Why? Why the hell not?
As you can see, our latest company car looks just like a Fiat 124. That’s because instead of being one of those later boxy Ladas, this is a 1982 1200S, otherwise known as the 2101-3. And it happens to be in very good condition thanks to spending most of the last 33 years in a garage close to certain wine yards but far from the city traffic.
I paid $569 for it. The paperwork will cost another $200, but it’s already insured on my name, so game on.
Fifty-nine horsepower from an overhead-cam 1,198 cc engine, rear-wheel drive and a curb weight of 2,105 pounds.
Original steering wheel, original hubcaps, vinyl seats and stock parts all around. One can’t ask for more.
Why on earth did we buy this car, besides the fact that it’s awesome? You’ll have to stay tuned for that, but we have something very special in mind for this car. You’re going to love it.
Contact the author at mate@jalopnik.com.