50 years of VAZ-2106: the dream car of socialism

Nearly half a century ago, in the distant 1980, VAZ prices in Bulgaria ranged from 6,100 leva (33 average monthly salaries) for the cheapest model 2101 to 8,200 leva (45 average monthly salaries) for the most expensive 2106. In the same year, only the “Volga” GAZ-24 was more expensive, selling for 9,200 leva (50 average monthly salaries), followed by the Polski-Fiat 125P – 8,700 leva (47 average monthly salaries), but their image was far below the level of the “six”. In the monotonous reality of developed socialism, the VAZ-2106 or “Lada” 1600 was a dream car not only in our country, but also in the entire Eastern Bloc piese auto online.

50 years of VAZ-2106: the dream car of socialism

Its development began in 1974 at the Stylistic Center of the Volga Automobile Plant as “Project 21031”, that is, a modernized version of the 2103 (“Lada” 1300). The technical requirements for the modernization of the 2103 were reduced to the maximum reduction of expensive chrome and metal parts, as well as to the modernization of the lighting system, according to the most current European standards. The main goal was to make all these changes with minimal production costs.

A version of the 1.3-liter engine of the 2103 was developed for the new VAZ, in which, following the example of the modification 21011 ("Lada" 1200), the cylinder diameter was increased from 76 to 79 mm, and thus the working volume became 1.57 liters. In the new long-stroke engine, the torque is 12% higher compared to the base one (and at significantly lower revs). However, its maximum power is only 79 hp instead of the expected 80, due to the limited characteristics of the intake system, which was left unchanged for the purpose of unification with the rest of the company's units.

The transmission was adapted to the new engine by creating a special version of the gearbox, distinguished by reduced gear ratios in the first three gears, and subsequently some cars were equipped with a gearbox with a final gear ratio reduced to 3.9. The clutch was also modified: both the force of the diaphragm spring and the area of the friction linings were increased. The new power unit was also used (with some minor modifications) in the VAZ-2121 "Niva", which at that time was already being prepared for production.

The first VAZ-2106 was assembled on New Year's Eve 1976, but the first large industrial series was completed about a month and a half later, on February 21.

During its production, the car underwent several minor modifications. For example, in 1977, the heating vents were slightly changed and graphic symbols were added for the indicator lights on the speedometer and tachometer. In 1981, they were updated, and at the same time the explanatory text was replaced with pictograms. Since 1980, all VAZ cars have been equipped with an Ozone carburetor, instead of the previous Weber. In 1982, the hazard warning light switch was also modified. In 1986, the VAZ-2106 received rear brakes from the VAZ-2105, and a year later - a gearbox from the same model, from which the ventilation grilles on the rear pillars of the body were also taken. The imitation of chrome and wooden elements gradually disappeared from the interior, and the various color variations of the upholstery were no longer available. In 1992, in order to further reduce the cost of the model, the plant even tried to eliminate the side moldings, but this "innovation" was quickly abandoned. In the second half of the 90s, inertial seat belts began to be installed, a steering wheel from the modernized versions of the 2105, standard fog lights and optional electric windows on the front doors. In later models, the chrome trim of the rear lights and the radiator grille were dropped.

From 1976 to 1982, the Lada 1600 was the most prestigious model in the VAZ range, with 3,946,256 units produced between 1976 and 2001.

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Its development began in 1974 at the Stylistic Center of the Volga Automobile Plant as “Project 21031”, that is, a modernized version of the 2103 (“Lada” 1300)

A version of the 1