Lada Riva by Lotus

Lada Riva by Lotus
The Riva in all its glory.
Vehicle	Lada Lotus Riva
Origin	Russia
Type	FR saloon car
Engine	1.8L Inline-4
0-60	7.0 sec
Displacement	180 brake horsepower
Top Speed	135 MPH (217 KPH)
Produced	2002 - 2002
On-screen debut	Top Gear: Series 1, Episode 8 (2002)
Final appearance	Top Gear: Series 1, Episode 9 (2002)

The Lada Riva by Lotus was a modified Lada Riva built by Lotus Cars in 2002 as a challenge for the British television series Top Gear.

Production history

The original Lada from which it was based was built and registered in late 1996. It was sold at a dealer network known as "Catalyst" (due to the extra badge on the boot) and purchased by Paul Sherwood approximately a year prior to filming. According to Guy Croft's website, the car was picked up and worked on by Lotus during November 2002, with the engine taking the majority of the two weeks to build.

Media appearances

The Lada Riva by Lotus made its television debut for Series 1, Episode 8 of Top Gear on the 8th December, 2002. It made its final televised appearance for Series 1, Episode 9 two weeks following its initial appearance, where its engine bay would be used to cook food for famed chef Gordon Ramsay.

Significant examples

• J834 CRC - Replica based off a 1991 Riva, built in 2011 and often confused for the original.
• P968 OEX - Paul Sherwood's original car, since purchased by a major German Lotus dealer.