SMZ-1101

The history of the Soviet microcar Lada-1101 “Oka” did not begin at AvtoVAZ at all, although the manufacturer was also made some development. The prototype from Lada, known as Lada-E1101 and later named “Ladoga”, became the prototype of the future ZAZ-1102 “Tavria”.

The roots of “Oka” go back to NAMI and the Serpukhov Motorcycle Plant. In 1979-1982, they were developing an alternative to the SMZ S3D motorized carriage produced at that time. The production was planned to be organized at the SeAZ, which was supposed to make in particular versions for the disabled. Then, according to the order of the Ministry of Automobile Industry of September 24, 1983, Lada (its designers created a motor) and KamAZ were joined to the project.

SMZ-1101 early prototype

The overall dimensions of the future “Oka” were similar to the Polish Fiat 126p. This little car with an engine located in the rear that became the mule for testing various design solutions in the early stages of development.

The moved forward Fiat air-cooled engine was soon replaced by Lada’s own development – an experienced two-cylinder VAZ-1101 engine with a capacity of 32.5 hp. It turned out to be very good, but was poorly unified with the serial motors of the plant. Therefore, the mass production engine was a half of Lada 2108 engine.

In 1982, the SMZ-1101 appeared, which in some sources is also called NAMI-SMZ-1101. Although the car turned out to be rather primitive, it was much better than SMZ S3D.

However, the prospects for deploying its production in Serpukhov still looked rather vague, both due to the low degree of maturity of the car itself, and the lack of the necessary production capacity at the plant.

After long trials and several series of prototypes, it was possible to set up serial production of the “Oka”, firstly at the plant in Togliatti, then at SeAZ and KamAZ.