In the mid-2010s, photos of an unusual homemade car from Tyumen, dubbed the “Laguna,” took the Russian internet by storm.
Built in 1995, the car bears a strong resemblance at first glance to the popular VAZ-21099, but is in fact a unique creation based on a Moskvich-412.
The creator of the “Laguna” is an unknown Tyumen automotive enthusiast who spent several years designing and building the vehicle. All work was carried out in a private garage — a classic setting for Soviet and post-Soviet homebuilt cars.
In 1996, a photograph of the “Laguna” even made the cover of the magazine “Modelist-Konstruktor” (issue No. 10), confirming significant interest in the project within the enthusiast community.
The name “Laguna” is likely a nod to the French Renault Laguna, although the car has no technical connection to it. The more accurate name for the project is “Northern Laguna,” highlighting its origins in Tyumen, Siberia.
The “Laguna” features a fiberglass body stretched over a modified Moskvich-412 chassis and mechanicals.
While it looks like a VAZ-21099 from a distance, closer inspection reveals major differences. The car only uses the doors and rear side windows with taillights from the VAZ-2109 family. The windshield is from a RAF-2203 minibus. The windshield wipers are concealed under the leading edge of the hood to improve aerodynamics.
Engine output was increased compared to the original Moskvich unit, although exact figures were never published. The transmission and suspension components remain largely from the Moskvich-412.
The track width was widened to improve stability. Weight distribution is nearly perfect at 48:52 front to rear.
In 2024, the homemade “Laguna” resurfaced in its hometown of Tyumen. Unfortunately, its current condition suggests it does not have much time left.
Fortunately, thanks to neural networks, we can now see what the car looked like when it was brand new.
