The Lada 1200 is essentially a Fiat 124, reinforced for the climate extremes and primitive 'roads' of the USSR. Here in the UK, it was a cheap, strong and ultimately disposable workhorse. For many owners in the USSR, however, it was a car for life – and was designed as such, with good quality engineering and easy servicing and repair. 

PC technical writer Ed Hughes bought this car in 2012. A decade or so earlier, previous owner Geoff Hemmings rescued it from a derelict lockup, serviced it and put it back on the road. Geoff enjoyed showing it and thanks to his efforts and foresight, this is one of just a handful of first-series Ladas to have been preserved in the UK. 

Ed did a bit of remedial work after he bought it and has since used it as an everyday car. Of course it shares this duty with many others from his collection, but it covers about 2000 miles per year on average. It's as happy sprinting up a motorway as it is dancing around the Devon lanes. 

It's roomy, reliable and economical and has elegant proportions and styling. One of the best Lada colours, too, Ed thinks.