DIY Lada 1600 VAZ-2106 Zhiguli Paper Model

The VAZ-2106 Zhiguli was a sedan produced by the Soviet (later Russian) automaker VAZ. In export markets, it was known simply as Lada 1600 or alternatively as Lada 2106. In the domestic market it was popularly nicknamed Шестёрка (Shestyorka, in English; The sixth one). A hugely popular car and one of most successful Lada models, it was in serial production for 30 years (from 1976 to 2006), although production in the VAZ plant ended after 25 years, in 2001, with manufacture continuing at Izhevsk for the final five years. Derived from its predecessor, the VAZ-2103, 2106 was created as its alternative due to expense and complexity of production of chrome elements which were severely reduced on it. Like the 2103, the 2106 was a four-door, four-seat saloon, but powered by a more powerful 78 PS (57 kW) 1,568 cc (95.7 cu in) single overhead cam inline four engine of Lada's own design. Top speed was 93 mph (150 km/h), with 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) acceleration in 16 seconds. For many consumers, it was "the top of the Eastern Bloc charts for comfort and prestige", since the more expensive and luxurious GAZ and ZIL cars, intended firstly for party members and various other state officials, were out of reach for them. It debuted in December of 1975, and "would become the most popular and most numerous VAZ product". It externally differed from its predecessor, the VAZ-2103, firstly by having smaller grille due to having plastic headlight surrounds, different bumpers and by wider taillights also featuring reverse lights, which were then a new feature for VAZ models. The VAZ-2106 was severely restyled in the second half of 1990s, its chrome lined elements were further reduced; the chrome external/side mirrors became black metallic back in the first half of 1980s when the VAZ-2103 was discontinued, however, the grille was now replaced with black plastic one, also featuring a new front Lada badge. Chrome lined rim covers and exterior body part edges were also removed. However, the chromed bumpers as well as Fiat 124 door knobs were still present until the very end of production. Internally, the aging Fiat 125 steering wheel (firstly used by VAZ-2103 and later by VAZ-2121 Niva) also featuring chrome elements was replaced by newer one. The previous wood imitation dashboard was replaced with black one and, along with some other details, its original berth foldable seats were also replaced with more modern ones. In Canada, the model was sold from late 1978-early 1979 as the Lada Signet, with the official factory name being VAZ 21061-37. It was made up to 1984. One variant of this model is the 21061-41, which had Canadian Domestic Market bumpers and fitments, but it featured European Domestic Market repeaters, tail lights, side logo, etc. This model is one of the rarest of the 2106 series, and some examples survive in the former USSR and in Europe.

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