|
| image = 1973 Fiat 126 IMG 7855.jpg
| name = Fiat 126<br/>Polski Fiat 126p
| manufacturer = [[Fiat]] (1972–1980)<ref name="fiat126.co.uk">{{cite web|url= http://www.fiat126.co.uk/ |title=Fiat 126 Key Dates Time Line - illustrating the life of the original Fiat 126 from 72', the Fiat 126 de ville and the Fiat 126 BIS |access-datewebsite=9 Mayfiat126.co.uk 2009|websitearchive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220123222837/http://www.fiat126.co.uk/ |archive-date=23 January 2022 |access-date=4 June 2022}}</ref><br/>[[Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych|FSM]] (Polski Fiat 126p, 1973–1992)<br/>Fiat Auto Poland (1992–2000)
| production = 1972–2000<br/>4,673,655 units
| aka = Zastava 126 (Yugoslavia)<br/>Steyr Puch Fiat 126 (Austria)<br/>
| body_style = 2-door [[Sedan (automobile)|saloon]]<br/>3-door [[hatchback]] (PF 126 BIS)
| engine = 594 cc [[Straight-twin engine|R2]]<br/>652 cc R2<br/>704 cc R2
| transmission = 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual , 1st gear not sychronized]]
| transmission =
| length = {{convert|3054|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="carfolio.com">{{cite web|url= http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=38016 |title=1973 Fiat 126 Technical specifications |access-date=25 February 2010 |workwebsite=carfolio.com}}</ref>
| width = {{convert|1378|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="carfolio.com"/>
| height = {{convert|1302|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="carfolio.com"/>
| predecessor = [[Fiat 500]]
| successor = [[Fiat Panda]], [[Fiat Cinquecento]]
| assembly = [[Alfa Romeo Cassino Plant|Cassino]], Italy<br/>[[Termini Imerese]], Italy<br/>[[Tychy]], Poland ([[Polski Fiat]])<br/>[[Kragujevac]], Yugoslavia ([[Zastava Automobiles|Zastava]])<br/>[[ SteyrGraz]], Austria ([[Steyr-Daimler-Puch|Steyr Puch]]) ▼| related = [[SEAT 133|Fiat 133]]<br/>[[SEAT 133]]
▲| assembly = [[Alfa Romeo Cassino Plant|Cassino]], Italy<br/>[[Termini Imerese]], Italy<br/>[[Tychy]], Poland ([[Polski Fiat]])<br/>[[Kragujevac]], Yugoslavia ([[Zastava Automobiles|Zastava]])<br/>[[Steyr]], Austria ([[Steyr-Daimler-Puch|Steyr Puch]])
| designer = [[Sergio Sartorelli]]
}}
The '''Fiat 126''' (Type 126) is a four -passenger, [[Rear-engine design|rear-enginedengine]], [[city car|city]] manufactured and marketed by [[economy carFiat]] thatover wasa introducedtwenty-eight year production run from 1972 until 2000, over a single generation. Introduced by Fiat in October 1972 at the [[Turin Auto Show#1972|Turin Auto Show]],<ref name="fiat126.co.uk"/> asthe a126 replacement forreplaced the [[Fiat 500]]., Theusing majoritymajor ofelements 126sfrom (someits 3design.3 million)A weresubsequent produced in the Tychy plant in [[Bielsko-Biała]]iteration, [[Poland]],marketed as the '''[[Polski Fiat]]126 126p'Bis'', fromused 1973a tohorizontally 2000.oriented, Inwater-cooled manyengine, marketsand Fiatfeatured stoppeda salesrear ofhatchback thewith 126additional incargo 1993 in favour of their new front-engined [[Fiat Cinquecento|Cinquecento]]space. Total production reached almost 4.7 million units.
The majority of 126s (some 3.3 million) were manufactured in [[Tychy]] and [[Bielsko-Biała]] plants, [[Poland]] and were marketed as the '''[[Polski Fiat]] 126p''' in many markets. Fiat stopped marketing the 126 in 1993 in favor of its new front-engined [[Fiat Cinquecento|Cinquecento]]. Total production reached approximately 4.7 million units.
