Lada VFTS
| Company type | Workshop / Specialized enterprise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive, Rally car manufacturing |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Stasys Brundza |
| Headquarters | Vilnius , Lithuania (then Soviet Union) |
| Products | Rally-adapted Lada cars and engines |
The LADA VFTS is a rally vehicle derived from the Lada 2105, a product of the Russian automaker AvtoVAZ. The acronym VFTS stands for Vilniusskaja Fabrika Transportnych Sredstv (Вильнюсская фабрика транспортных средств), which translates to "Vilnius vehicle factory."
Originating as a workshop within the Vilnius car repair plant, VFTS developed into a specialized enterprise focused on producing rally-adapted Lada cars and engines. Its most notable achievement is the rally-modified Lada 2105 built to comply with Group B regulations. The company was established and managed by Lithuanian rally competitor Stasys Brundza.
History
The preparation of rally cars commenced in 1970 at the Vilnius car repair facility in Lithuania, then part of the Soviet Union. The initial project involved the Lada 1300, upgraded with a larger 1600cc engine tuned to deliver between 130 and 150 horsepower.
- 1978: Launch of the "Lada-1600 Rally"
- 1982.10.01: The "LADA VFTS" obtained FIA homologation
- 1985–1988: Creation of the Lada-2108 EVA Turbo, a mid-engine rally vehicle equipped with a turbocharged 1860 cc, 16-valve engine generating 270–300 HP under Group B classification. This model gained widespread acclaim among drivers and enthusiasts, supported by international exposure.
- 1988: VFTS separated from its origins and was renamed "Eksperimentinė sportinių automobilių gamykla" (EVA, Experimental Vilnius Auto-plant).
Export milestones:
- From the late 1970s through the 1980s, around 30 units were shipped abroad to countries such as Bulgaria, Panama, Norway, Canada, Cameroon, Austria, Jordan, Finland, Spain, Hungary, Czechoslovakia (via Metalex), and Germany.
Prominent engineers involved included Zbignevas Kivertas (engine development), Henrikas Šilinis, Vygandas Ulickas, and Arūnas Volungevičius (responsible for designing the Lada 2108 EVA).
Following the prohibition of Group B and the halt of Soviet production, the VFTS design was extensively replicated by rally enthusiasts. The LADA VFTS maintained popularity in Hungary and resurfaced in that nation’s H class championship during the late 1990s. Currently, it remains favored by rally participants throughout former Soviet states and Europe, with Russian drivers constructing copies that frequently outperform newer models in Club Rally Series and Rally-Sprint competitions.
Appearance
The vehicle is characterized by sharply flared mudguards designed specifically to fit wider wheels. Additionally, aerodynamic spoilers are integrated to boost performance capabilities.
Construction
Reducing weight was a primary focus during the development of the Lada VFTS, achieving a mass between 920 and 950 kilograms by substituting glass with plexiglass and polycarbonate materials. Compared to the standard Lada 2105, significant enhancements were applied to braking systems and body structure to satisfy racing requirements. Reinforcements improved overall stability, cornering ability, traction, and handling precision.
The drivetrain remains rear-wheel drive with original Soviet-era braking components—front disc brakes coupled with rear drum brakes. The engine is substantially upgraded, utilizing high-octane (100) fuel and delivering between 160 and 180 horsepower compared to the stock model’s 75 HP. Simplifications within the engine bay include removal of non-essential elements such as the air filter to facilitate easier maintenance.
For durability in competition settings, both body panels and axle housings are heavily fortified. The gearshift mechanism employs a distinctive single-row layout that produces a unique sound; gear positions were modified due to limited space constraints. Inside the cockpit, safety features include a roll cage alongside two bucket seats equipped with four-point harnesses. The dashboard was redesigned for expedited servicing during events.