08/09/2008 16:21. Remember the Russian 1.7 Lada Niva that made its way to this country back in the 1980's? If I remember correctly, it became a rival for the Suzuki Jeep and its appeal was its price and incredible toughness.

That it was totally devoid of frills or comforts was irrelevant; that spares (it had a Fiat engine) were likely to be in short supply was also ignored.

Tons of South Africans wanted a cheap 4x4 that could make it up the Malutis easily and run on the smell of an oil rag. I remember a Lada (driven by former motorsport photographer Clive Smith) being one of only a half-dozen finishers at a particularly gruelling Roof of Africa rally
. (Later I found out it's only 315mm longer than its predecessors).

Had to laugh though… My daughter turned down the volume of the sound system and made... // Motoring