In Poland the car became a people's car,<ref name=Autocar10/> and a [[cultural icon]], earning the nickname ''Maluch'', meaning "The Little One" or "Toddler",<ref>{{cite web |title=Residents in Polish city save up and buy Tom Hanks a vintage car |first=Hannah |last=Lawrence |url= http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/18/residents-in-polish-city-save-up-and-buy-tom-hanks-a-vintage-car-6456766/ |website=Metro.co.uk |date=18 February 2017 |access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |via=Reuters |title=Polish fans buy Tom Hanks iconic 'toddler' car |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-hanks-poland-fiat-idUSKBN15F2CD |date=31 January 2017 |access-date=18 December 2020}}</ref> a name that eventually became official in 1997, when 'Maluch' started appearing, badged on the rear of the car. ▼
▲In Poland , the car became a people's car,<ref name=Autocar10/> and a [[cultural icon]], earning the nickname ''Maluch'', meaning "The Little One" or "Toddler",<ref>{{cite web |title=Residents in Polish city save up and buy Tom Hanks a vintage car |first=Hannah |last=Lawrence |url= httphttps://metro.co.uk/2017/02/18/residents-in-polish-city-save-up-and-buy-tom-hanks-a-vintage-car-6456766/ |website=Metro.co.uk |date=18 February 2017 |access-date= 184 DecemberJune 20202022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | vianewspaper=Reuters |title=Polish fans buy Tom Hanks iconic 'toddler' car |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-hanks-poland-fiat-idUSKBN15F2CD |date=31 January 2017 |access-date= 184 DecemberJune 20202022}}</ref> a name that eventually became official in 1997, when 'Maluch' started appearing, badged on the rear of the car.
In{{nbsp}}early 2000, the 28-year production run of the Fiat 126 was counted as the twenty-sixth most long-lived single generation car in history by [[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]] magazine."<ref name=Autocar10>[https://www.autocar.co.uk/slideshow/survivors-world%E2%80%99s-longest-living-cars#10 Survivors: The world’s longest-living cars – AutoCar]</ref> ▼
▲In{{nbsp}}early 20002020, the 28-year production run of the Fiat 126 was counted as the twenty-sixth most long-lived single -generation car in history by [[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]] magazine. "<ref name=Autocar10> [{{cite web|url= https://www.autocar.co.uk/slideshow/survivors-world%E2%80%99s-longest-living-cars#10 |title=Survivors: The world’sworld's longest-living cars (slide 10 of 35 - Fiat 126 (1972-2000) – 28 Years |work=AutoCar ] |date=23 January 2020 |access-date=4 June 2022}}</ref>
The 126 shared its wheelbase and much of the mechanical underpinnings and layout with the Fiat 500, featuring a revised, slightly larger bodyshell designed by [[Sergio Sartorelli]] and offering improved safety and interior space. The added interior space resulted from two things: the move of the starter from the top of the engine bellhousing to the side which permitted shifting the bulkhead/rear seat rearward approximately 4 inches (10 cm), and the lengthening of the roof for rear-seat headroom. ▼
The engine capacity was increased from 594 cc to 652 cc at the end of 1977 when the cylinder bore was increased from 73.5 to 77 mm.<ref name=AutoMotoruSport197724>{{cite journal| editor-first=Ferdinand |editor-last=Simoneit | editor-link=Ferdinand Simoneit |title=Mehr Hubraum und Drehmoment fuer den Fiat 126 |journal=Auto, Motor und Sport |volume=24 |page=20 |date=23 November 1977}}</ref> Claimed power output was unchanged at {{convert|23|HP|kW|0|abbr=on}}, but torque was increased from {{convert|39|N·m|lb.ft|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|43|N·m|lb.ft|0}}.<ref name=AutoMotoruSport197724/> ▼▲The 126 shared its wheelbase and much of the mechanical underpinnings and layout with the Fiat 500, featuring a revised, slightly larger bodyshell designed by [[Sergio Sartorelli]] and offeringwith improved safety and interior space. The added interior space resulted from two things: the move ofmoving the starter from the top of the engine bellhousing to the side which permitted shifting the bulkhead/rear seat rearward approximately 4 inches (10 cm ), and the lengthening of the roof for rear-seat headroom.
