This year marks a half-century since the VAZ-2103 first rolled off the line, with production of the third Zhiguli model beginning in September 1972.
The Troika holds a special place among classic VAZs and is widely regarded as the most elegant. Today, a rare variant known as the B model remains in collectors’ hands rather than a plain VAZ-2103.
What is the B model?
In the first year, about 1500 cars were assembled. Yet parts shortages meant not every vehicle could be equipped as planned. Some cars adopted an interior inspired by the VAZ-2101, with one notable exception: a lofted liner on the door tops in the B variant, while the base car featured bare metal in that area.
Externally, these Troikas differed as well. The taillights were inverted, placing the turn signal at the top rather than the bottom. These cars carried the VAZ-2103 badge plus the additional letter B, which signified a temporary designation.
Today fewer than two dozen complete examples survive, and even fewer have been fully restored. As a result, a professionally restored B-model specimen can command well over two million rubles in the market.
The VAZ-2103V is one model that stands out due to its inverted taillights.
The interior of the unitized cabin in the third model is a rare sight, making the B variant even more noteworthy for collectors.
Why is it considered the most elegant?
Within the Volga plant’s internal classification, the future VAZ-2103 was listed as Car No. 2. Initially, Italian designers proposed Fiat 125 as a luxury baseline. However, adopting a new platform with rear leaf-spring suspension proved unprofitable. As a result, designers borrowed only certain stylistic elements from the Fiat 125 and integrated them into the proven body of the first model.
The outcome was a striking, harmonious look featuring extensive chrome detailing. Even Italian insiders later acknowledged, albeit privately, that the Troika was more captivating and sophisticated than Fiat’s parallel 124 Speciale with four headlights.
VAZ-2103 excels in dark hues, where chrome finishes seem to come alive and glow with depth.
The price of novelty
At launch, the recommended price for the Troika was 7,500 rubles, roughly one and a half times the cost of the VAZ-2101.
The premium paid was not only for its stylish appearance but also for a richly appointed interior. Woodgrain inserts graced the plush front panel, bare metal disappeared, luxurious carpet covered the floor, and the seats were upholstered in a mix of faux leather and real velour, with ample chrome accents throughout.
The rear seat included a folding armrest. It appeared on the 24th Volga as well, but the unique tachometer was reserved for this earliest domestic passenger model. The VAZ-2103 also introduced a new 1.5-liter engine, so the Troika not only looked more luxurious but traveled faster. A quieter ride followed thanks to improved interior insulation, hood insulation, and lower engine noise at a given rpm.
The interior of the Troika embodies a sporty chic characteristic of early 1970s design and stands out even by international standards.
Lifetime status
Today, the VAZ-2103 remains among the most valuable classic VAZ models. Its rarity after the deuce era helped preserve its luxury image, unlike the six, which lingered on assembly lines and gradually degraded into mass-market goods.
- A 1976 Zhiguli ride is described here.
- Driving impressions can also be found on Viber.