On Russian online platforms, the number of listings for the rare VAZ-2109-34 model, better known as the Lada "Tarzan," has unexpectedly increased. This hybrid of the "nine" body and the Niva technical platform was produced in small batches from the late 1990s to the early 2000s and is now considered a collectible rarity.
Essentially, the "Tarzan" is a VAZ-2109 body mounted on a frame chassis with Niva components: suspensions, gearbox, transfer case, and steering system. This combination gave the model off-road capability while preserving urban comfort. Variants with a rare Peugeot diesel engine, noted for its high fuel efficiency, can also be found on the market — fuel consumption does not exceed 5–6 liters per 100 km.
At present, about a dozen such vehicles can be found for sale, and prices remain below one million rubles. One of the most interesting examples is priced at 798,000: the vehicle has undergone a full restoration and is equipped with a French diesel engine. Another option for 900,000 is an off-road vehicle with a snowplow blade and hydraulically controlled operation from the cabin.
In total, according to various estimates, no more than 150 "Tarzans" were produced. One seller on Avito describes his example as "an exceptionally rare small-batch off-road vehicle combining the comfort of a city sedan with incredible cross-country ability."
For the Russian automotive industry, the Lada "Tarzan" remains one of the most unusual pages in its history — an attempt to combine the passenger-car "nine" with the off-road character of the Niva. Today, every surviving vehicle has effectively turned into a collector's artifact capable of attracting interest not only from enthusiasts but also from investors in the rare car market.