Featured: Despite Lorry and License Issues, Lada Motors On

Despite Lorry and License Issues, Lada Motors On

By Andrey Smazhilo
November 11, 2014

Photography by Andrey Smazhilo

Do you remember when you first drove a car and what your first car was? For most of us, it is a memory that we’ll keep in our hearts for a lifetime. Wherever we are, no matter what happens to us, we will always remember holding the steering wheel and what it felt like the first time. Driving a car while sitting on your father’s knees, barely reaching the pedals is usually the earthshattering moment that makes you eagerly await the day you’ll own your first car.

Some of us make opinions about cars reading magazines and watching movies, some listen to friends and relatives. I personally think that the best guides are always our feelings and the judgments we make having experienced something. And so it was for Max, the owner of this Lada. His car passion was in a form of “oh, I like this and that but I don’t have anything certain in my mind,” up until he grew up enough to understand that he wanted to own a car. A couple of years ago a friend of his bought a 1994 Lada 1600, also called VAZ-2106 in Russia. And that was the moment he knew what his first car would be.

Max has happily owned this car for more than a year now. But he’s been around it for much longer, as a neighbour owned it for a long time. He still remembers walking to school and dreaming of someday buying the Lada. It was the dark chocolate brown paint and scarlet red vinyl interior that drew his attention. And they still make him fond of his car, as the shiny chrome exterior elements do too.

When buying the Lada, Maxim had some minor, let’s call them ‘issues’. He hadn’t received his driver’s licence at that time, so it was his mom who helped him buy and register the car. She didn’t really share his passion for classic cars as her daily driver is modern. So the first ten or so minutes that she was driving this brown Lada were a little bit scary for him. “I wasn’t quite sure that we were going to make it home since the car was far less comfy than my mom was used to,” Maxim says. However, after driving the car on the freeway at 60 mph his mom declared that she liked it.

Last summer, Maxim asked his friend to drive the car to a stance festival due to some driver’s license problems, and unfortunately a truck struck the Lada as they cruised. Thankfully, the car only needed a new door. And funny as it may sound, the car drew lots of attention at the festival also due to the damage and the story behind the dent.

Max has some plans for the car, including a new paintjob since the old one has lost its gloss over almost twenty-five years. Also the car is running a 1.9-liter engine from a Lada 4×4 now, and it is another thing that needs some attention and perhaps replacement. It’s already cold and snowing in Moscow, so the car will be sitting in a garage for the next six or so months. And who knows, maybe it is the right time for some changes…

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Javier Berrocal
Javier Berrocal
6 years ago

I never thought I’d say this… that’s one cool Lada.

Yevhen Revko
Yevhen Revko
8 years ago

Thumbs up for the owner sticking to the car, which he actually likes. Not everyone’s able to get the idea behind such relationship. Especially when it comes to a car used by many in post-Soviet countries due to lack of ability to get something more up-to-date, maybe reliable and prestigious, rather than because they actually like Ladas. Therefore, stay true to your gut feelings, Max! Tastes differ 🙂

Arbuzzz
Arbuzzz
10 years ago

тоже была шестерка 91-го года в период с 2000 по 2003 год… за передний номер не дрючат??? :)))

oneslug
oneslug
10 years ago

My first car was a ’74 Fiat 124 TC special. It was a great ride. The Lada brings back fond memories. Keep it rolling Max!

Gustaf Sjoholm
Gustaf Sjoholm
10 years ago

The coolest Lada I’ve seen in a long time – and great pictures! Very nice story, good luck to Max!

I had a Lada Niva for some months, no car has ever caused me so much trouble. It literally broke down all the time. Still wanna get myself another Lada and make a road-trip through Russia (since the Niva broke down before we reached the border at the last attempt).

Ali G
Ali G
10 years ago

This car was sold here -briefly- as the 124 Special. Sometimes i dream of a Lada with transplanted Spider components, but then I remember how good a Alfa Romeo Berlina is by comparison, and the feeling goes away.

Matthew Lange
Matthew Lange
10 years ago
Reply to  Ali G

There are a few Lada’s in the UK with very similar transplants. They are inspired by the one Top Gear gave to Lotus to see what they could do with it. http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/160845#.VGX3CTSsX3Q

Der Autobahn Pilot
Der Autobahn Pilot
10 years ago

Does any one know what happens with Morris Marinas at BBC’s Top Gear? Yes,…. they get destroyed by a piano….. ‘somehow’ by accident.:D:D:D:D:D
Let me be clear, there is no use in dwelling for this old Lada, that keeps on polluting the highways of Europe.
The Marina dies each time it has done its duty with honor by a piano.
Please Jeremy Clarkson, if you read this post, please find a honorable death for this horror of a car…

Michael Bolli
Michael Bolli
10 years ago

I love it! Such a nice shape!

Chris
Chris
10 years ago

Oh how I long to own a LADA.

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