View source for VAZ-2101

{{Infobox automobile
| image = 1980 - VAZ 2101.JPG
| name = VAZ-2101
| aka = {{ubl|Lada 1200/1200S|Lada 1300|Lada 2101<ref name=Brochures>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180629084616/https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Prospekte-Sales-Brochures-Lada-2101-Wagen-Auto-Car-Fahrzeug/202139687810?hash=item2f1076db82:g:xnMAAOSw-LxaFGJb Prospekte Sales Brochures Lada 2101 Wagen Auto Car Fahrzeug, www.ebay.com.au, as archived at web.archive.org]</ref>|VAZ-2101}}
| manufacturer = VAZ, now [[AvtoVAZ]]
| assembly = Soviet Union: [[Togliatti]], [[Samara Oblast]]
| production = 1970–1988
| successor = [[VAZ-2106]]
| class = [[Compact car]]
| body_style = {{ubl|4-door [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]]|5-door [[Station wagon|estate]]}}
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]]
| engine = {{ubl
  |'''[[Petrol engine|petrol]]:'''
  |1.2&nbsp;L ''VAZ-2101'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  |1.3&nbsp;L ''VAZ-21011'' I4
  |1.5&nbsp;L ''VAZ-2103'' I4
  }}
| transmission = 4-speed [[Manual transmission|Manual]]<br>3-speed [[Automatic transmission|Automatic]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|2424|mm|in||abbr=on}}
| length = {{ubl |{{convert|4075|mm|in||abbr=on}} (sedan) |{{convert|4060|mm|in||abbr=on}} (estate) }}
| width = {{convert|1610|mm|in||abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1382|mm|in||abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|955|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| related = {{ubl |[[Fiat 124]] |[[SEAT 124]] |Tofaş Murat 124 |Premier 118NE |[[VAZ-2103]] |[[VAZ-2106]] |[[VAZ-2107]]}}
| designer = 
}}

The '''VAZ-2101''' ''"[[Zhiguli (car brand)|Zhiguli]]"'', commonly nicknamed  ''"[[Kopeck|Kopeyka]]"'' (for the smallest Soviet coin, 1/100 of the [[Russian ruble]]), is a compact 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]] or wagon, called ''small class, passenger car, model 1'' in [[Automobile model numbering system in the Soviet Union and Russia|Soviet classification]], and produced by the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] manufacturer [[AvtoVAZ]], introduced in 1970 as the company's first product.

The car is a licence-built version of the [[Fiat 124]], that was heavily modified and tailored for the rough climate and road conditions across the Soviet Union and much of the [[Eastern Bloc]] countries. Subsequently, it was widely, and successfully exported to the West under the '''[[Lada]]''' brand, for over two decades. The [[station wagon]] version (correspondingly based on the Fiat 124 ''Familiare'') was known as the '''VAZ-2102'''.

==Development==
The lightweight Italian [[Fiat 124]], which had won the 1967 [[European Car of the Year]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/1967_1/coty |title=Previous winners |website=caroftheyear.org |access-date=18 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808191117/http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/1967_1/coty |archive-date=8 August 2010 }}</ref> was adapted in order to survive treacherous Russian driving conditions. Among many changes, [[aluminium]] brake drums were added to the rear, and the original Fiat engine was dropped in favour of  a newer design made by [[NAMI (automotive institute)|NAMI]]. This new engine had a modern [[overhead camshaft]] design but was never used in Fiat cars. The suspension was raised to clear rough Russian roads and the bodyshell was made from thicker, heavier steel with reinforcement in key chassis areas after cracking was discovered during durability testing. The first Lada models were equipped with a starting handle in case the battery went flat in [[Siberia]]n conditions, though this was later dropped. Another feature specifically intended to help out in cold conditions was a manual auxiliary fuel pump.