The 594 cc engines were still available in early 1983 production.
▲The engine capacity was increased from 594 cc to 652 cc at the end of 1977 when the cylinder bore was increased from 73.5 to 77 mm.<ref name=AutoMotoruSport197724>{{cite journalmagazine| editor-first=Ferdinand |editor-last=Simoneit | editor-link=Ferdinand Simoneit |title=Mehr Hubraum und Drehmoment fuer den Fiat 126 | journalmagazine=Auto, Motor und Sport |volume=24 |page=20 |date=23 November 1977}}</ref> Claimed power output was unchanged at {{ convertcvt|23| HPhp-metric|kW|0 |abbr=on}}, but torque was increased from {{convert|39|N·m|lb.ft|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|43|N·m|lb.ft|0}}.<ref name=AutoMotoruSport197724/ > The 594 cc engines were still available in early 1983 production. The 652 cc engine was later also used in the [[Fiat_Panda#First_generation_(141;_1980)|Fiat Panda 30]], but then positioned in the front and combined with front wheel drive.<ref>{{cite book |last = Mazzocchi Bordone| first = Maria Giovanna |title = Fiat, tutti i modelli del novecento| trans-title=Fiat, all the 20th century models| publisher = Editoriale Domus| series = Un secolo di auto italiana | volume = II| location = Rozzano (MI) | date = 2010 |page=124}}</ref>
A subsequent increase took the engine size to 704 cc in the new "restyling" model Fiat 126 Bis (1987–1991), with {{convert|26|HP|kW|0|abbr=on}} of motive power.
A subsequent change in 1987 by FSM was the BIS version that was made until 1991. The 126 BIS gained a hatchback to access an additional cargo space on the rear, which was freed by replacing the air-cooled engine with the water-cooled 704 cc {{cvt|26|hp-metric|kW|0}} flat-twin.
The 126 was manufactured at Fiat's [[Cassino]] and [[Termini Imerese]] plants, until 1979 —, with an overall production of 1,352,912 manufactured in Italy.
The 126 was also manufactured under licencelicense by [[Zastava Automobiles|Zastava]] in [[Yugoslavia]]. In [[Austria]], it was briefly assembled by [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch|Steyr Puch]] as a successor to the successful [[Puch 500]], with the assembly lastingof until2,069 1975cars —through and production of 2069 examples1975.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.steyrpuch.at/puch126.htm |title=Steyr-Puch-Freunde OberkärntenKleinwagen / Puch 126 |website=www.steyrpuch.at |language=de |access-date=194 DecemberJune 20182022}}</ref> In [[Greece]], there was an attempt to produce a small car named [[DIM (automobiles)|DIM]] whose technical layout was largelyprimarily based on the 126, but only ten were produced before the project was abandoned.{{cncitation needed|date=April 2020}}
The 126 neverdid achievednot achieve the popularity of the 500 in Western Europe, as the rear-engined layout lostwas favourdisplaced by better packaging and tohandling [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|front-engine, front-wheel drive]], nonethelesscars. The 126 becomingbecame one of the last and longest-livingproduction rear-engine small cars manufactured in Europe, survived only by the [[Volkswagen Beetle|VW Beetle]] whose production lasted until 1978 (2003, globally). The 126 was also the last rear-engine small car to be manufactured in Europe until the advent of the [[Smart Fortwo]].
For a brief period in the early 1990s, a German company called POP also offered convertible versions of the 126 BIS. Two models were offered: a lesser equipped one called the "POP 650" and a more luxurious model called the "POP 2000".
