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The epitome of the slow car driven fast experience.
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Films:
1975 VAZ-2103: The Soviet Time Machine
Yes. To find one in completely original condition. Very rare. And this is the higher specification model with guages and features like trim on the wheel arches to prevent stone pecking, and separate bulbs for high & low beam. The Fiat 124s were a marvelous series of cars. Light. Agile. Nimble. They won the European ‘Car of the Year’ award in 1964. As they evolved they defined for the 1970s what a small, front wheel drive ‘berlina’ could be, with their up-right seating and four doors. And this VAZ had the same suspension geometry as the 124, and much the same monocoque chassis, lengthened slightly. The fundamental driving characteristics had to be very similar.
This video is well done, as all Petrolicious videos are but it’s also interesting in that it demonstrates how the lens of time works. The owner of this car is found of it not for the technical aspects of the engine, chassis, suspension, etc; his passion is for what the car represented in his life. As pedestrian as a Soviet version of a Fiat 124 maybe, it was the taste of freedom to him and to others. The western version of life behind the iron curtain maybe skewed by our own propeganda but I think its safe to say that life as hard in 70’s era USSR. The is literally just the vehicle here.
When I travel Europe I like to seek out local car shows. One thing I really appreciate is everything is welcome. Nobody looks down on another mans treasure. For example at a recent French show there was everything from a well used Peugeot 404 to an Alpine A310. Its too bad more people don’t view these videos the same way. I find something interesting in every one.
It might be crap, it might not (the photos and video make it look nice), but it certainly wasn’t made by Soviet Russia. It was made by normal people, for normal people IN Soviet Russia. Politics aside, the fellow in the video is a real guy with a family just like many of us, and like us, he imprinted upon a vehicle from his childhood. What’s to hate about that?
This video is an odd collision for me, as I love small sedans of this type and era, but I am also fascinated by Russia, its culture, history and worldview. This car was a symbol in that era and country, and even if the quality, panache or performance was unremarkable, it still functioned as a potent equalizer for that society. How many other cars can fall into that category?
Koks have you considered this film say in comparison to a hamburger, not just any hamburger yet one a film was made about.The film introduced the short order cook,who at night had a bbq business doing parties.The film offered views of his countryside,and he talked of family and their experiences around bbq and his downtown fast food restaurant. Film and music were closely linked in rhythm,like a dance performed . Some people found it interesting for many reasons,while others found it worthless. Thru Petrol,car’s and homes,dreams and aspirations are shared around the world table openly for ones personal pleasure,curiosity and learning . Throwing down your fork,decrying ‘my hamburger sucks its worthless,take it back’ while tossing yourself upon the barn floor kicking … adds absolutely zero to this opportunity for connection . Plus it’s rude and a disservice to the Petro production team. Think on it !