Some of the improvements developed by VAZ engineers were quietly applied by Fiat to the 124 in its final years of production - for example the chassis strengthening; internally within Fiat these updated models are denoted "124R", the "R" standing for 'Russian'.{{cn|date=June 2021}}

Engines fitted to the original Lada 2101 start with the 1.2l. The drivetrain is a simple [[rear-wheel drive]] setup with a live rear axle. The engine is an [[Inline-four engine|inline four]] with two valves per cylinder and a [[single overhead camshaft]].

==History==
The 2101 is a re-engineered version of the [[Fiat 124]] produced under licence from [[Fiat]] and tailored for the nations of the [[Eastern Bloc]], but was widely exported to the West as an [[economy car]].  Although the facelifted and modernised '''[[VAZ-2105|VAZ-2105, 2104 & 2107]]''' versions largely replaced it in the West in the early 1980s, it was still produced for the domestic market as late as 1988. Known as the ''Zhiguli'' (for the hills found near the plant<ref name="Thompson106">{{Cite book |last=Thompson |first=Andy |url= |title=Cars of the Soviet Union : the definitive history |date=2008 |publisher=Haynes Publishing |isbn=978-1-84425-483-5 |location=Somerset, UK |pages=106 |oclc=191923909}}</ref>) within the Soviet Union, the main differences between the VAZ-2101 and the Fiat 124 are the use of thicker gauge steel for the bodyshell, [[drum brake]]s on the rear wheels in place of [[disc brake]]s, and a bespoke engine. Early versions of the car featured a starting handle for cranking the engine manually should the battery go flat in [[Siberia]]n winter conditions, and an auxiliary fuel pump.

Under the licensing agreement with Fiat, VAZ were forbidden from selling the car in Italy in order to protect Fiat's lucrative home market, nor was it permitted to sell it in any export market in competition with the 124; however, exports to Western Europe began in 1974 when the 124 was discontinued in favour of Fiat's newer [[Fiat 131|131 Mirafiori]].  The 2101 was exported under the '''Lada 1200''', '''Lada 1300''', '''Lada 1200S''' and '''Lada 2101'''<ref name=Brochures/> until 1989 and was positioned as a budget "no frills" offering; it was sold in the United Kingdom from May 1974, until the arrival of the [[Lada Riva|Riva]] in 1983. It was the first Lada to be sold in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|author=Peter Rogers |url=http://www.lada-owners-club.co.uk/ukladahistory.html |title=Lada Owners Club of GB UK Lada history |publisher=Lada-owners-club.co.uk |access-date=2010-10-15}}</ref>

The first year, 22,000 were produced, and capacity reached 660,000 by 1973.<ref name="Thompson106"/> Sales reached one million on 21 December 1973, and one and a half million in 1974.<ref name="Thompson106"/>  In May 1974, it went on sale in Britain, priced at [[Pound sterling|£]]979.<ref name="Thompson116">Thompson, p.116.</ref>

The 2101 was built, virtually unaltered, from 1970 until 1982.<ref>Thompson, p.104 caption.</ref> The slightly upgraded 21013 continued to be built until 1988.