{{clear_leftclear left}}
== Polski Fiat 126p ==
[[File:Bielsko-Biała, 1973-1977, Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych, produkcja samochodów Fiat 126p (Maluch) 02.jpg|thumb|left|Construction of „Maluch” in the FSM factory in Bielsko-Biała, 1970s]]
[[File:Bielsko-Biała, 1973-1977, Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych, produkcja samochodów Fiat 126p (Maluch) 05.jpg|thumb|left|Construction of „Maluch” in the FSM factory in Bielsko-Biała, 1970s]]
[[File:Bielsko-Biała, 1973-1977, Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych, produkcja samochodów Fiat 126p (Maluch) 07.jpg|thumb|left|Construction of „Maluch” in the FSM factory in Bielsko-Biała, 1970s]]
[[File:Polski Fiat 126p rocznik 1973.jpg|thumb|right|1973 Polski Fiat 126p (Poland)]]
In [[Poland]], the car was produced under licencelicense by [[Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych]] (FSM) (En: Small-Displacement Car Factory) in [[Bielsko-Biała]] and [[Tychy]] under the brand [[Polski Fiat]] 126p (literally in English: ''Polish Fiat 126p'') between 1973 and 2000.
Due to aits relatively low price, it was very popularprevalent in Poland and was arguably the most common Polish car in the 1980s. Its very smalltiny size gave it the nickname '''''maluch''''' ("the small one", "small child", pronounced {{IPA-|pl|ˈmalux|}}). The nickname became so popular that in 1997, it was accepted by the manufacturer as the car's official name of the car.
[[File:FSM Niki 650 (14821160718).jpg|thumb|A 126 in Australia, sold locally as the FSM Niki]]
At first, it was almost identical withto the basic model: differences included a higher chassis, a modified grille on the back, and the front indicator lenses that were clear white in Italy, but orange in other markets. To distinguish it from the original Italian car, theThe letter "p" was added to its name to distinguish it from the original Italian car.
Throughout the 1980s, the 126p was continuously modified. First, it received upgraded brakes and new wheels from Italian Fiat, then. hazardHazard warning lights were added to meet new lighting requirements.
In 1984, the 126 received a facelift, giving it plastic bumpers (for all versions) and a new dashboard. This model was named the Fiat 126p FL. In 1985, a single rear fog light and reversing light (on opposite sides) were added to the standard plastic bumpers; an electronic ignition system and [[alternator (automotive)|alternator]] replaced the undersized generator in around 1987. In 1994, the 126p received another facelift and some parts from the [[Fiat Cinquecento]]; this version was named 126 EL. The 126 ELX introduced a catalytic converter.
[[File:Interior of a white left hand drive Fiat 126 produced in 1973 3.jpg|thumb|1973 Fiat 126 interior]]
In 1987 , the 126 BIS went intobegan production, featuring a water-cooled 704 cc engine of Polish construction. However, the original model continued to be produced for the Polish market. BIS used some parts from the [[Fiat cinquecento|Fiat Cinquecento]]. ▼
The factory battery in 126p had only a 35 Amp- [[ampere hour|amp hour ]] capacity, which, combined with the undersized generator, resulted in the car never havinghad a fully charged battery unlessonly if driven for an extended time. Some owners upgraded toUpgrading a 45 -amp Amp-hour battery from the Fiat 125p (1.5 Litre engine) to improveimproved the cold start reliability. ▼▲In 1987 the 126 BIS went into production, featuring a water-cooled 704 cc engine of Polish construction. However, the original model continued to be produced for the Polish market. BIS used some parts from [[Fiat cinquecento|Fiat Cinquecento]].
