In America, cars older than 25 years can be imported without complying with modern safety requirements. This turned the Soviet automobile industry into a kind of exotic. For example, copies of the VAZ-2101, which previously sat idle more than they drove, are now put up for sale for 10-15 thousand dollars (about 772 thousand rubles – 1.08 million rubles).
An emigrant from St. Petersburg, Alexey Belov, bought a 1983 VAZ-2105 in Canada for $800 (about 57 thousand rubles). The customs officer at the border did not believe the price and released the car without duty. In Florida, Belov restored the “five”, installing seats from Lexus, 17‑inch wheels and music. Later he also got a “kopek” with a flashing light, depicting a Soviet inspector.
One of Alexey’s cars
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For residents of the United States, a Rolls-Royc is a common sight, but the VAZ causes delight: people stop, take photographs, and ask about the “miracle of technology.” However, Soviet cars are not particularly reliable. In the Miami heat, without air conditioning, you can only drive them in the winter or late at night because they keep breaking down.
In Miami you can find a 1976 “kopek”, a 1974 “troika” and even a GAZ-69. Prices in good condition – from 10 to 15 thousand dollars (from approximately 772 thousand rubles to 1.08 million rubles). Such exotic goods are bought mainly by emigrants who miss their homeland, and sometimes by local residents. One American who bought a Yak plane bought a “penny” to go with it.
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