VAZ-2101

The life of the car “VAZ 2101” was started on April 19, 1970. Then the production conveyor of the Volga Automobile Plant produced the first batch of six cars, opening the way to the popularity of this vehicle both in the USSR and abroad. The whole model range is Lada.

Car history

The creation of “2101” was preceded by a chain of organizational and technical events, from the foundation of the plant itself, to cooperation with various foreign companies and, above all, with the Italian plant FIAT.

It was FIAT 124, which was recognized as the most popular, that was to become a prototype of the new Soviet car. But during the development of the new concept and testing of the FIAT 124, it was revealed that the technical characteristics of the latter did not correspond to the road conditions in the Soviet Union:

• When used intensively, the body and weak suspension did not provide the required strength;
• The ground clearance was low and did not meet the off-road requirement;
• There were no elements providing towing of the machine in case of breakage on the road.

Within the framework of close cooperation, Italian engineers have been actively involved in the development of the new model and more than eight hundred changes have been made. For example:

• The rear wheels got drum brakes suitable for bad roads;
• The rear suspension has been completely redesigned;
• The front suspension was reinforced;
• The clutch has been strengthened and the work of gearbox synchronizers “2101” has been improved;
• The saloon could become a sleeping compartment thanks to the transformation of the seats;
• A new top-shaft engine was installed.

As a result, in the new car from the Italian remained only the appearance. Tests carried out with the first six cars showed reliability and good cross-country ability, so the subsequent improvements were small.

2101 – got the official name “Zhiguli” by the name of small mountains beyond the Volga river near the automobile plant, which is located in the city of Togliatti. The people gave the car a simple, respectful, memorable name “one”. Later in 80 years, against the background of the decline in prestige, it was called “kopeck”. Years of issue: 1970 – 1982. In total, more than 2.7 million copies have been produced during this time.

Exterior

The exterior of the “kopeck” sedan largely corresponded to the prototype “FIAT 124”. It was influenced by Italian designers. Well-designed structural lines, body topography, and elegant features demonstrated a high culture of construction aimed at ensuring comfort in driving and operating the vehicle.

One of the leading testers of the plant Vadim Kotlyarov expressed his feelings in close acquaintance with the “kopeck”:

To say that she made an impression on me means not to say anything. It literally stuns me… The overall level of performance was so high that it completely overshadowed all the minor flaws.

The exterior design of the “2101” included recessed handles to prevent injury, bumpers were equipped with buffers “fangs”, on the left front wing in front of the driver’s door there was a round rear-view mirror, on the grille there was a branded logo.

Dual-pieces, including dimensions, direction indicators. Features of the exterior can be seen in the photo model “2101”. In 1974, the plant began to produce an improved model. Bumper buffers were removed, but a solid rubber lining was installed, new rear lights were used, and new finishing elements were used.

Vehicle Dimensions

Looking at the drawing “2101”, it is necessary to recognise that dimensions, configuration of all details, body elements are harmonious and corresponds to the classical scheme. This has affected the fact that nowadays “kopeck” is a long-lived, respected and respectfully called “classic”.

Interior

The interior of the car “2101” remains minimalist. The front panel represents a metal frame under a special decorative coating. It includes a rectangular control unit in front of the steering wheel. To the right are the controls for heating and ventilation of the interior:

• Ventilation ducts (deflectors);
• Adjustment levers to control the heater.

The air damper and heater valve drive levers provide the required climate temperature. Deflectors allow air to be directed in any direction.

Metalized dashboard cladding frame. In its plane there are: a niche for the radio receiver, a glove box (glove box), an ashtray. Built-in ashtrays have rear doors. Under the steering wheel are installed levers of rotation, headlights, windscreen wiper. Levers of clutch, gas, brake, button of a glass washer of floor execution.

Inner side of the doors, ergonomic seats are finished with a quality leatherette. Seats are equipped with adjustment elements with the ability to transform into sleeping places. Well-designed heating system, ventilation of the cabin, air supply mode that eliminates sweating of the windows, wide seats in a sufficient living space, noise isolation provided the level of comfort at which the driver and passengers felt satisfaction. The trunk is notable for its rationality and capacity.

Car tuning

Tuning of a car usually involves modification, modernization, and correction of appearance defects. This applies to changes in the condition of the car body, interior, chassis, engine. Usually the work starts with the replacement of rubber and disks. Forged discs are the strongest and most reliable, but more expensive than cast discs.