The 126p was exported to many [[Eastern Bloc]] countries , and for several years , it was one of the most popular cars in [[Poland]] and in [[Hungary]] as well. It also found a minor market in Australia between 1989 and 1992 , under the name '''FSM Niki'''. During that period , it was Australia's cheapest car.<ref>{{cite web|title=FSM Niki 650, too little, too late |date= 13 August 2009 |url= http://www.transeum.com/worlds-worst-cars/fsm-niki-650-too-little-too-late.html |publisher=Transeum |access-date=29 August 2011}}</ref> There was a convertible version developed for the Australian market.{{Citation needed|date=December 2018}} It was also successful in [[Cuba]] where it was one of the best-selling cars of its time and an estimated 10,000 are still existregistered today.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.dw.com/en/polish-fiat-126p-sees-unlikely-cuban-revival/a-19464887 |title=Polish Fiat 126p sees unlikely Cuban revival |date=11 August 2016 |website=dw.com |language=en-GB |access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref> ▼▲The factory battery in 126p had only a 35 Amp-hour capacity, which, combined with the undersized generator, resulted in the car never having a fully charged battery unless driven for an extended time. Some owners upgraded to a 45 Amp-hour battery from the Fiat 125p (1.5 Litre engine) to improve the cold start reliability.
The 126P126p also has a history in [[China]]: In the early 1980s, it became one of the first passenger cars to be imported to the country. The government initially bought 10,000 which were, mainly used as taxis, but later , alsothe 126p became available for private buyers , then- a rarity in the country then. In the 1980s, it was one of the best-selling cars in China, selling around 30,000 units per year.<ref>{{ Citecite web|last=Gasnier|first=Matt|date=1986-01-18|title=China 1980-1985: Fiat 126p best-seller, 1 passenger car for every 6 million people|url= https://bestsellingcarsblog.com/1986/01/china-1980-1985-fiat-126p-best-seller-1-passenger-car-for-every-6-million-people/ |access-date=2021-04-09|website=Best Selling Cars Blog|language=en-US}}</ref> ▼▲The 126p was exported to many [[Eastern Bloc]] countries and for several years it was one of the most popular cars in [[Poland]] and in [[Hungary]] as well. It also found a minor market in Australia between 1989 and 1992, under the name '''FSM Niki'''. During that period it was Australia's cheapest car.<ref>{{cite web|title=FSM Niki 650, too little, too late|url= http://www.transeum.com/worlds-worst-cars/fsm-niki-650-too-little-too-late.html |publisher=Transeum|access-date=29 August 2011}}</ref> There was a convertible version developed for the Australian market.{{Citation needed|date=December 2018}} It was also successful in [[Cuba]] where it was one of the best-selling cars of its time and an estimated 10,000 still exist today.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.dw.com/en/polish-fiat-126p-sees-unlikely-cuban-revival/a-19464887 |title=Polish Fiat 126p sees unlikely Cuban revival |date=11 August 2016 |website=dw.com |language=en-GB |access-date=19 December 2018}}</ref>
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, there were several experimental prototypes were developed in Poland. A cargo version was designed in 1974 called "Bombel" (literally "bubble", but also a colloquial term for "small child") because of its fiberglass bubble-shaped cargo area; an off-road version propelled by caterpillar tracks and a front-wheel drive, front-engined model, with a longer front end and a flat cargo area in the rear where the original 126 had its engine. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiat126p-bombel.pl |title=Fiat 126p BOMBEL |publisher=Fiat126p-bombel.pl |date= |accessdate=2022-08-18}}</ref> The rear of this prototype was similar to the 126 Bis which also had a rear hatch for accessing a cargo space created by mounting its flat water-cooled engine under the floor. ▼▲The 126P also has a history in [[China]]: In the early 1980s, it became one of the first passenger cars to be imported to the country. The government bought 10,000 which were mainly used as taxis, but later also became available for private buyers, then a rarity in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gasnier|first=Matt|date=1986-01-18|title=China 1980-1985: Fiat 126p best-seller, 1 passenger car for every 6 million people|url=https://bestsellingcarsblog.com/1986/01/china-1980-1985-fiat-126p-best-seller-1-passenger-car-for-every-6-million-people/|access-date=2021-04-09|website=Best Selling Cars Blog|language=en-US}}</ref>
▲Throughout the 1980s, there were several experimental prototypes developed in Poland. A cargo version called "Bombel" (literally "bubble", but also a colloquial term for "small child") because of its fiberglass bubble-shaped cargo area; an off-road version propelled by caterpillar tracks and a front-wheel drive, front-engined model, with a longer front end and a flat cargo area in the rear where the original 126 had its engine. The rear of this prototype was similar to the 126 Bis which also had a rear hatch for accessing a cargo space created by mounting its flat water-cooled engine under the floor.
