The immortal Lada Niva may be among the most famous vehicles ever to have come from Russia but even its classic status is not enough to justify the absurd $288,000 asking price of the example you see here. This particular model is a 1980 Lada Niva with an astonishingly low mileage of just 137 miles (220 km) on the odometer.
Introduced in 1977 and still in production today, the Lada Niva has maintained its rugged, minimalist, and budget-friendly character along with its unchanged appearance despite numerous upgrades over the years. The availability of brand-new Niva models makes the sale of an early 1980 example at such a price even more peculiar. Nevertheless, we cannot help but appreciate the remarkable condition of this model, preserved for 43 years since it rolled off the factory floor.
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As per the listing on auto.ru, this off-roader is currently located in Togliatti, Russia, near the AvtoVAZ plant. The owner possesses the original documentation and receipt, providing evidence of the Niva’s purchase in 1980. Being an early model of the world’s first mass-produced unibody off-roader, it features horizontally-arranged taillights, adding to its appeal.
Remarkably, despite its age, the exterior of this Niva remains in excellent condition, with the original red paint, chrome bumpers, and steel wheels still gleaming. The underpinnings, including the suspension, engine, differential, and exhaust, appear untouched and resemble those of a fully restored classic due to their lack of use. Stepping inside, the seats and dashboard are still protected by the same plastic covers that were present during the vehicle’s delivery, further preserving its pristine state.
Under the bonnet lies the original naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing 75 hp (56 kW / 76 PS). This is slightly less than the current model’s 1.7-liter engine which makes 82 hp (61 kW / 83 PS). Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox and a proper 4WD system with three locking differentials.
Given that the newer 2023 Lada Niva Legend, which is slightly more modern, starts at a much more reasonable price of $8,664 in Russia, it seems highly unlikely that anyone would be willing to pay $288,000 for this time capsule. The only practical purpose that comes to mind for this unconventional garage queen is to be displayed in a museum, allowing future generations to witness the original Niva in its original state.
