 In 1976, when VAZ-2121 development was almost finished, engineers from Tolyatti began working on an amphibian off-roader, which became known as VAZ-2122 Reka (River), using completely different, and naturally tougher body of a usual military vehicle (with a classic feature of the spare wheel located on the back of the body instead in the engine compartment like on a classic Niva) in combination with ordinary Niva chassis and wheels, together with its permanent four-wheel drive system (transfer case and locking differential and mechanics in general, which was intended to be sold to the Soviet Ministry of Defense.Despite having a more rugged body, it weighted about the same as the usual Niva, but instead of the 1600-cc (55kW/75 hp) VAZ-2106 engine, which the Niva had, it used an older and less powerful 1300-cc engine derived from the VAZ-2101, instead, with a lower top speed of on road or in water.Internally, it featured a different, metallic front panel, although it used the same Niva instruments along with the same steering wheel and artificial leather seats.