Owning a Lada Niva has its ups and downs, strange and often frustrating “issues’ that surface randomly the older they are. Yet, there is something lovable about them (well, at least on some days) Heres my own story on having one of these little beasts in the garage…
‘For domestic customers, it was described as: “A high-speed car with the improved capabilities and comfort of all VAZ models”, and also as: “A combination of the speed and comfort of a Zhiguli with the capabilities of a UAZ’. Courtesy Wikipedia
I reckon the Russian domestic market back at the launch of the Niva in 1977 had some pretty limited ideas of speed and comfort (if you’ve ever driven a Lada Zhiguli you’ll understand). Considering 43 years later they’re still being made does say something about the Niva’s popularity.
Owning a Lada Niva for one couldn’t call myself an ‘authority’ on the type but after having experienced three of these little beasts in the family I know a few interesting gems about them. My wifes 93 model was the first Niva she owned from new, finally replacing it with another Niva in 2016. Brand new and in exactly the same colour.
So much for the new car smell being a giveaway as when she picked up her neighbour a few days after taking delivery they toddled off in the new car to the shops and not a compliment forthcoming.
The neighbour thought my wife had just washed her old Niva and no idea it was new. So much for suburban one-upmanship. At least the new one now has all the modern luxuries of air conditioning, heated seats, and fuel injection. Why change what’s not broke? Pretty sure that’s the Lada motto.
I bought my My 1997 Niva from my mechanic neighbour in Bulgaria last year. He had spent the winter doing a total resto (ie cut out the rust) and repaint in its very stylish ‘Bordeaux Red’. It looks the part but as I’ve found it certainly doesn’t meet the speed and comfort criteria of the late 70’s.
Quirks of ownership
My Niva goes anywhere and will occasionally be admired for its handsome looks and old-world Soviet era charm. (I’m maybe a bit biased but expats seem to drawn to it). Sadly, there’s no air conditioning so summers a nightmare. Also, it has a range of only 120 km. For some reason it was fitted with a gas conversion with a tank capacity more suited to a camping stove. Oh, and there’s also a problem with water filling the floor when it rains…and the handbrake occasionally works…
I’ve convinced myself these are lovable little quirks. To think how new cars are SO sterile and devoid of such personality these days…
I am glad that Bulgaria still has its fair share of Niva’s. In fact, you’ll see most with official government and company crests and logo’s emblazoned on the doors. It’s comforting to know that I share an affinity with the big guns, even the police drive them. In fact Niva’s are so numerous no one ever waves back in acknowledgement of a fellow Niva pilot.
A workhorse with personality.
Anywhere in the ‘Western’ world you’d have kids waving, parents giving the thumbs up and seasoned 4 off road types suggesting you show them your 4-wheel driving prowess on their local boulder strewn mud track. Not in Bulgaria, your just one of the gang, no recognition given and non required.
Occasionally I’ll be driving up some mountain pass or along a goat track in search of a photo opportunity, and on the crest of a jagged ridge standing proudly as a stag on a rock there will be a Niva. Its dedicated driver being the guy from the local power company tending to some kind of electrical equipment.
Most of the uninitiated would stare and wonder how in the hell he got there but a Niva driver knows. Engage low gear and point in the general direction, the Niva will always find a way.
So, if your ever in my part of town and see a burgundy coloured Lada Niva trundling along on a hot summers day the hapless driver trying to avoid the just purchased milk spoiling whilst sweating profusely on his way back from the local shops, give him a wave and a smile, he’ll without a doubt appreciate it.
Don’t believe me about what a Niva can do? Click this link and find out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYdp61_hzfM
