car Zhiguli — this is not just a car, but an entire era in the history of the Soviet and Russian automobile industry. Over 50 years of production (from 1970 to 2012), the appearance of the model has undergone many changes: from strict Italian lines VAZ-2101 to angular shapes VAZ-2107. Today these cars have become a rarity, but their recognizable design still evokes nostalgia.

If you are planning to buy used Lada, it is important to be able to distinguish models by external features - this will help to avoid deception during the transaction. For example, VAZ-2106 often passed off as VAZ-2103 due to the similar body shape, although the details of the grille and taillights are fundamentally different. In this article we will look at unique visual markers for each model, which cannot be faked without a complete body overhaul.

1. VAZ-2101: Italian prototype of the Soviet classic

First model Lada — VAZ-2101 (1970) - was copied from Fiat 124, but taking into account Soviet roads it received reinforced suspension and bodywork. Externally, this is the most “European” of all the classic models:

  • 🔹 Front: narrow chrome radiator grille with vertical slots, round headlights without rims.
  • 🔹 Sidewalls: no moldings (decorative trims), wheel arches are almost flat.
  • 🔹 Rear: vertical lights with white turn signals, bumper without fangs.
  • 🔹 Interior: two-spoke steering wheel, instrument panel with a round clock in the center.

Distinguish VAZ-2101 from later models you can lack of plastic trim on the doors — there is only bare metal with rubber seals. Also, the “unit” does not have deflectors on the rear pillars (they appeared only in VAZ-21011).

⚠️ Attention: Often found on the secondary market VAZ-2101 with repainted bumpers from VAZ-2103/2106. The original "one" bumpers are thinner and do not have stampings for "fangs".
📊 Which Zhiguli model do you like best?
VAZ-2101 (classic)
VAZ-2106 (luxury)
VAZ-2107 (last)
VAZ-2104 (station wagon)
Other model

2. VAZ-2103: luxury version with a “smile”

VAZ-2103 (1972) positioned as a premium version Lada — it is easy to recognize by:

  • 🚗 Radiator grille: wide, with horizontal slots and chrome frame (“smile”).
  • 🚗 Headlights: rectangular blocks with rims integrated into the bumper.
  • 🚗 Moldings: wide chrome trim on the sides of the body.
  • 🚗 Tail lights: horizontal, with orange turn signals (at VAZ-2101 they are white).

Inside VAZ-2103 appeared head restraints on the front seats, dashboard with tachometer and wooden inserts on the dashboard (in export versions). This model was the first to use plastic bumpers with “fangs” - they were later adopted by all subsequent Zhiguli.

Detail VAZ-2101 VAZ-2103
Radiator grille Narrow, vertical slots Wide, horizontal slits (“smile”)
Headlights Round, without rims Rectangular blocks with rims
Tail lights Vertical, white turn signals Horizontal, orange turn signals
Moldings None Chrome plated, wide
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To check the originality of the VAZ-2103, pay attention to the rear: fakes often lack the chrome trim around the license plate, which was added only to this model.

VAZ-2106 (1976) - the most popular model Lada, released in over 4 million copies. Its appearance became the standard of the “Soviet car”:

  • 🔧 Radiator grille: black plastic with 7 vertical slots (at VAZ-2103 - chrome plated).
  • 🔧 Headlights: round, with black “cilia” above them (difference from VAZ-2105, where there are no cilia).
  • 🔧 Bumpers: plastic, with large “fangs” and black overlays.
  • 🔧 Tail lights: vertical, with red turn signals (like VAZ-2101, but larger).

Inside VAZ-2106 there is a new dashboard with analog clock on the right and the light switch on the steering column. This model was also the first to use contactless ignition system and headlight hydrocorrector.

⚠️ Attention: Often sold in the market VAZ-2106 with repainted bumpers from VAZ-2107. The original "six" bumpers have more rounded "fangs" and black inserts on the sides.

Look at the radiator grille (2106 has a black plastic one)|Check the shape of the “eyelashes” above the headlights (2106 have rounded ones)|Pay attention to the rear lights (2106 have larger ones)|Check for the presence of a headlight hydraulic corrector (2106 only)-->

4. VAZ-2105: angular design and new technologies

VAZ-2105 (1980) was the first major restyling Lada. Its design was developed by Soviet engineers, abandoning its Italian roots. Main differences:

  • 🔺 Front: rectangular headlights without eyelashes, flat radiator grille with horizontal slots.
  • 🔺 Bumpers: plastic, without “fangs”, with integrated turn signals.
  • 🔺 Sidewalls: straight body lines, black moldings (in VAZ-2106 - chrome plated).
  • 🔺 Tail lights: large, rectangular, with a white stripe in the middle.

Inside VAZ-2105 a new dashboard appeared with instrument panel from VAZ-2107, but without a tachometer. This model was the first to use contactless ignition and carburetor "Ozone" with forced idle economizer (EFH).

Distinguish VAZ-2105 from VAZ-2107 based on the shape of the rear lights: the “five” has them rectangular, and for the "seven" - trapezoidal with rounded corners.