There was also an attempt at installing a small diesel engine (due to gasoline rationing) in the classic 126p body. It is also a popular platform for electric motor and motorcycle engine swaps.
=== Timeline of PF 126p ===
[[File:Trunk of a white left hand drive Fiat 126 produced in 1973.jpg|thumb|The front footwells, suspension, battery and spare wheel left little room for luggage in the front storage compartment]]
[[File:Fiat 126 BIS during „XXX lat motoryzacji PRL” exhibition at Bonarka City Center in Kraków.JPG|thumb|From 1987, the 126 became available as a hatchback even though the engine is in the rear]]
* 1972 – the FSM car factory was built in [[Bielsko-Biała]].
* 6 June 1973 – the first Polski Fiat 126p constructed from Italian parts. The official price was 69,000 [[Polish złoty]]s with [[PKO Bank Polski]] accepting pre-payments on savings books starting 5 February 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.auto-swiat.pl/1-polski-fiat-126p-przez-ksiazeczke-do-fiata |first=Adam |last=Włodarz |title=Polski Fiat 126p - Przez książeczkę do Fiata |language=pl |publisher=Auto Swiat |date=18 December 2006 |access-date=5 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120425141831/http://www.auto-swiat.pl/1-polski-fiat-126p-przez-ksiazeczke-do-fiata |archive-date=25 April 2012 }}</ref>
* 22 July 1973 – the official opening of the factory's production line. (byBy the end of that year, over 15001,500 Fiats were manufactured).
* September 1975 – production started in a factory inthe [[Tychy]] factory.
* 1977 – engine capacity increased from 594 cc to 652 cc. Engine power increased to about {{convert|24|hp}}.
* 1978 – production of types with engine capacity 594 cc ended.
* 22 September 2000 – production ended after a production run of 3,318,674 units. All Fiats of the last limited ''Happy End'' series were yellow or red (500 cars in red and 500 cars in yellow).
The car's global production of the car was 4,673,655 units: 1,352,912 in Italy, 2,069 in Austria by Fiat-Steyr, and 3,318,674 in Poland.
=== Political connotations ===
[[File:PF126p.jpg|thumb|A Fiat 126p in Poland, 1973 - attracting the curiosity of passers-by]]
The PF 126p has a special meaning for Poles, and its story hadis aconnected connection withto Polish politics during the communist period ([[Polish People's Republic]], up to 1989). During the absolute rule of the [[PZPR]], a private car was considered a luxury item, due to limited availability and low salaries. In 1971, there were only 556,000 passenger cars in Poland.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Marcin |last=Zaremba |url= http://archiwum.polityka.pl/art/good-bye-gierek,395534.html |title=Good bye, Gierek! |journal=Polityka |volume=45 |year=2004 |issue=2477 |page=79 |language=pl |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304205728/http://archiwum.polityka.pl/art/good-bye-gierek,395534.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In a top-down [[planned economy]], decisions on whether a state-owned factory could produce a car were taken on political and not just economic grounds. The authorities themselves initially did not find the idea of private cars attractive. The first relatively cheap Polish car was the [[FSO Syrena|Syrena]], but it wasneeded outdatedto be updated, and its production was limitedlow. Limited numbers of cars were also imported from other Eastern Bloc countries. It was difficultchallenging to buy a Western car because the [[Polish złoty]], like other currencies in communist states, was not convertible to Western funds, and therethe wascountry had no free market in the country.
