In January 1978, the Lada Niva made its first public appearance at the Brussels Motor Show. On display was a car the likes of which had never been seen before. With all-wheel drive, a central limited slip differential, off-road reduction in combination with a reasonably comfortable self-supporting body, the Lada Niva was unique. The fact that it was still being built over 40 years later is testament to its marketable concept. Time for a self-experiment ...