Published: June 12 2023
On Saturday, the Ferihegy Aviation Museum in Budapest will host the Zhiguli Car Show, exhibiting around 100 Soviet-era Zhiguli cars. This brand of cars, also known as Lada, was produced in Russia between 1970 and 1988 with the help of Italian Fiat. The event is expected to bring together fans of vintage cars and tourists who are interested in the history of Soviet-era cars.
The Zhiguli Cars
The Zhiguli cars were produced for almost 20 years and were popular in the Eastern Bloc, with Hungary representing the biggest cult following in Europe. The cars were affordable and were especially popular in countries where no passenger cars were produced. Different versions of the car, including the Lada 1200/1200S, Lada 1300, Lada 2101, and VAZ-2101, sold over 17 million units worldwide, with Hungary alone selling over a million.
The Zhiguli Car Show
The event will feature three groups of vehicles: factory-era, service, and tuning and racing. This will give visitors an opportunity to view the evolution of the car and variations in design. In addition to the car show, the world's only Li-2 airplane operated by the Goldtimer Foundation will be available for nostalgia flights from Ferihegy. Furthermore, passengers of a sightseeing flight will be transported by Malév Faros Ikarus 55 bus to the historic Terminal 1, which is celebrating 73 years since its establishment.
The Ferihegy Aviation Museum
The museum, which is hosting the event, provides an opportunity for tourists to learn about the history of aviation and see exhibits of planes from different time periods. Additionally, visitors can learn interesting facts about Budapest's aviation history, which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century.
The Hungarian Defense Forces Exhibition
In addition to the Zhiguli Car Show, a new exhibition depicting 175 years of Hungarian defense forces will also be on display. This exhibition is recommended for tourists who want to learn more about the military history of Hungary, see exhibits of weapons used in various periods, and better understand Hungary's significant social and military history.
Overall, the Zhiguli Car Show in Budapest is set to be an exciting event where visitors can view vintage Soviet-era Zhiguli cars, learn about Hungarian aviation history, and enjoy additional exhibitions and nostalgia flights.
Questions & Answers
What is the Zhiguli Car Show in Budapest's Aeropark? The Zhiguli Car Show is a large-scale meeting of Soviet-era Zhiguli cars that will be on display in the Ferihegy Aviation Museum's Aeropark.
What are Zhiguli cars officially called and where were they produced? Zhiguli cars, officially called Lada 1200/1200S, Lada 1300, Lada 2101, or VAZ-2101, were produced in Russia's Tolyatti plant between 1970 and 1988.
How many units of the various Zhiguli car versions were sold? The various versions of Zhiguli cars sold 17 million units.
Why were Zhiguli cars particularly popular in Hungary? Zhiguli cars were particularly popular in Hungary because no passenger cars were produced there, and they were affordable. The brand has the biggest cult following in the whole of Europe.
How many Zhiguli cars were sold in Hungary? More than 1 million Zhiguli cars were sold in Hungary.
In what three groups will the Zhiguli cars be displayed during the event? The Zhiguli cars will be on display in three groups during the event: factory-era, service, and tuning and racing.
Who was the only importer of Zhiguli cars and how long was the waiting period for a new Lada? The only importer of Zhiguli cars was Merkur, and one would have to wait for a new Lada for up to two to three years.
What special attraction can visitors expect during the event related to air travel? Visitors can expect to travel back in time not only on the ground but also in the air. The world's only Li-2 airplane, operated by the Goldtimer Foundation, will fly nostalgia flights from Ferihegy. Passengers on a sightseeing flight will also be transported by Malév Faros Ikarus 55 bus to the historic Terminal 1, which is 73 years old this year.
What additional exhibition will be opening simultaneously with the Zhiguli Car Show in Budapest's Aeropark? An exhibition will open during the same time period depicting 175 years of Hungarian Defense Forces.
