Based on the Fiat 124, but "strengthened" to face the hardships of Russian roads, the Lada 2101 it's a kind of institution in that country.
Also known as the “Zhiguli” and affectionately dubbed “Kopeyka” (in reference to the Soviet Union's lowest-value currency), the Lada 2101 was in production between 1970 and 1988.
Produced in the former Soviet Union, it goes without saying that the Lada 2101 has never made any concessions to comfort or luxury, with its interior being austere and even lacking in quality.
Perhaps motivated by the classic lines of the 2101's cabin (they were, after all, inherited from the Fiat 124), the Bulgarian tuning company GB Design decided to add a touch of class to the interior of the Soviet car on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
The change can be for the better
Restmods are often capable of creating deep divisions among classic car enthusiasts. On the one hand, there are those who argue that, in this way, those cars become more usable (they receive mechanical, dynamic and even technological improvements, such as in terms of connectivity). On the other hand, there are those who argue that the authenticity of the original model is lost.
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In any case, considering the spartan interior of the Lada 2101, hardly anyone looks at the result of the work of this Bulgarian company and thinks “I would prefer it as it was before”.
Keeping the classic style, the interior of the Lada 2101 gained a quality that was totally unknown to it.
Keeping the classic lines and without falling into the temptation of installing a huge screen on the dashboard, this Bulgarian company was able to update the interior of the 2101 while always keeping “good taste” and a trustworthy look at the time the model was launched.
To do this took four months of work during which the entire interior was dismantled, the soundproofing was greatly reinforced, it received a new custom-made center console and everything appears to have been covered in leather.
These bags behind the front seats are some of the best details on board this 2101.
From the original interior, there seems to have been little more than the ventilation ducts, as even the seats were replaced by others from a Toyota. The aluminum pedals or the wooden steering wheel are also completely new.
According to Autoclub.bg, this Lada 2101 is a unique copy and is not available for sale.