Solved - NEH 3075: 1978 ZAZ-1102 prototype

[Carnut]

What's this and from when does it date, for 1 point?:

ANYONE FOUND GIVING ANSWERS OBTAINED BY USING GOOGLE SEARCH BY IMAGE MAY BE BANNED FOR AN INDETERMINATE PERIOD!

[Carnut]

Experts?

[wingroad]

VW Polo prototype ?

[Carnut]

VW Polo prototype ?

Not a VW!

[richard cuyler]

Fiat prototype?

[WayneB]

It looks like an early Ford Fiesta design proposal (but probably isn't)

Is it eastern European?

[Carnut]

It looks like an early Ford Fiesta design proposal (but probably isn't)

Is it eastern European?

It's not a Ford, as you suspect.
It's not from western Europe either but it's not from what I would call eastern Europe...

[WayneB]

Found it in what was known back then as the Soviet Union.

Its a pre production prototype made in 1978 by ZAZ of their 1102 Tavria model.

Apparently they came up with it by reverse engineering a Ford Fiesta

Quote translated from Russian:-

"After studying at ZAZ General Purpose Vehicle Ford Fiesta model in 1976, the ZAZ to 1978 there was another variation of ZAZ-1102. Perhaps it's just that the prototypes were "Tavria" as we know it, though much of it is still different. This sample continued search of stylistic solutions of the future car - experimented with the front grille of plastic, developed several versions of the instrument panel and interior parts. Subsequently, the vehicle appeared molded roof lining, doors and trunk. Only in the car was used 55 kg of plastic parts. During the preparation of the vehicle was obtained and put into life 26 patents. Overall, the car was almost ready in 1978-1979, although the inevitable came upon a refinement of nodes, but in a series of ZAZ-1102 came only in 1988

[Carnut]

That's it, yes.  Another point for you.

[pnegyesi]

Do you still have the puzzle picture somewhere?

[Carnut]

I'm afraid I don't, no.
This is a picture of the car it probably was, but I can't remember if it's the same picture (it was probably a rear view):