The employees’ surnames of the production enterprise AvtoVAZ as on July 1991 were placed on the body of this car in honor of the 25 anniversary of Volzhsky Avtozavod (Volga automobile plant). This car is an original gift to the plant’s collective for the enterprise’s jubilee.

The Lada Samara (nickname car of first generation Zubilo (Chisel)) is a small family car produced by Soviet/Russian vehicle manufacturer AvtoVAZ under the Lada brand since 1984. The brand name Samara originally was used only for exported models, in Russia the same model was called Sputnik ("fellow traveler", "satellite") until 1991, when the sedan version of Samara entered in production, using the export name. It was the first front-wheel drive car built in the Soviet Union.

In 1989, the 21099 saloon followed 3- and 5-door hatchback models (2108 and 2109), which had a new bonnet, grille,wings, and 200 mm (7.9 in)-longer rear overhang, as well as an improved dashboard. The 21099's front-end styling was adopted on the 2109 in 1992 and the 2108 in 1994, as well.

A number of other minor alterations followed, including fuel injected engines to meet emissions regulations in export markets. On the earlier Samaras the front clip had been a separate piece, surrounding the headlights. On the sedan version, the fenders go all the way up to the headlights and the lip of the bonnet dips between the headlights and meets the slimmer grille. Full production of the 21099 began in December 1990, with models 210993 (1288), 21099 (1499). The saloon, intended as a premium model compared to the hatchback, was given a distinctive branding in some export markets: Diva (Belgium), Sagona (France), Forma (Germany).