50 Years of Lada in April 2020 - Lada 4x4

On April 19, 2020 the Lada car marque marks 50 years in automotive business; and to celebrate the occasion here are some pictures of Lada's current 4x4 model formerly known as the Niva.

The Lada 4x4 (formerly the Lada Niva) is currently Lada's oldest model in continuous production and one of the oldest in the world, having started in 1977 which makes it 42 years in production and the same generation model, modernized only in non-essential parts, a true contender for the world's current longest produced vehicle in the same model and generation.

Also, the Lada 4x4 is currently Lada's only model whose mechanicals are derived in some measure from the original Italian progenitor, the Fiat 124.

Pictures are released by Lada.

Exploring Niva 4x4 3 door

40th Anniversary Lada 4x4

Two week old news today - Lada launches a special 40th Anniversary Edition of the Lada 4x4 (formerly known as the Niva) here in Russia.

The press-release is here.

The quote is below but here's a recap:

Changes for this edition are cosmetic: 40th anniversary edition badges, special colors and color schemes, carpets, seat upholstery, etc. Basically the same car as 40 years ago.

Also, there's going to be special unique numbering from 0001 to 1977.

Quote:

AVTOVAZ started the production of LADA 4x4 new edition. These cars have unique package dedicated to the off-road vehicle 40th anniversary. LADA 4x4 ''40th anniversary'' edition main features are new color schemes in interior and exterior trim and special labels with anniversary symbol.

A part of anniversary cars will be painted in camouflage. It is the first time for the factory. The spotted surface is created by a combination of three colors, which are light green, dark green and black. The bumpers metal surface of the camouflage cars is painted with black enamel. As for the other LADA 4x4 anniversary cars it has a body color: beige, red, white, terracotta and gray-blue. Camouflage LADA 4x4 cars are equipped with black cast wheels and the rest of the cars have two-color silver-black discs.

Special LADA 4x4 edition is emphasized with such interior elements as a bright red-orange instrument cluster, steering wheel cover made of eco-leather and sills made of stainless steel. Logo series reminds about an anniversary status. They are embroidered on rugs and put on seats upholstery. The seats upholstery is made of eco-leather with a combination of different colors, which are gray, black, beige and brown. The shades of the material are chosen in such a way to harmonize it with the body color. As for the camouflage machines, black seats with contrast stitching are provided.

An indispensable feature of the special edition is the original labels on the front fenders, tailgate and glovebox cover. Also, the unique serial number is displayed on the label from 0001 to 1977. This number means the year of LADA 4x4 production start and the number of cars in a limited series.

It is planned that LADA 4x4 anniversary edition will be available at dealers in June.

Video in Russian:

Lada Niva with curtains

Here is a well used-up but still solid Lada Niva with curtains in the window.

I say "Lada Niva" but the proper name for this long-running VAZ-2121 model is "Lada 4x4" as the "Niva" name migrated to Lada's Chevy Niva in the early 1990s which is the same car but with a different body.

This is a regular 3-door Lada 4x4, there is also a 5-door version and two (3-dr and 5-dr) Urban versions.

Lada Returns to Lebanon

I don't shun an occasional piece of automotive news on this blog which is otherwise a car spotting blog mainly.

Here is today's bit: Lada Opens a Dealership in Beirut, Lebanon, according to a press release which is here in Russian.

And here is a recap: Lada says has plans to sell at least 300 cars in 2016 at this outlet. Mainly LADA 4x4 (formerly the "Niva") but also some Kalina, Largus and Granta models. All under US$ 11,000 actually.

LADA 4x4

Смотрите! #LADA4x4 в Португалии. Второй кадр - уже в Испании. А как далеко от России встречали #LADA вы?:) pic.twitter.com/9QnO6HJCFC

— АВТОВАЗ (@avtovaz_news) October 14, 2015

AvotVAZ tweets LADA 4x4s spotted in Portugal and Spain, respectively.

LADA 4x4 was formerly known as the Lada Niva or just the Niva.

LADA 4X4 Elbrus Edition

More news from AvtoVAZ, the maker of Lada cars, announcing a new LADA 4x4 (formerly known as the Lada Niva) edition - the Elbrus Edition.

This special edition is all about new 16 inch wheels, a new seat fabric and 3 new paint colors.

The press release in Russian is below.