Mass motorization


Until 1970 the mass of the car, meet lowbrow taste and, most importantly, not overly bulky purse of ordinary citizens of the state of development of socialism in the USSR was not. Mass motorization began at a time when the line of the Volga automobile plant went first VAZ-2101. The plant was built specially for the production of the national car and its function is fully performed.

Four years earlier in the European market appeared first Fiat-124, which after a year became Europe's car of the year. Without hesitation, the leadership of the USSR bought the license and all conveyor production of the popular European Fiat and started issuing "penny". However, the model was modified, taking into account local conditions. Reinforced body, upgraded the motor, changed the transmission and chassis. But the design of the Fiat was not good, even at the time of release. Selected Fiat was to strengthen friendship with the Italian Communists and the desire of the USSR to increase its influence in the country.

For students, pensioners and the entire Soviet people


The build quality of the first VAZ-2101 was quite high. The equipment is new, including engineers trained in Italy. Appearance is also nice. "Penny" quickly gained popularity and became the people's dream is achievable. Five years later, the car became the most widespread in the USSR. Moreover, the competition he was to compare it with what was not.

But not only Soviet citizens fell in love with "penny". Under the brand name "Lada" it is actively sold abroad, due to obscenely low prices having the status of machines for students and pensioners."

The family of "cents" (with variants VAZ-21011 and VAZ-21013, characterized by a streamlined body and the motors 1,3 and 1,2 liters) was produced until 1988. The first release of the classic "penny" ended in 1984. In just 18 years, was released 4.8 million "penny" machines. This is an absolute record among all models and modifications Lada.

7 Jun 2004 in Moscow at the Vologda Avenue was a monument to "the penny". It was presented in full length in the gift of the Russians and their descendants, the company "Lada Favorit". "Penny" stands proudly on a marble pedestal, and at the foot of the monument periodically brought by the people in memory of a beloved and loyal car, fresh flowers.