==Models==
===VAZ-2101===
[[File:Lada VAZ 2101 in Hunedoara, Romania.JPG|thumb|right|Lada 1200 in Hunedoara, Romania]]
* VAZ-2101  (1970–1982) — first variant was equipped with a {{convert|1198|cc|cid|1|abbr=on}} engine (an [[overhead camshaft]] design, never used in a Fiat)<ref name="Thompson109">Thompson, p.109.</ref> producing {{convert|60|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}} and offering a {{convert|140|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} top speed and {{convert|0|–|100|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} in about 20 seconds.<ref name="AR76">{{cite book | ref = AR76 | title = Automobil Revue '76 | editor1-last = Braunschweig | editor1-first = Robert |display-editors=etal | language = de, fr | publisher = Hallwag AG | pages = 443–444 | location = Berne, Switzerland | volume = 71 | date = 11 March 1976 | isbn = 3-444-60023-2 }}</ref> Compared to the Fiat 124, 800 modifications were made in all,<ref name="Thompson109"/> including to rear brakes ([[Disc brake|disc]]s to [[Drum brake|drum]]s),<ref name="Thompson109"/> suspension (for higher [[Ride height|ground clearance]]), [[Carburetor|carburettor]], and some other parts in order to satisfy a wide range of Russian climate conditions, as well as thicker-[[Sheet metal#Gauge|gauge]] steel (so the 2101 weighed {{convert|945|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, the Fiat {{convert|90|kg|lb|abbr=on}} less<ref name="Thompson109"/>). All these models had soft suspension adapted to the local roads that provided a very comfortable ride even on tough gravel roads. Early models included a crank, in case the battery went flat (an item later dropped) and an auxiliary fuel pump.<ref name="Thompson109"/> In a short time Lada became a real hit in Soviet Union. The 2101 (and its first modifications) opened a new era in Russian motoring.  Unfortunately, the Togliatti plant could not supply the consumer demand and people had to wait for years to get a chance to buy the car. Exports began 21 February 1971, to Yugoslavia, with 32 cars sent to Finland, Holland, and Belgium on 30 July.<ref name="Thompson109"/> After a competition in the Soviet automotive magazine ''[[Za Rulyom]]'' (''At the Wheel''<ref>Thompson, p.16.</ref>), which drew 1,812 entries, in September 1971 the name Lada (Russian for "harmony") was chosen,<ref>Thompson, pp.109-110.</ref> and the export models would be called Lada 1200s.<ref name="Thompson110">Thompson, p.110.</ref> Production was always behind demand, and price crept up, but by 1980, the wait for a new 2101 was down to a year.<ref name="Thompson110"/> The 2102 [[Station wagon|estate]] version started production 27 April 1972.<ref name="Thompson110"/>  Sales to Cuba began in 1971 (and until 2006, [[Raúl Castro]] drove to work in his own saloon) and Canada in 1978, but none were exported to the U.S.<ref name="Thompson111">Thompson, p.111.</ref> Angola received its first one thousand Ladas in 1977, in time becoming a significant buyer.<ref name="Thompson111"/>
*21011 (1974–1981) — modified variant with a {{convert|67|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} {{convert|1294|cc|cid|0|abbr=on}} engine.<ref name="Thompson111"/> Further changes included self-adjusting drum brakes on the rear axle, also fitted to the VAZ-2101. Flat front indicator lenses instead of the dome-shaped ones on the VAZ-2101. The "horns", or over-riders, on the bumpers were removed and replaced with a rubber strip running the whole length of the bumper. The rear lights were also smoothed in a similar manner to the indicator lenses and the passive reflector (previously a separate part underneath the main rear lights) was incorporated as a small, square-shaped part in the rear light cluster itself. The windshield pump was moved down and was operated by foot (rather than by rubber button on the dashboard VAZ 2101, which was operated with the push of a finger). The dashboard had a wood-effect plastic trim; the horn was placed on the steering wheel cover. The front and rear seats became more comfortable. Material and colouring of the instrument panel was changed from the original black on light grey to white on black, the instrument panel lighting was altered as well. On the rear pillars there were rectangular ventilation holes with grille, which were not present on the VAZ-2101. Four horizontal oval holes for improved air flow to the radiator appeared on the front panel just above the front bumper. The export series were designated the Lada 1300.
*21012--[[right-hand drive]] [[Sedan (automobile)|saloon]] with the {{convert|1,198|cc|cid|abbr=on}} four, entered production 22 May 1973, for export to Japan, Australia, and Britain (which proved a very successful market).<ref name="Thompson111"/>
*21013 (1977–1988) — similar to VAZ-21011, {{convert|1198|cc|cid|abbr=on}} engine, exported as the Lada 1200 with an upgraded version (incorporating the exterior and dashboard changes introduced with the VAZ-21011) called Lada 1200S.
*21014 [[Station wagon|estate]], with the {{convert|1198|cc|cid|abbr=on}} four, entered production 22 May 1973, for export to Japan, Australia, and Britain (which proved a very successful market).<ref name="Thompson111"/>
*21016 (1976–1981) — special modification, only available to Soviet police, {{convert|1452|cc|cid|0|abbr=on}} engine (from VAZ-2103) in VAZ-21011 body.<ref>Thompson, p.115.</ref>
*21018 (1978) — first series rotary engine modification for Soviet police & KGB with one-rotor {{convert|70|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} [[VAZ-311]] [[Wankel engine]] with electronic ignition and twin-electrode [[Spark plug|sparking plug]]s.<ref>Thompson, pp. 115, 235-236.</ref> It also featured a downdraft carburettor, with different jet sizes to the 2101, and two-stage aircleaner.<ref name="Thompson235">Thompson, p.235.</ref> Presented to the public by 1982. Only 250 built.<ref name="Thompson235"/> Engine durability was an issue, wearing out at just {{convert|20,000|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>Thompson, p.236.</ref> 
*21019 ''Arkan'' (1983?) — second series rotary engine modification for Soviet police & KGB with two-rotor {{convert|120|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} [[VAZ-411]] or [[VAZ-4132]] Wankel engine.<ref>Thompson, pp.115 and 236.</ref>

