For fans who think they know rear‑wheel‑drive VAZ machines inside out, the expert material presented under the banner Behind the Wheel by Sergei Kanunnikov is a must‑read. It dives into several official variants built around the VAZ‑2107 idea, focusing not on aftermarket tuning but on authentic, in‑production or near‑production modifications that were offered in small batches or limited runs.
The piece also carries a note about its author’s status in relation to the Russian Federation, which provides context for the provenance and perspective. Yet one variant stands out for its audacious simplicity: a rare, almost experimental version that exists in only one or a few copies. Even so, the car’s performance and design merit a place in the history of the VAZ lineup and deserve attention from enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Take, for example, the Lada Turbo SF — a Finnish adaptation of the VAZ‑2107 equipped with a turbocharged engine. This version was created in Finland by Konela, a local distributor for VAZ. Contemporary press coverage described it as among the most affordable turbocharged sedans of its era, capable of reaching speeds around 180 km/h. The Finland‑made upgrade demonstrates how a compact, rear‑wheel‑drive chassis could be transformed without losing its practical character.
Impressive? The full scope of the VAZ‑2107 variations offers even more surprises in a comprehensive study.
- Driving can now be viewed in RuTube with this collection of variants and behind‑the‑wheel insights