Closing date for April issue -> February 17
Lada 2105. A permanent fixture in the VAZ range for more than three decades
The Lada 2105 came onto the market towards the end of 1980. This development of the existing Lada models was built for almost three decades and, at its launch, was a clear upgrade to the existing lineup. The 2105 was a further development of the 1300 series and, in terms of bodywork, among other things, harkened back to the beginnings of Lada's history.
The story of the 2105 began in the 1960s, when the Soviet Union partnered with Fiat of Italy to build modern passenger cars. This led to the introduction of the VAZ-2101, better known as the Zhiguli, a local variant of the Fiat 124 that stood out for its reliability, simplicity, and affordability. Improved and more luxurious models soon followed, such as the VAZ-2103 and VAZ-2106, which offered both greater comfort and more powerful engines, thus laying the foundation for the development of the Lada 2105.
In 1980, the first Lada 2105 rolled off the production line, immediately distinguishing itself from its predecessors with a completely new front end. Instead of the round headlights and chrome grille of the 1300 model, the 2105 received a flat, square grille with rectangular headlights, giving the car a more modern and streamlined look. Black window frames replaced the chrome profiles of the previous models, making the appearance even more contemporary. The small, fixed front door windows, a hallmark of other Lada models, also disappeared with the 2105, allowing the door pillars to appear simpler and more visually modern. Furthermore, the rear received new, larger light clusters, and the larger bumpers stood out.
The interior of the 2105 also received an update. The dashboard was redesigned for a cleaner, more modern look, the controls were more logically placed, and the seats offered slightly more support. These subtle adjustments increased comfort for the driver and passengers, while consolidating the principles for which Ladas were known. Mechanically, the 2105 remained largely based on the familiar technology of the 1300, with rear-wheel drive and (depending on market, trim level, and time period) comparable engines ranging from 1,2 to 1,6 liters. The 1294 cc engine now had a timing belt instead of a chain. Lada also adopted a more efficient carburetor, an air filter with temperature-controlled intake, power brakes, and H4 headlights. For special government applications, Lada also offered models with a Wankel engine. A diesel (1.5) was also introduced for specific markets. Minor improvements to the suspension and springs provided improved and more stable handling at higher speeds, while noise and vibration levels were slightly reduced.
The Lada 2105 was in regular demand. Initially, it was available in the Netherlands with the 1.3 engine (base version) and the 1.5 engine (the more luxurious GL, recognizable by features like the headlight wipers). The 1.2 version joined the Dutch range later, but was already available in the domestic market from the 2105's launch. Today, the Lada 2105 is a classic that evokes nostalgia among Soviet car enthusiasts. It embodies a time when simplicity, robustness, and practical technology were paramount and demonstrates that a design can remain relevant for decades. For collectors and car enthusiasts, the Lada 2105 remains a car that is increasingly respected as a classic.
A practical and powerful car without complications
In 1981, I received a 1500 GL from the uncle of my then-girlfriend. The fenders and doors were completely rotted through. That uncle always bought the cheapest cars in the cheapest trims. After an engine rebuild by my father-in-law, a mechanic, and a body update with fenders, doors, and a fresh coat of paint, it looked just like the picture. I drove it with great pleasure for several years, using 1000 km/h (6 mpg), I think. Steering was heavy, but it only let us down once.
My father also had a new one from 1987, a 2107, he was not frugal, I think something like 1 in 10
often there was a flat tire (there was an inner tube in it)
and the fan made a lot of noise because the axle had too much play.
a large turning circle and rusted a lot despite the fact that it had a tectonic treatment.
Simplicity is the hallmark of the true. I, for one, find those steel rims honest and refreshing, without the pretense of the often effeminate aluminum stuff that's been de rigueur in the automotive world for about thirty years.
The bodywork remains timelessly beautiful! I much prefer this to many modern cars.
In the nineties I worked as a claims handler at an insurance company.
A stolen 2105 (yes, those were stolen too), which we had paid out for, was found in Germany and was at the Autbahnmeisterei near Frankfurt.
Dilemma for the department management, because: due to the repatriation
Oops, premature mail discharge😜
Do the costs of repatriation outweigh the proceeds from the sale?
I then presented the department head with a sales contract in which I agreed to cover the costs (storage costs) and the benefits of the Lada for one guilder (!).
Picked up the Lada with a friend's garage owner's tow truck and drove around in it for a winter.
During maintenance I even found a guilder in the air filter housing.
So this Lada was my cheapest car ever!
The moral: back then, the brand's reputation was so terrible that no one would pay a cent for it. With enough patience, even a Lada can become a prized classic.
Often the modernized models are slightly less beautiful than the original.
My first car, in the early 80s, was a second-hand 2103 or 1500S for 10.000 francs (about 250 euros)
I drove this for about 60.000 kilometers without any problems until the next MOT.
They didn't have any rust protection at all, and I didn't know yet that a car could be welded, so I filled the holes with fiberglass mats and polyester and a can of paint for a nicer color than the original white with many holes.
I don't have any bad memories of it, it always started and drove without any problems, but unfortunately it had the image of 'poor people who couldn't afford a car'.
From 1990 onwards, almost all of these Ladas and Volgas were bought from Western Europe.
(The 2105 was the best-selling car in Belgium in 1982).
.
Well, those Belsen can do anything with mayo
Good Belgian solution; your mayo is better!