Vaz 2101

VAZ 2101-Restoration from zero (Part 5) - Kopek for 600 thousand, Soviet luxury

The first car of the Volga Automobile Plant VAZ 2101 (Zhiguli / Lada 1200/1300 / 1200S) began to be produced in 1970. This machine with an unpretentious, concise appearance, at first glance, did not differ much from its progenitor, FIAT-124. But despite this, great different from the "Italian". After all, after testing in Russia, before setting up for production in Togliatti, FIAT-124 had to be significantly refined. The layout (arrangement of components and assemblies) of cars is made according to the so-called classical scheme, i.e. the engine is located in front, and the rear wheels are leading. The engine is the most advanced forward, which ensures optimal mass distribution along the axes, and therefore, good vehicle stability on the road.

The ancestor of the whole "VAZ" "classics" of the VAZ 2101 was distinguished by a reinforced four-door sedan of "canonical" outlines, a more advanced engine, a modified transmission and running gear. In essence, the VAZ 2101 (export name Lada 1200) and subsequent modifications were well adapted to the "Soviet conditions": the engine received a more progressive upper arrangement of the camshaft in the cylinder head. The clearance was increased by 3 cm, the suspension was reworked and strengthened (as experience has shown, it is still not enough). Other components and assemblies underwent full "acclimatization" to the long Russian winters and local operation features. Much better dynamics and more spacious interior in comparison with the "Moskvich", accommodating five, many buyers at one time appreciated.

Salon during the production only slightly "cosmetically" modernized. The interior was made at the level of those years (70s) quite soundly, although already at the time of decommissioning (1988) the requirements for ergonomics were tightened, and according to these parameters the Spartan dashboard and driver’s workplace should be considered unsatisfactory. But nothing creaks and does not fall off.

The hood that opens in the direction of the movement of the car, hung on the body along the front edge and secured at one point with a lock. The trunk is located in the rear. The boot lid lock is locked and unlocked with the key. The trunk contains a spare wheel 31, a jack, as well as a set of driver's tools and accessories. The front seats are separate with folding backs and with a mechanism for adjusting the position of the seat and the backrest. The back seat is fixed, solid.

Carburetors 2101 of the first series were produced until 1974, the second - until 1976, and the third series (2101-1107010-03) - from 1976 to 1978. Since 1979, the car was installed carburetors series "Ozone-2105" with an autonomous system idling.

Later produced modifications VAZ 21011 and 21013 with a modernized body and engines of 1.3 and 1.2 liters. The main changes came in the modification of the body 21011 (1974), which received more comfortable front seats and slightly modified controls, as well as ashtrays from the rear armrests transferred directly to the door panels. In addition, the modification (which at one time was issued as a new model Lada 1300) received a more powerful 69-horsepower engine with a displacement of 1.3 liters. These cars were equipped with a different grille with more frequent horizontal crossbars; four additional ventilation slots appeared in the lower part of the front end panel. The bumpers lost their fangs and received rubber linings in exchange for the perimeter. On the pillars of the body there were holes forced exhaust ventilation of the cabin, covered with decorative grilles, brake lights and turn signals retrofitted reflectors. There was a reverse signal. Three years later, the version of the VAZ-21013 with a body 21011 and a 1.2-liter VAZ-2101 engine was introduced. The militia version of the VAZ-21016 was equipped with a powerful 71-horsepower (77 hp according to the old GOST) VAZ-2103 engine.

In 1980, the model range was upgraded: a new ignition distributor, type 30.3706-01, began to be installed. From the VAZ-21011 moved 2-liter washer tank glass and foot washer.

Production of the model VAZ-21011 was discontinued in 1981, and the favorite "zero-first" - in 1982. In the future, produced only a "hybrid" VAZ-21013. However, the plant did not indulge buyers with frequent upgrades. Until 1977, negative diodes on the generators were pressed into the cover. Also this year, and then in 1983, changes were made to the electrical part.

In 2000, according to a survey of almost 80,000 motorists from Russia and the CIS countries, conducted by Zaulem magazine, the VAZ 2101 was recognized as the “best Russian car of the century”. 25% of those surveyed as the best Russian car of the century have called the VAZ “penny”. GAZ-21 is in second place with 19% Volga, and the tenth model of Lada is in third.

In total, AvtoVAZ produced 2,700,000 “ones” who made a real revolution in the paintwork, rubber-technical and other industries working for the domestic auto industry.

"Penny" was born efforts not only VAZ. More than 800 changes were made to the design of the Italian small car FIAT-124, which created a "penny", which in our country became a genuinely popular car, the subject of widespread export to developed automobile states.