“Tough Cars. “Tame Prices”
What is it?
This is Lada’s UK model lineup from 1980. The Russian manufacturer, which was founded 37 years ago, offered two sedans, one wagon and an offroad vehicle to British customers. It promised “tough cars” at “tame costs.”
It was made when and where?
The Riva sedan, and the estate were partly based on 1966’s Fiat 124 Sedan. They were probably the most popular export models for the automaker. It was called many different names over its life, including Riva and Signet, 2107/2101 Classic, Classic, Classic, among others. Since 1969, 18.5 million of these were produced and delivered.
The Niva was also known as the 4×4 in various countries and 2121 in others. It debuted in 1977 in Soviet Russia, and then in Paris a year later for Western Europe. The Niva was made in Russia, Tolyatti, Colombia, Romania and Ukraine. It is still being produced.
It is amazing!
The 1980 Lada lineup was outstanding for three reasons. It was affordable, reliable, and offered basic functionality. As the ad shows, all cars are made to Russian standards. This means they have “reinforced suspension” and “underbody corrosion protection.” Every Lada was built to withstand, to handle loads and to withstand the most difficult of roads.
Lada models from the distant past are amazing for another reason. They don’t make them like they used too” – that’s the truth. Ladas and most modern vehicles can last between five to ten years. Ladas were made to last for decades.
What is so special about this advertisement?
We love the way Lada UK’s advertising team promoted all the key characteristics of its models. The slogan “Tough Cars” was also a nice touch. Tame Prices strongly recalls Ford’s “Built Tough” moto. This classic video commercial was broadcast on TV and in cinemas during the first month of 1980.