VAZ-2105: the bestseller turns 45

The VAZ-2105 "Zhiguli" was produced for three decades - from 1980 to 2010. This completely modernized version of the classic 2101 model was also the founder of a new family, which was joined in 1982 by the more luxurious VAZ-2107, and in 1984 by the station wagon version VAZ-2104. During its 30-year career (longer than that of all other factory models), the car was produced in just over two million units.

VAZ-2105: the bestseller turns 45

Work on updating the first VAZ began soon after its launch, and according to preliminary plans, the new model, designated 2105, was to go on the assembly line in 1975. Initially, only a partial modernization was attempted, affecting only the headlights, radiator grille, bumpers and some decorative elements. As a result, the car became slightly different, but did not look like a new model. Meanwhile, some Western companies, such as Fiat and even Porsche, offered their own artistic interpretations, but in the end, the design project of the VAZ staff stylist Vladimir Stepanov from 1976 was preferred. In December of the following year, a prototype was made, and in March 1978, tests began with the first prototype series. At the end of 1979, the new assembly line was put into operation, and on January 3, 1980, the first serial VAZ-2105 was produced.

The purpose of the modernization is to give the car a more modern look, to increase comfort, active and passive safety, to become more economical and environmentally friendly. For the first time in Soviet automotive engineering, rectangular block headlights were used in the VAZ-2105, which combined all the front lights - high and low, side lights and turn signals. The rear light blocks included side lights, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reversing lights. Halogen lamps and new reflectors were used, and some export versions also had headlight wipers.

The dashboard's control instruments have anti-glare glass. There are indicators for battery status, oil pressure, brake fluid level, and fog light activation.

Some units have also been modernized. For example, the steering effort has been reduced by 1/3 thanks to the replacement of roller bearings with ball bearings. A vacuum booster has been installed in the brake system, the design of the rear brake support plate has been changed, and the clearance between the pads and the drum is automatically adjusted.

All relays and fuses are collected in a special box with a transparent cover, and the timing chain has been replaced with a quieter plastic belt. The new design of the air filter also helps to reduce noise. A new carburetor "Ozone" is installed, equipped with a forced idle economizer and a distributor with a centrifugal and vacuum advance regulator, which ensure reduced fuel consumption and reduced toxicity.

The car is equipped with a new gearbox, and depending on the operating conditions, different reduction gears are used on the rear axle.

The VAZ-2105 has been modernized several times over its long career. Since 2005, the engines have been equipped with a direct injection system to meet new environmental requirements, which has made it possible to extend the car's production for several more years.

The last VAZ-2105 (painted blue) rolled off the assembly line on December 30, 2010. A total of 2,090,741 cars of all variants of the model were produced.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

Work on updating the first VAZ began soon after its launch, and according to preliminary plans, the new model, designated 2105, was to go on the assembly line in 1975

The purpose of the modernization is to give the car a more modern look, to increase comfort, active and passive safety, to become more economical and environmentally friendly