A special edition run of the Lada 4×4 (formerly known as the Lada Niva) is being produced by AvtoVAZ to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this stalwart model of Russian automotive production.
Created initially for the countryside, the car went on to become popular in Russian cities as well as Europe, especially the former Eastern Block.
The first of these vehicles, the VAZ-2121 “Niva” went into production with a permanent four-wheel-drive system, independent front suspension, and front disc brakes in 1977.
The Lada 4×4 40th Anniversary Edition, powered by a 110kW 1.7-liter petrol engine, will be limited to 1977 units to mark the date that the model was first produced. Each of the anniversary models will be individually numbered from 0001 to 1977.
The Lada comes in either beige, white, red, terracotta or grey-blue and is complemented by a spot of black plastic trim. The limited-run model is scheduled to go on sale in June.
An all-new Niva will reportedly be introduced in 2018 in three- and five-door version and with a bigger engine than the current one.