From East Germany to the US: A Unique Automotive Hybrid

A peculiar vehicle, blending the practicality of a pickup truck with the open-air freedom of a convertible, has surfaced for sale in the United States. This isn’t your typical automotive find; itS a Lada-based creation with a surprising connection to Porsche and a history rooted in German ingenuity.

The Lada Connection: An Unexpected German Favorite

To understand this automotive anomaly, one must delve into the history of the Lada-2108/Samara.Surprisingly popular in Germany during the 1990s, it even ranked among the top five best-selling cars at one point. This unlikely success story paved the way for unique automotive experiments.

Porsche’s Influence: Engineering assistance for AvtoVAZ

During the development of the Lada-2108, AvtoVAZ, the russian manufacturer, sought assistance from Porsche.The German sports car brand contributed to the engine design, suspension tuning, and even the ergonomics of the interior.This collaboration imbued the Lada with a touch of Porsche DNA, making it more than just a budget-kind vehicle.

the Russians called on the “Eighth” project to help anyone othre than the German luxury sports car brand Porsche, which helped to develop not only the engine but also the suspension and salon ergonomics.

Bohse automobilbau: Crafting Leisure Vehicles from Lada Foundations

Enter bohse Automobilbau GmbH, a German company that specialized in creating “leisure cars” based on Lada platforms. In the late 1980s, they introduced the Euro Star, built on the Lada-2105 chassis with a synthetic body. Approximately 200 units were sold. Following this,they developed the Safari,based on the Lada-2108/Samara.

The Safari: A Convertible pickup for Leisure Pursuits

The Safari was designed as a versatile vehicle for recreational use. Its defining feature was a removable soft top at the rear, allowing it to transform from a closed cabin to either a pickup truck or a convertible, depending on the owner’s needs. Bohse produced around 2,000 Safari models.

A rare Find in the US: Price and Condition

Now, one of these rare Safari models has made its way to the United States and is being offered for sale by Alpha Motors for $28,995. According to the seller, this 1984 model has only 10,577 kilometers (approximately 6,572 miles) on the odometer. It’s equipped with a 1.5-liter,77-horsepower four-cylinder engine,proudly bearing the inscription “System Porsche.” However, the seller notes that approximately 5,000 euros have been spent on maintenance, tire replacements, and parts.

The Allure of Automotive Oddities

in a market saturated with mass-produced vehicles, the Lada-based Safari offers a unique and intriguing alternative. Its blend of Soviet-era engineering, German craftsmanship, and Porsche influence makes it a conversation starter and a testament to automotive ingenuity. Whether it’s the historical significance, the quirky design, or the sheer novelty, this convertible pickup is sure to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts seeking something truly different. The automotive market continues to surprise with hidden gems like this.