Thus, the PF 126p was intended to be the first real, popular, and affordable car, to provide mobility for ordinary families. The license was bought after the rise to power of a new [[PZPR]] leader, [[Edward Gierek]], who wanted to gain popular favourpopularity by increasing [[consumer spending]] after the austerity period under [[Władysław Gomułka]]. DespiteEven the fact thatthough it was a very smalltiny [[city car]], it was the only choice for most families, filling the role of a [[family car]]. During holidays, it was common to see families of four driving PF-126s abroad with huge suitcases on a [[roof rack]]; sightings of PF-126s towing a small [[:pl:Niewiadów N126|Niewiadów N126]] caravan especially designed for the PF 126 were also occasionally reported.<ref name=zakrz/> PF 126p production, however, was not sufficient and the PF 126p was on sale with a waiting list. Usually, families had to wait a couple offew years to buy a car.<ref name=zakrz>Zakrzewski, Adam (2010). pp.72-83</ref> AThe coupon for a carauthorities could also begive givena bycoupon theto authoritiespurchase a car based on merit or relationship.
== Nicknames ==
In Poland[[Polish language|Polish]] it is called ''Maluch'', which literally means "small one" or toddler (and was an official name since 1997),<ref>{{cite book|last=Turnock |first=David |title=The East European economy in context: communism and transition |year=1997 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-0-415-08626-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qej-6dP5e74C&q=126p+Maluch&pg=PA307|access-date=6 November 2010|page=307}}</ref> as well as ''mały Fiat'' ("small Fiat"), in contrast to [[Fiat 125p]], called ''duży Fiat'' ("big Fiat").<ref>{{cite book|last=Swan|first=Oscar E. |title=Intermediate Polish |year=1986 |publisher=Slavica Publishers |isbn=978-0-89357-165-8 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=mD8IAAAAIAAJ&q=mały+Fiat|access-date=6 November 2010|page=71}}</ref> In some regions, it is also called ''Kaszlak'',<ref>{{cite book|last=Czeszewski |first=Maciej |title=Słownik polszczyzny potocznej |year=2006 |publisher= Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN |isbn=978-83-01-14631-3 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=xCUZAQAAIAAJ&q=Kaszlak+Fiat+126 |access-date=6 November 2010|page=129 |language=pl}}</ref> literally "cougher" (derived from ''[[wikt:kaszel#Polish|kaszel]]'', "[[cough]]", as its engine's sound resembles a cough when it is started).
[[File:Cuba, Havana, FIAT 126p Polski.jpg|thumb|Fiat 126p in [[Havana]], Cuba, March 2014]]
In [[AlbaniaAlbanian language|Albanian]] it is known as ''Kikirez'', in Serbian meaning a "little rooster".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.autocentrum.pl/skarbnica-wiedzy/fiat/126p-maluch/|title=Fiat 126p "Maluch" • Skarbnica wiedzy • AutoCentrum.pl|website=www.autocentrum.pl|access-date=12 July 2017}}</ref>
In [[Serbian language|Serbian]], [[Croatian language|Croatian]] and [[Bosnian language|Bosnian]] it is known as ''Peglica'' (meaning "little [[Iron (appliance)|iron]]").,<ref>{{cite book|last=Labourdette|first=Jean-Paul, Dominique Auzias|title=Przewodnik Chorwacja|year=2007|publisher=Petit Fute|isbn=978-83-60496-20-6|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=h11ayWWvvl8C&q=126+Peglica&pg=PA222|access-date=6 November 2010|page=222|language=pl}}</ref> or, occasionally, as "klompa" (meaning "[[clog]]")
