by Rare rally Lada 2105 VFTS listed for sale in Germany
When it comes to expensive classic rally cars from the golden era of motorsport, brands like Lancia or Ford are usually mentioned. However, a new listing on eBay draws attention to a much more modest participant with an interesting history.
It concerns a heavily modified Lada Riva sedan, also known as the 2105 model, from the 1980s. This car was built to Group B rally specifications and is now looking for an owner willing to overlook its humble origins. The seller listed it in Germany with a ‘buy it now’ price of 63,000 euros, which at the current exchange rate is approximately $71,500 USD.
History of participation in Austrian rallies
This sedan rolled off the AvtoVAZ assembly line in 1981, but the most important chapter of its history began in 1985 when it was transformed into a genuine rally car. The Lada 2105 VFTS (Vilnius Fabrika Transportnych Sredstv) was certified and registered for use both in rallies and on public roads by the Austrian importer ÖAF, with the program overseen by Rudi Stohl. From then until 1989, the car continuously competed in the Austrian Rally Championship, driven in rotation by Rudi Strobl, Rainer Walentzko, and Engelbert Helm.
Restoration and current condition
After its competitive career ended, the Lada ended up in an Austrian garage, where it remained. The current owner purchased it in 2018 and restored it with the help of rally specialists. By 2020, the car received an FIA Historical Technical Passport (HTP) and meets the requirements of homologation B222.
Exterior and interior
Visually, the VFTS stands out thanks to a custom body kit: wide wheel arch extensions, a pronounced front spoiler, and a ‘ducktail’ at the rear. It also features signature additional spotlights and plastic windows to reduce weight. The look is completed by a set of five-spoke alloy wheels matching the white body color.
Inside, the cabin was stripped down to two fixed racing bucket seats and a roll cage, while the dashboard was fitted with an array of additional gauges and switches.
Engine specifications
Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine with two Weber carburetors and a high-flow intake manifold. Power has increased from the factory 75 hp (56 kW) to 128 hp (96 kW), which is an excellent figure for an old sedan weighing approximately 920 kg (2028 lbs) per regulations. The rear axle is driven via a short-throw five-speed ‘dog-box’ manual transmission and a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Price and market context
Spending over seventy thousand dollars on what was once a simple Soviet transport looks insane on paper. However, the historic rally car market demonstrates real strength. The question is whether a rally enthusiast will want to buy this particular oddity instead of a car from a brand with deeper roots in motorsport.
Although Lada is not famous for its rally heritage, the 2105 sedan is an evolution of the original VAZ-2101, which in turn was based on the 1960s Fiat 124. The latter was replaced by the Fiat 131 in the 1970s, which became the basis for the legendary 131 Abarth Rally, winning three Manufacturers’ Cups and two Drivers’ Cups in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
This Lada 2105 VFTS is not just an old car; it is a true artifact of rally history, offering a unique blend of Soviet origins and a Western European racing career. Its price reflects not only its rarity but also the meticulousness of its restoration and the presence of FIA documents, making it suitable for participation in historic rallies. For collectors seeking something truly unusual, this car could be the highlight of their collection, as it breaks stereotypes about what a ‘proper’ rally classic should be.
