The Lada 2107, which was first produced in 1982, is finally being put out to pasture following a serious dip in sales.

The 2107 became an icon of the late Soviet era, although it was in fact based on a 1966 design for the Fiat 124. As a result, its enduring heritage has even deeper links to the classic market than may be immediately obvious.

The 2107 was relatively luxurious and sporty by Lada standards, although you had to choose items such as a radio and heating system as optional extras, which indicates the workmanlike austerity with which it was built for three decades.

Sales of the 2107 fell by some 75 per cent in the first three months of 2012, which caused the manufacturer to decide that it had reached the end of its production life.

Classic Ladas have become increasingly popular in the UK, thanks to their historic significance and the unmistakably boxy nature of their design, which makes them unmistakable.

Interestingly, the 2107 is being outlived by the 2104, a hatchback iteration of the original. However, Lada's partnership with Renault-Nissan and its focus on modern models means that this too will soon cease to be built.