AN off-road “icon” favoured by Vladimir Putin has gone up for sale with just 362 miles on the clock at a price that would make it the most expensive of its kind in the UK.
The 2021 Lada Niva Luxe is especially rare after imports were halted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year.
Bramley Motor CarsThis Lada Niva has gone up for sale for just under £22,000[/caption]
Bramley Motor CarsIt is the same model as a car owned by Vladimir Putin since 2009[/caption]
The Lada brand is famous for its connection to the Soviet Union as the Communist bloc attempted to rival the hottest products from Ford and British Leyland on a much smaller budget.
Indeed, the Lada Riva was based on a Fiat 124 and designed to offer an alternative to Western models like the Ford Cosworth and Austin Maxi.
The Niva is the Riva’s chunky, 4×4 cousin and was produced by Soviet manufacturers from 1977 to 1997.
Since then the Lada brand has continued under the umbrella of Russian state-owned manufacturer AvtoVAZ, with small numbers imported to the UK via private companies until the beginning of the Ukraine War.
The model saw perhaps its most famous appearance when one was purchased by Vladimir Putin in 2009.
The Russian strongman’s Niva had a camouflage paintjob and was shown off in national media interviews as he sought to support domestic manufacturing amid the global financial crisis.
A Niva was also presented to Serbian left back Aleksandr Kolarov as a reward for his goal against Costa Rica in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Russia.
The listing for the retro motor, which is being sold by Bramley Motor Cars, reads: “A strong contender for the ultimate go-anywhere vehicle.
“Having covered just over 360 miles, this is about as box fresh as a Lada gets and with its Studio InCar audio upgrade, its now a super little off-road icon.”
And while the price is a relatively steep £22,000 this is still cheaper than most modern 4×4 models.
It comes after cops seized a collection of 21 luxury cars worth a total of £3 million from a Hells Angels gang.
Bramley Motor CarsThe Lada brand is famous for it association with the Soviet Union[/caption]
Bramley Motor CarsImports continued until the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year[/caption]