In [[Slovene language|Slovene]] the 126 is also called ''Bolha'' ("[[flea]]"),<ref>{{cite book|last=Weiss|first=Peter|title=Slovar govorov Zadrečke doline med Gornjim gradom in Nazarjami|year=1998|publisher=Znanstvenoraziskovalni center SAZU|isbn=978-961-6182-47-8|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=I5jlAAAAMAAJ&q=Fiat+126+Bolha|access-date=6 November 2010|page=206}}</ref> Piči-poki (loosely translated as "fast-and-loud") or ''Kalimero'' on [[Slovenian Littoral|Slovenian coast]] after a cartoon character [[Calimero]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://forums.bistudio.com/forums/topic/20164-fiat-126/|title=Fiat 126|website=Bohemia Interactive Forums|date=25 September 2002 |access-date=12 July 2017}}</ref>
In [[Hungarian language|Hungarian]], it is known as ''kispolszki'' ("Little Polish", while the [[Polski Fiat 125p|125p]] is the ''nagypolszki'', meaning "Big Polish"), ''kispolák'' ("Little [[PolesPolish people|Pole]]") or ''kisp''ó''k'' ("Little spider"); also, the car was nicknamed ''egérkamion'', meaning "a mouse's truck".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.vezess.hu/vezetunk/2015/03/18/igazi-gyongyszem-lanctalpas-kispolak/|title=Igazi gyöngyszem – Lánctalpas kispolák | trans-title = A true gem - tiny shoes with cleats |date= 2015-03-18 March|last = Kovács | first = Miklós | language = hu | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171026164040/https://www.vezess.hu/vezetunk/2015/03/18/igazi-gyongyszem-lanctalpas-kispolak/ |access archive-date=12 July 2017-10-26 }}</ref>
In Germany[[German language|German]], the Fiat 126 was known as the ''Bambino'', the Italian word for child.<ref>{{cite book|last=Deiss|first=Richard|title=Silberling und Bügeleisen - 1000 Spitznamen in Transport und Verkehr und was dahinter steckt |year=2010|publisher=Ausstattung/Bilder|isbn=978-3-8391-6269-9|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=L0Tc7aZUh3QC&q=Fiat+126+Bambino&pg=PA50|access-date=6 November 2010|page=50|language=de}}</ref>
In [[Cuba]]n [[Spanish language|Spanish]] it is known as the "Polqi" or "Polaquito", meaning "Little [[PolesPolish people|Pole]]" or "Little Polish man", and in [[Chile]]an Spanish as "Bototo".<ref>{{cite web|url= http://slaskie.naszemiasto.pl/artykul/fiat-126p-podbil-kube-nazywaja-go-polaquito,3850064,artgal,t,id,tm.html|title=Fiat 126p podbił Kubę... nazywają go "polaquito" |first=P. |last=Ciastek |date=7 September 2016 |access-date=12 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=VfypBAAAQBAJ&q=bototo+fiat&pg=PT212|title=Maluch: Biografia |first=Przemysław |last=Semczuk |date=1 October 2014|publisher=Otwarte|isbn=9788324031979|access-date=12 July 2017|via=Google Books}}</ref>
== References ==
* {{cite book |title=Polski FIAT 126P: technika jazdy, obsługa i usprawnienia |first1=Zbigniew |last1=Klimecki |first2=Roman |last2=Podolak |publisher=Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Łączności |year=1982 |isbn=978-83-206-0092-6 |language=pl}}
* {{cite book |title=Fiat 126p Mały Wielki Samochód |first=Aleksander |last=Sowa |publisher=Złot Myśli |year=2008 |isbn=978-83-7582-550-3 |language=pl}}
* {{cite book |last1=Zakrzewski |first1=Adam |title=PRL. Auto-Moto. Władcy dróg i poboczy |date=2011 |publisher=Demart |location=Warsaw, Poland |isbn=978-83-74-27-484-5 |url= http://demart.com.pl/new_product/42,ilustrowana-encyklopedia-prl-(trzytomowa).html |language=pl |access-date=18 December 2020 |archive-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126115237/http://www.demart.com.pl/new_product/42,ilustrowana-encyklopedia-prl-%28trzytomowa%29.html |url-status=dead }}
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{dmoz|Recreation/Autos/Makes_and_Models/Fiat|Fiat}}
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{{Early European Fiat vehicles}}
{{Modern European Fiat vehicles}}
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[[Category:Fiat vehicles|126]]
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