5. VAZ-2107: the latest classic with luxury elements

VAZ-2107 (1982) became the final version Lada and the most “premium” one. Its design combined elements VAZ-2105 and VAZ-2106, but with improved finishing:

  • 🔸 Radiator grille: black plastic, with 5 horizontal slots (at VAZ-2105 - 3 slots).
  • 🔸 Headlights: rectangular, with black “eyelashes” (like VAZ-2106, but already).
  • 🔸 Bumpers: plastic, with “fangs” and black lining (like VAZ-2106, but already).
  • 🔸 Tail lights: trapezoidal, with orange turn signals and white stripe.

Inside VAZ-2107 appeared: steering column light and wiper switches, adjustable steering column, seats with improved lateral support.

This model was also the first to use injection engine (since 1994).

How to distinguish an early VAZ-2107 from a later one?

Early versions (1982–1990) had chrome moldings and a dashboard from a VAZ-2106. After 1990, the moldings became black, and the panel became like that of a VAZ-2105, but with a tachometer.

6. VAZ-2104: station wagon for family and work

VAZ-2104 (1984) is a station wagon based on VAZ-2105, but with an elongated rear part. Its main visual features:

  • 📦 Body: extended roof, vertical rear door with large glass.
  • 📦 Tail lights: vertical, like VAZ-2102, but larger.
  • 📦 Bumpers: same as VAZ-2105, but with additional amplifiers.
  • 📦 Interior: folding rear row of seats, increased trunk (up to 1340 liters).

Distinguish VAZ-2104 from VAZ-2102 (station wagon based on VAZ-2101) can be determined by the shape of the rear lights: the Quartet has them larger and have white stripes in the middle.

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The VAZ-2104 is the only Zhiguli model where the rear door opens upward together with the glass, and not separately (like the VAZ-2102).

7. Rare and experimental versions of Lada

In addition to production models, there were unique versions Lada, which are almost never found on the roads:

  • 🚘 VAZ-21018 "Rot Front": export version for Finland with right-hand drive and reinforced body.
  • 🚘 VAZ-21065: modification with engine from VAZ-2103 and interior from VAZ-2107.
  • 🚘 VAZ-21079: rotary engine (only 200 copies produced).
  • 🚘 VAZ-21043: station wagon with diesel engine (export to Europe).

These models differ not only technically, but also externally. For example, VAZ-21065 has radiator grille from VAZ-2103, but with a black border, and VAZ-21079 — additional ventilation grilles on the hood.

8. How to check the originality of a Lada before purchasing

Upon purchase used Lada please note:

  1. Body and engine numbers: must match the PTS. On Zhiguli The body number is stamped on the right windshield pillar and under the hood.
  2. Welds: on the original bodies they are smooth, without signs of overcooking. Most often the rear fenders and sills are overcooked.
  3. Body color: factory colors Lada — limited palette (see table below). If the car is repainted in a non-standard color (for example, metallic), this is a reason to be wary.
  4. Interior details: The original steering wheels, instrument panels and seats have unique markings (for example, on the steering wheel VAZ-2107 there is a stamp "2107").
Model Factory body colors (original)
VAZ-2101 White, blue, cherry, sand
VAZ-2103 Red, green, beige, black
VAZ-2106 Burgundy, blue, gray, beige
VAZ-2107 White, black, blue, red, gray
⚠️ Attention: If on VAZ-2106 headlights installed VAZ-2107 (rectangular with black “eyelashes”), this is a sign of artisanal tuning. The original "six" headlights are round, with a chrome rim.
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The most reliable way to check originality is to check the VIN number with the Autocode or traffic police database. On Zhiguli cars, the VIN is stamped on the right windshield pillar and under the hood.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the appearance of Zhiguli

🔍 How to distinguish a VAZ-2106 from a VAZ-2103 by headlights?

U VAZ-2106 the headlights are round, with black “eyelashes” above them, and VAZ-2103 — rectangular blocks with chrome rims. Also, the “six” has a black plastic radiator grille, while the “three” has a chrome grille.

🔍 Why does the VAZ-2107 have headlights like the VAZ-2106, and a grille like the VAZ-2105?

VAZ-2107 combined elements of both models: headlights and bumpers were taken from VAZ-2106, and the radiator grille and instrument panel are from VAZ-2105. This was done to unify parts and reduce costs.

🔍 Which Zhiguli are the rarest?

The rarest versions - VAZ-21079 (rotary engine, 200 pcs.), VAZ-21018 (right-hand drive for Finland) and VAZ-21043 (diesel station wagon, export to Europe).

🔍 Is it possible to determine the year of production of a Zhiguli by its appearance?

Approximately - yes. For example:

  • Before 1980: chrome moldings and grilles (VAZ-2101, 2103).
  • 1980–1985: plastic bumpers without “fangs” (VAZ-2105).
  • After 1985: black moldings, rectangular headlights (VAZ-2107, 2104).

The exact year can only be determined by VIN or documents.

🔍 Why do some VAZ-2106 have a radiator grill like the VAZ-2103?

This is a sign of tuning or replacement of parts. Factory grille VAZ-2106 — black plastic with vertical slits. Chrome grille from VAZ-2103 It is installed to improve the appearance, but this is a non-original part.