Zhiguli VAZ-2103 - Lada 1500 - Full Review

The Zhiguli was, without a doubt, an icon of the Soviet era...

The iconic automobile started its life as the Fiat 124, which debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. In the Soviet Union it was produced by AvtoVAZ, a state-run car manufacturer.

The Zhiguli was adjusted for the harsh Soviet climate with aluminum brake drums to the rear, a raised suspension, and a thicker and heavier steel reinforced chassis.

I had the pleasure of driving the Soviet built ‘Zhiguli VAZ-2103’ widely known as the 'Troika' or the Lada 1500. Statistically it was the 6th most produced car platform in the world. With 1.4 liter straight 4-cylinder engine and a 75-horsepower engine, this luxury model was based on the FIAT 124 Special.