The Bohse Safari Landau: The Unseen Porsche-Lada Collaboration | Carscoops

      This unconventional unicorn might not win any beauty pageants and is modeled after the Lada Samara, yet it has ties to Germany's most luxurious brand.

      The vehicle in question is a 1994 Lada Bohse Safari Landau with just 6,600 miles on the odometer, currently available for purchase.

      It integrates elements designed by Porsche along with some engine modifications attributed to the German automaker.

      The car features a convertible top, a compact truck bed, and seats for four, all in a compact size.

      While Lada isn't typically synonymous with “luxury” or “quality,” this particular model is quite different. Manufactured in West Germany, it results from collaboration among several automotive companies, leading to an unusual combination of a 2+2 seating layout, a convertible, and a pickup truck — all fitting within a space smaller than a Subaru BRZ.

      It’s a vehicle that prompts speculation about whether someone lost a bet and decided to combine multiple concepts into one car just for the fun of it.

      According to AlphaCars of Massachusetts, which is facilitating the sale, Bohse was a small coachbuilder in Germany that took the Lada Samara and transformed it into what you see as the Safari. Before Bohse worked on the vehicle, Porsche had already been involved in the model’s development, contributing to aspects such as engine tuning, the drivetrain, and the overall design itself. Indeed, this car shares a connection with models like the Mercedes-Benz E500 and the Audi RS2 Avant.

      “The end result was a vehicle that was significantly more advanced than any other Lada model at the time,” AlphaCars states. This specific unit may very well be the best-preserved example available. The paint, decals, and even the steering wheel—with its original Bohse emblem—are all original, and the dashboard remains intact, unlike many others from its era.

      Looking closely at its design reveals that the car was intended for versatility. The front seats include a removable sunroof panel, and a soft top can be removed effortlessly with snaps and zippers. There's a small and shallow bed at the rear, which may not be reliable for heavy cargo, but beneath it lies a deep and spacious trunk adequate for most needs.

      The interior is basic: three pedals and a gear stick control acceleration, while physical knobs and switches manage other functions. The upholstery appears nearly flawless, which is expected given its low mileage of 6,572 miles (approximately 10,600 km).

      Perhaps the most surprising aspect is that, according to AlphaCars, many parts remain readily available since the production of the Lada Samara ceased only recently. While it’s not as simple as going to a local auto parts supplier, online shopping significantly eases the process.

      For those interested in this distinctive vehicle, the listing can be viewed here. The asking price stands at $28,995, which may seem steep for an older front-wheel-drive car that isn’t widely known. However, for a car as unique as this one, a price of $29k is not entirely unusual in the realm of automotive curiosities.