We had to polish up on some Polish history before sharing this rare Fiat - rare in North America, that is.  Outside of North America?  The Bambino, as it was nicknamed in Germany, sold in quantities exceeding 4.5 million, 3.3 million of which were the Polsky Fiat 126P model, produced under license in Poland by FSM.  A rarity it is not.

The 126P was communist Poland's Trabant, so to speak.  Or, it was to Poland as the Fiat 600 was to Italy in the 1950s.  Both vehicles provided mobility to families suffering or recovering from the ill-effects of authoritarian regimes.

Year: 1988
Model: Polsky Fiat 126P
Engine: 652cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  67,500 km
Price: Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Polsky Fiat 126P

Imagine yourself flying around town in this adorable little Fiat. The Fiat 126P or Polski Fiat was designed by Italians, and built behind the iron curtain by the Poles. It's based on the Fiat 500, though, so parts are easy to find, even in the states (I use Mr Fiat in Atlanta GA).

 

The car runs really well, and it's a blast to drive. It's light, so it's surprisingly quick, and top speed is around 70, so it'll keep up on public roads. It takes a while to start it, as the fuel drains back when it sits. But once it kicks, it starts agreeably, and idles great. Gears shift nicely... they are cable operated, so the feel is a little sloshy, but they are responsive. Brakes are good, the car stops in a nice straight line. Everything works in the car - wipers, lights, etc. with the exception of the turn signals, but I have a new flasher for it, and I expect to have that working soon.

 

I put a new carburetor, alternator, and fuel pump in the car. I also cleaned the centrifugal oil filter, which is harder than it sounds, and you'll thank me for doing it! The previous owner had an aftermarket radio, which he removed, and the wiring is still there. The front seats could stand to be recovered, as they don't really match the look of the car. Tires are good, brakes are good. Glass is good. 

 

The underside of this car is in really great shape; there is almost no rust whatsoever. The paint work is presentable, though tired from the years. There are some dents and dings and scratches. There is a bubble in the paint on the edge of the hood. I don't think it's serious. I keep an eye on it and it has not grown or gotten any worse. There are some waves in the doors. The drivers side door has been hit and the hinge was welded back in place. There's a hole about 1/2" diameter in the bumper, like someone mounted something there. 

 

The odometer is of course in metric. And I would guess that the 67,000 km is original, just based on the condition of the carpets and interior... it doesn't have enough wear to make me think it's gone around once. 

 

THE VIN ON THIS CAR IS SUF126A0009358578 - eBay doesn't accept a non-standard VIN on cars after 1981 so I used the VIN for my daily driver. No you can't have a GMC Acadia. It's my wife's 🙂

I have the original polish plates, registration sticker and registration card, showing the last owner in Poland before it was imported. I could get you in touch with the man I bought it from, who bought it from that person in Poland, so you would have the complete history of the car back to Poland. 

I also have some extra parts that will go with the car - two used carbs, engine gasket set, fan belt, replacement right-hand mirror, etc.

With so many units produced over the vehicle's lifetime, it would stand to reason that only the best would make it to the US these days.  This example supports that theory.  The seller claims that all equipment is in working condition, but notes some cosmetic shortcomings.  The paint is tired, and the seats could use some reconditioning.  As for bodywork, some rust is noted, and there was some damage to the driver's side door, but nothing reported by the seller sounds any alarms here.

We like this unique opportunity to own a vehicle that, while likely to evoke some serious nostalgia, would be viewed as a ridiculous purchase among the Polish who lived with them.  The grass is always greener on the other side, we suppose.

-Graham