Coveted Soviet Italians

Lada cars in the GDR

While the GDR's two-stroke engines were always looked down upon, the various Lada series, with their four-stroke engines, enjoyed a leap of faith from the outset. They originated in Italy's Fiat 124 and were first imported by the GDR as Shiguli, later under the export name Lada. They were built from 1970 onwards by the car manufacturer AwtoWAS on the Volga. From the Soviet Union, they found their way into most socialist states. The non-fiction book »Lada 1970-1990 - History, Models, Technology« published by Rolf Mahlke shows all these facets with production figures, technical data and previously unpublished photos. The automotive surprises we present at the door make the evening even more exciting.

Lecture:
Dr Rolf Mahlke, founder of 79oktan magazine, Salzwedel

Moderator:
Sören Marotz, Exhibition Director, DDR Museum

Admission is free of charge.

17 June 2026, 6 pm

Conference room DDR Museum
Sankt Wolfgang-Str. 2
10178 Berlin

Here you can see the location.

The event will take place in German.