===VAZ-2102===
The [[station wagon|estate]] version of the VAZ-2101 (based on the Fiat 124 Familiare) was known as the 2102 and was available from 1971. It was replaced by the 2104 (Lada Riva in some markets) in 1985. Over 660,000 were built by end of production in 1986.<ref>Thompson, p.115 caption.</ref> In May 1974, it went on sale in Britain, priced at [[Pound sterling|£]]979.<ref name="Thompson116"/> 
* VAZ-2102 (1971–1986) — also known as Lada 1200 Combi (1200 ES Estate).
* VAZ-21021 (1974–1985) — equipped with {{convert|1,294|cc|cid|0|abbr=on}} engine. Also known as Lada 1300 Combi. Export models got a rear washer/wiper.<ref name="Thompson116"/>
* VAZ-21023 (1973–1985) — equipped with {{convert|1,452|cc|cid|0|abbr=on}} engine. Also known as Lada 1500 Combi (1500 DL Estate). Export models got a rear washer/wiper.<ref name="Thompson116"/> Lada 1500 Estate sales in the UK started in October 1977 and ended in October 1985 as the Lada 1500 DL Estate.

===VAZ-2103===
{{main|VAZ-2103}}
The 2103 (known in export markets as the Lada 1500) was very similar to the 2101, and had many common features with the [[Fiat 124 Special]] that was developed at the same time as the 2103, but with an external trim  closer to the larger and more upmarket [[Fiat 125]]. It can be identified by four headlights, a squarer appearance to the front grille, and a different interior. Some markets also received the VAZ-2106, or Lada 1600.

