Lada Riva by Lotus

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Lada Riva by Lotus
Lotus Lada Main Image.jpgThe Riva in all its glory.
Vehicle Lada Lotus Riva
Origin Flagru.png 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[edit | edit source]

The original Lada from which it was based was built and registered[1] 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[2], with the engine taking the majority of the two weeks to build.

Media appearances[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

  • 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.

References[edit | edit source]