It is precisely thanks to this that the history of the plant has preserved many bright concepts and prototypes that were significantly ahead of their time. Unfortunately, many of these ambitious projects never made it to production due to various reasons — technical limitations, lack of funding, or the excessive conservatism of management.
VAZ-1101 "Cheburashka" - the Soviet answer to the Mini
Few know, but in 1966, shortly before the release of the legendary "Kopeyka," the idea was born at VAZ to create a bold and compact urban car capable of challenging conventional notions of automobiles.
Chief designer Vladimir Solovyov, unafraid of going against the tide, initiated the development of VAZ-1101 — an economical four-seat microcar known by the nickname "Cheburashka." This project was ahead of its time and proposed a bold solution for the future, where fuel economy took center stage.
The "Cheburashka" used the same components as the "Kopeyka," but with important differences: a McPherson front suspension, a compact 900cc engine producing 50 hp, and even an open version in the style of the British Mini Moke — a true challenge to the traditional concepts of Soviet automotive manufacturing.
However, the fate of the innovative vehicle was predetermined: high-ranking official Andrey Kirilenko harshly dismissed the project, stating, "This is not a car, but a toy. A Soviet person doesn't need such a vehicle!"
The birth of a legend: the first steps of the "Niva"
In 1970, the Volga Automobile Plant was tasked with an ambitious mission — to develop a compact SUV that could handle the needs of the military and agriculture. Thus began the story of the legendary "Niva."
The first prototype, VAZ-E2121, appeared in 1972 but bore little resemblance to the "Niva" we know today. It was a utilitarian, ascetic off-roader, like a smaller UAZ, designed for hard work in field conditions.
However, even back then, the vehicle featured the main characteristic: an advanced four-wheel drive system with a locking center differential and a two-speed transfer case. For the Soviet SUVs of those years, independent front suspension and disc brakes were applied for the first time — a true breakthrough!
Many parts were borrowed from existing models: the "Kopeyka" and "Moskvich" generously shared their components. However, they opted for a more powerful engine — a 1.6-liter engine from the VAZ-2106, which allowed the vehicle to display impressive off-road capabilities.
With each new prototype, the vehicle became increasingly user-friendly for ordinary drivers. The utilitarian design gave way to more civilian solutions, and among the variations was the closed long-wheelbase version, which could have easily served as the basis for mass production.
But fate had other plans. In 1977, the serial "Niva" became a three-door short-wheelbase model that quickly gained popularity both in the USSR and abroad. Many believe that the long-wheelbase version could have become a worthy competitor even to the UAZ "Hunter," but it was the compact format that made the "Niva" a true legend.
Porsche teaches style: the VAZ-2103 facelift that was ahead of its time
In 1976, the Volga Automobile Plant considered a bold update for its "three" — the VAZ-2103. The legendary German atelier Porsche was brought in, whose ideas could radically change the face of Soviet automotive manufacturing.
The design proposed by the Germans was a true breakthrough: instead of bulky chrome bumpers, there were streamlined plastic panels, new optics, and a modern grille. Everything looked so stylish that even today these sketches are perceived as relevant!
But it was not just about beauty. Porsche planned to improve aerodynamics and reduce noise levels. The Germans also paid attention to the interior: it became more ergonomic, cozy, and compliant with global standards.
Engineers were also excited: the upgraded suspension, a stiffer body, improved sound insulation, and even anti-corrosion protection promised to elevate the VAZ-2103 to a completely new level.
It seemed that success was guaranteed, but the plant's management received the project without enthusiasm. Viktor Polyakov, the minister of the automotive industry, allegedly commented after seeing the model: "Too beautiful for our roads and our buyer."
Thus, instead of an innovative facelift, in 1976, the VAZ-2106 went into production — a conservative and technologically simplified "six," retaining the archaic features of the "three."
Perhaps the market at that time was simply not ready for such a bold design. But who knows what our automotive industry could have been if the "three" from Porsche had indeed come off the production line?
The Soviet electric car: how VAZ was ahead of its time
Today, electric vehicles are a symbol of progress and environmental concern, but few know that half a century ago, Soviet engineers were trying to tame electric propulsion. One of the pioneers in this area was the Volga Automobile Plant.
The most famous experiment of that time was the electric car VAZ-1801, created in 1980. It was developed for resort areas and parks, and there were even plans to present it at the 1980 Olympics as a sample of Soviet technological achievements. However, they did not manage to finish the project in time for the Games.
Despite the challenges and ten years of work, the VAZ-1801 turned out to be quite viable. On one charge, it could travel up to 120 km, reaching speeds of 40 km/h — a respectable result for its time. Structurally, it was a modern car with a space frame, McPherson independent suspension, and rack and pinion steering.
However, there were issues. The first prototype caught fire due to an electrical fault, which did not stop the enthusiasts. Later, several experimental models were created based on the VAZ-1801, including delivery mini-trucks of the VAZ-2802 series.
Mini-trucks of the future: VAZ-2802
This series included two modifications: VAZ-2802-01 with an aluminum platform and VAZ-2802-02 with a fully metal body. Despite the progressive ideas, the cars suffered from a serious drawback — heavy lead-acid batteries. The weight of the batteries reached half a ton, which reduced payload capacity and worsened dynamics.
Moreover, the prototypes had weight distribution problems: the VAZ-2802-01 was poorly balanced, and version 02 could carry only 100 kg of cargo, making it unsuitable for real operation.
Why the project didn't pan out
The main reason why Soviet electric vehicles never went into mass production was the imperfection of the technology. The batteries of those years were bulky and not sufficiently capacious, and the designs suffered from "childhood diseases."
Nevertheless, these projects became valuable experience. The VAZ-1801 turned into a museum exhibit, and one of the VAZ-2802 trucks was used for many years as a medical vehicle in the factory stadium. Perhaps if the engineers had more time and resources, the Soviet electric car could have become not just an experiment, but a real step into the future.