Complete with wide rubber, after reconstruction of wheel niches, they look equally effective, but the question of the price to the motorist to solve. Good optics and illumination from light-emitting diodes bring additional attractiveness to the exterior, however excessive fascination with illumination will rather testify to bad taste.

You can think of replacing the bumper as the most outstanding bodywork, for example, with a volume bumper. This will improve aerodynamics, create a sporty and challenging look. You can install a music centre with a subwoofer in the passenger compartment and replace the dashboard. A significant contribution to the interior is made by tying the interior upholstery, creating a special flavor and improving the aesthetics, paying attention to the refinement of the taste of the owner.

The body of VAZ 2101 is the primary goal of the changes. Here you can choose two directions:

• Retro – for those who tremble with the constant appearance of the car;
• Engineering – for lovers of modern forms in which you can express your own individuality.

This is where you can turn it on:

• Increasing body stiffness, as an important part of the modernization process, to extend the life of the machine and increase its reliability;
• Changing the previous appearance by installing decorative elements, replacing the bumper, installing a spoiler and skirt, and airbrushing;
• Deep tuning of the car body radically changes the design of “2101”.

Often the bottom of the VAZ 2101 is in need of radical reconstruction. Such work requires skill, good knowledge of body construction and the necessary set of tools: a welding semi-automatic machine for welding in carbon dioxide environment, a Bulgarian woman with a set of cutting and stripping wheels, drills, jacks, wooden blocks, clamps, wrenches, various chisels, pliers, painting materials.

Tuning of the salon “VAZ 2101” is a godsend for an original car designer. A wide range of high-quality finishing materials is available for self-expression, for example: seat coverings made of genuine leather with special impregnation, application of synthetic “alcantara” fabric with properties of suede resistant to various kinds of influences. Such finishing will give the interior refinement.

Revolutionary changes can be aimed at:

• Harmonious color matching;
• Reconstruction of the driver’s seat, dashboard (installation of expressive instrument scales with bright but not dazzling illumination);
• Replacement of front seats for modern seats with modern seats with a wide range of adjustments, attributes of heating and ventilation;
• Giving the rear seats anatomical shapes;
• Installation of climate control;
• Installation in the trunk of the “VAZ 2101” subwoofer;
• Replacement of mechanical glass elevators with electric elevators.

If the efforts, time and means embodied in tuning brought joy to the motorist and others, such expenses can be considered as a successful investment in the worthwhile cause. The VAZ 2101 engine is tuned if the goal is to increase its power.

It provides for:

• Replacing the standard air filter with a “zero” filter, which, according to experts, contributes to an increase in power by 3 – 5 liters per second. Some argue that such a replacement is justified only under the changed “sports” engine;
• Installation of a direct-flow silencer;
• Removal of roughness in the collector, polishing the channels of the cylinder head, which increases the engine power by 5 – 8 liters per second;
• Installation of the turbocharger.

Specifications

The engine “2101” – the ancestor for all models – carburetor. The camshaft has an upper position. The drive of the gas distribution chain mechanism. Motor life is more than 18 thousand kilometers. The assembled engine together with the clutch and gearbox is attached to the front and rear crossbars through three shock-absorbing supports. The clutch is dry, permanently closed, single disc. Suspension independent with a spring and shock absorber telescopic type.

Modifications

• 2101 – Basic model. Four doors. “Sedan. In very small quantities it was produced as a “limousine” and “pickup”. Capacity is 58.7 l/s.
• 2102 – Universal. Production from 1971 to 1985. For cargo and passenger transportation. Springs and shock absorbers of the suspension are reinforced. The rear seat is hinged to increase the luggage compartment. The low level of the trunk’s outer wall made loading and unloading easier. The capacity is 62 l/s.
• 2103 – interpretation of “kopeck”. 1972г. – 2005 (Export version “Lada 1500”). Salon and trunk “luxury”. Capacity of 77 l/s.
• 2105 – The model was the beginning of the second generation vazovsky machines. The exterior and interior are modernized. For the first time, the drive of the timing belt. Heating of the rear window and blowing up the door windows. The gearbox is five-speed. 1983г. – 2010г. 75 hp/s.

The pros and cons

We sum up

Production of this model was a stunning breakthrough in the domestic car industry. Relevance of technical and design solutions has put forward a “kopeck” on the pedestal of amazing demand in the domestic market and in the export version. And today, 47 years later, the “one” is a terrific long-liver, successfully drives on the roads of near and far abroad.

We advise you to read the article: AutoVAZ history – LADA cars

VAZ-2101 photo

Test drive

Video overview