== Technical specifications ==

{| class="wikitable collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Type
! VAZ-2101
! VAZ-21011
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Mass, dry
| 890 kg
| 
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Mass, roadworthy
| 955 kg
| 1010 kg
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Max. permissible mass
| 1355 kg
| 1400 kg
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Length
| colspan="2"|4073 mm
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Width
| colspan="2"| 1611 mm
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Height
| colspan="2"|1440 mm
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Wheelbase
| colspan="2"| 2424 mm
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Track width (front)
| colspan="2"|1349 mm
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Track width (rear)
|colspan="2"|1305 mm
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Ground clearance (fully laden)
| colspan="2"|170 mm
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Turning raidus
| colspan="2"|5.6 m
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Ramp angle (front)
| colspan="2"|36 °
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Ramp angle (rear
| colspan="2"|17 °
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Tyres
|colspan="2"|114-330&nbsp;mm (4½-13&nbsp;in)
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Engine code
|colspan="1"| VAZ-2101
|colspan="1"| VAZ-21011
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Engine type
|colspan="2"|Water-cooled, straight-four, Otto,<br />counterflow cylinder head, duplex-chain driven overhead camshaft
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Fuel system
|colspan="2"| Two-stage downdraught carburetter type ''2101-1107010-02''
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Displacement
|colspan="1"| 1198 cm<sup>3</sup>
|colspan="1"| 1294 cm<sup>3</sup>
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Bore × Stroke
|colspan="1"| 76 mm × 66 mm
|colspan="1"| 79 mm × 66 mm
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Compression <math>\varepsilon</math>
|colspan="1"| 8,5
|colspan="1"| 8,8
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Rated power (GOST–14846)
|colspan="1"| 46 kW (62 PS) at 5600 min<sup>−1</sup>
|colspan="1"| 51 kW (69 PS) at 5600 min<sup>−1</sup>
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Rated power (DIN 70020)
|colspan="1"| 44 kW (60 PS) at 5600 min<sup>−1</sup>
|colspan="1"| 48 kW (65 PS) at 5600 min<sup>−1</sup>
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Rated power (SAE J1349)
|colspan="1"| 48 kW (65 PS) at 5600 min<sup>−1</sup>
|colspan="1"|
|-
! style="text-align:left;"| Max. torque (GOST–14846)
|colspan="1"| 87 N·m (8.9 kp·m) at 3400 min<sup>−1</sup>
|colspan="1"| 93 N·m (9.5 kp·m) at 3400 min<sup>−1</sup>
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Fuel type
| colspan="2"|Petrol<br />AI-93 GOST 2084-67
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Top speed
| 140 km/h
| 145 km/h
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Acceleration (0–100 km/h)
| 22 s
| 18 s
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Stopping distance (at 80 km/h)
| 38 m
|
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Fuel consumption (combined, l/100 km)
| 8.0 l
| 9.0 l
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Gradeability (1st gear)
| 34 %
|
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Fuel tank volume
| colspan="2"|39 l
|-
! style="text-align:left;"|Source
|style="text-align:center;" colspan="1"|<ref name="Vershigora">V. A. Vershigora, L. I. Vihko, Y. M. Solotaryev, Y. M. Pashin, K. B. Pyatkov: ''Avtomobili „Zhiguli“'', Mechanical engineering publishing company, Moscow 1977, p. 2</ref>
|style="text-align:center;" colspan="1"|<ref name="Oswald">Werner Oswald (ed.): ''Kraftfahrzeuge der DDR''. 2nd edition, Motorbuchverlag, Stuttgart 2000, {{ISBN|3-613-01913-2}}, p. 161</ref>
|-
|}

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="200" heights="140" mode="packed">
File:Ваз 2101.JPG|VAZ-2101 (Lada Zhiguli 1200)
File:Ваз 2101 ралли.JPG|Rally car
File:1975 VAZ 2101.jpg|Lada (Zhiguli) 1200, manufactured in 1975
File:Lada Riva estate Cambridge.jpg|VAZ-2102 (Lada 2102 Riva Estate)
File:DirkvdM lada limousine.jpg|VAZ-2101 modified into a taxi limousine, in [[Trinidad, Cuba]]
File:Kunmadaras Motorsport 2021. szeptember 19. JM (192).jpg|Front view
File:Kunmadaras Motorsport 2021. szeptember 19. JM (195).jpg|Rear view
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Fiat 124]]
*[[Lada]]
*[[Vauxhall Viva HA]]

==References==
{{commons category|VAZ-2101}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Lada}}
{{Lada timeline 1970 to date}}

[[Category:Compact cars]]
[[Category:Cars of Russia]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:VAZ vehicles|2101]]
[[Category:Soviet automobiles]]
[[Category:Italy–Soviet Union relations]]
[[Category:First car made by manufacturer]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1970]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1988]]