoVAZ's export brand for models it sold under the Zhiguli name in the domestic Soviet market...
outside of its native Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, it was a localized version of the Fiat 124 Speciale
Fiat 124
The Fiat 124 is a mid-sized family car produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1966 and 1974. It was the replacement of the Fiat 1300 and Fiat 1500...
model 1968 tailored for the Soviet and Eastern European market. VAZ-2103 model differs from the VAZ-2101 exterior, with four headlights, moldings on the sides of the bus and large rear lights. Its main difference - the more powerful engine 1.5L (75 hp). In addition, this model is distinguished by the presence of vacuum brake booster and automatic adjustment of the gap between the rear brake pads and drum, "sport" instrument panel with tachometer.
Known as the Zhiguli within the Soviet Union, the main differences between the VAZ-2103 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
Fiat 131
The Fiat 131, additionally called "Mirafiori", is a small/medium family car produced by the Italian car manufacturer Fiat from 1974 to 1984. It was exhibited at 1974 Turin Motor Show....
model. The VAZ-2103 was sold in export markets as the Lada 1500 from mid-1970's to early 1980; it was sold in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
from May 1976. It was the second Lada car to be sold in the United Kingdom. Sales Lada 1500 ES in the UK ended in May 1979.
Modifications
- VAZ-2103 (1972-1984) — 4-door saloon was equipped with 1.5 liter engine. Compare to the Fiat 124 Special modifications were done to suspension, carburator and some other parts in order to satisfy to wide range of Russian climate conditions. All these models had an adapted to the local roads and still soft enough suspension, that provided very comfortable ride even on tough gravel roads. After extensive tests even the Western press recognized VAZ-2101 & VAZ-2103 as a better car than its originator (Fiat 124 & Fiat 124 Speciale). In the shortest time Lada became a real hit in Soviet Union. The "Zhiguli" cars opened a new epoch in Russian motorization. More expensive VAZ-2103 was considered a prestigious model, and was very popular among Soviet white-collar workers. Unfortunately the Togliatti plant where Lada were produced could not keep up with the consumer demand and people had to wait for years to get chances to buy a car.
- VAZ-21033 (1977-1983) — similar to VAZ-2103, engine 1.3 liters (VAZ-21011), exported as the Lada 1300SL.
- VAZ-21035 (1973-1981) — similar to VAZ-2103, engine 1.2 liters (VAZ-2101), exported as the Lada 1200DL.
- VAZ-21023 (1977-1985) — the break version VAZ-2102 was equipped with engine VAZ-2103 (1.5 l) and panel also known as Lada 1500 Combi (1500 DL Estate). Lada 1500 Estate sale in the UK started in October 1977 and ended in October 1985 as the Lada 1500 DL Estate.