The influence of the Fiat 127 is obvious from the Niva's distinctive "clamshell" hood design and its rear three-quarter section. The 1974 prototype (designated the VAZ-2121M) was derived from an existing model, the VAZ-2103 (then the newest model in VAZ arsenal). It used the VAZ-2103's 1,452 cc engine and shared some of its features, like chrome-plated bumpers, headlights and taillights, instruments, seats, and steering wheel. In the following year, two samples of the prototype were modified to install a 1,478 cc UZAM-412 engine, which originally powered the Moskvich 1500. Testing later revealed that the engine was incompatible with the newly designed car. The Moskvich engine was abandoned, and the older engine was reused. The 1974 prototype (2121M) was ready to be mass-produced in 1975, but the appearance of the new VAZ-2106 at the end of the year resulted in a delay because the company wanted to develop another prototype based on the model in 1976, which became the sixth and final (serial production) prototype.
the influence of the fiat 127 is obvious from the niva's distinctive "clamshell" hood design and its rear three-quarter section the 1974 prototype (designated the vaz-2121m) was derived from an existing model the vaz-2103 (then the newest model in vaz arsenal) it used the vaz-2103's 1452 cc engine and shared some of its features like chrome-plated bumpers headlights and taillights instruments seats and steering wheel in the following year two samples of the prototype were modified to install a 1478 cc uzam-412 engine which originally powered the moskvich 1500 testing later revealed that the engine was incompatible with the newly designed car the moskvich engine was abandoned and the older engine was reused the 1974 prototype (2121m) was ready to be mass-produced in 1975 but the appearance of the new vaz-2106 at the end of the year resulted in a delay because the company wanted to develop another prototype based on the model in 1976 which became the sixth and final (serial production) prototype