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{{Use dmy dates|date=
{{Infobox automobile
| image
| name
| manufacturer = [[Fiat]] (
| production
| aka = Zastava 126 (Yugoslavia)<br/>Steyr Puch Fiat 126 (Austria)<br/>
Fiat 126 Maluch (Poland)<br />FSM Niki (Australia)
| class
| layout
| body_style
| engine
| transmission = 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual , 1st gear not sychronized]]
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| height = {{convert|1302|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="carfolio.com"/>
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| wheelbase = {{convert|1840|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="carfolio.com"/>
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| assembly = [[Alfa Romeo Cassino Plant|Cassino]], Italy<br/>[[Termini Imerese]], Italy<br/>[[Tychy]], Poland ([[Polski Fiat]])<br/>[[Kragujevac]], Yugoslavia ([[Zastava Automobiles|Zastava]])<br/>[[Graz]], Austria ([[Steyr-Daimler-Puch|Steyr Puch]])
| designer
}}
The '''Fiat 126''' (Type 126) is a four-passenger, [[Rear-engine design|rear-engine]], [[city car]] manufactured and marketed by [[Fiat]] over a twenty-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"/> the 126 replaced the [[Fiat 500]], using major elements from its design. A subsequent iteration, marketed as the ''126 Bis'', used a horizontally oriented, water-cooled engine, and featured a rear hatchback with additional cargo space.
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= https://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=4 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=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=4 June 2022}}</ref> a name that eventually became official in 1997, when 'Maluch' started appearing, badged on the rear of the car.
== History ==▼
In{{nbsp}}early 2020, 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'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>
[[File:Trunk of a white left hand drive Fiat 126 produced in 1973.jpg|thumb|left|The front footwells, suspension, battery and spare wheel left little room for luggage in the 126 front trunk.]]▼
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| author = Ferdinand Simoneit (Ed)| 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/>▼
▲== History ==
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]] with improved safety and interior space. The added interior space resulted from moving the starter from the top of the engine bellhousing to the side which permitted shifting the bulkhead/rear seat rearward approximately 10 cm, and the lengthening of the roof for rear-seat headroom.
▲
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 also manufactured under license 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 of 2,069 cars through 1975.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.steyrpuch.at/puch126.htm |title=Puch Kleinwagen / Puch 126 |website=steyrpuch.at |language=de |access-date=4 June 2022}}</ref> In [[Greece]], there was an attempt to produce a small car named [[DIM (automobiles)|DIM]] whose technical layout was primarily based on the 126, but only ten were produced before the project was abandoned.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
The 126 did not achieve the popularity of the 500 in Western Europe, as the rear-engined layout was displaced by better packaging and handling [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|front-engine, front-wheel drive]] cars. The 126 became one of the last and longest-production 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 manufactured in Europe until the advent of the [[Smart Fortwo]].
Despite clever marketing, the 126 never achieved the frenzied popularity of the 500 in Western Europe. The total number of 126 produced is: 1,352,912 in Italy, 3,318,674 in Poland, 2,069 in Austria, and an unknown number in Yugoslavia. 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 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
Due to
[[File:FSM Niki 650 (14821160718).jpg|thumb|A 126 in Australia, sold locally as the FSM Niki]]
At first, it was almost identical
Throughout the 1980s, the 126p was continuously modified. First, it received upgraded brakes and new wheels from Italian Fiat
▲At first it was almost identical with 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, the letter "p" was added to its name.
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
▲Throughout the 1980s the 126p was continuously modified. First it received upgraded brakes and new wheels from Italian Fiat, then hazard warning lights were added to meet new lighting requirements.
[[File:Interior of a white left hand drive Fiat 126 produced in 1973 3.jpg|thumb|1973 Fiat 126 interior]]
In 1987, the 126
The factory battery in 126p had
▲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 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.
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
▲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.
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 initially bought 10,000, mainly used as taxis, but later, the 126p became available for private buyers - 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>{{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>
▲The factory battery in 126p had only a 35 Amp-hour capacity, which, combined with 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 Liter engine) to improve the cold start reliability.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s,
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
▲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|accessdate=29 August 2011}}</ref> There was a convertible version developed for the Australian market.
▲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 fibreglass 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.
▲[[File:Trunk of a white left hand drive Fiat 126 produced in 1973.jpg|thumb
[[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
▲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 engine and motorcycle engine swaps.
▲=== History of PF 126p ===
▲[[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, in spite of having the engine 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=
* 22 July 1973 – the official opening of the factory's production line.
* September 1975 – production started in
* 1977 – engine capacity increased from 594 cc to 652 cc. Engine power increased to about {{
* 1978 – production of types with engine capacity 594 cc ended.
* 1979 – production of Polski Fiat 126p continued only in Bielsko-Biała.
* 1981 – 1,000,000th Polski Fiat 126p produced.
* December 1984 – technical changes in the construction and body. Type ''FL'' introduced.
* 1987 –
* May 1993 – 3,000,000th Polish Fiat 126p produced.
* September 1994 – body improvement, creating type "el" with parts similar to those used in [[Fiat Cinquecento]].
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* 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
=== Political connotations ===
[[File:PF126p.jpg|thumb|A Fiat 126p in Poland, 1973 - attracting the curiosity
The PF 126p has special meaning for Poles and its story had a connection with 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 = Polish }}</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 was outdated and its production was limited. Limited numbers of cars were also imported from other Eastern Bloc countries. It was difficult to buy a western car because the [[Polish złoty]], like other currencies in ''communist'' states, was not convertible to western funds and there was no free market in the country.▼
▲The PF 126p has a special meaning for Poles, and its story
Thus, the PF 126p was intended to be the first real, popular and affordable car, to provide mobility for ordinary families. The licence was bought after the rise to power of a new [[PZPR]] leader, [[Edward Gierek]], who wanted to gain popular favour by increasing consumer spending after the austerity period under [[Władysław Gomułka]]. Despite the fact that it was a very small [[city car]], it was the only choice for most families, fulfilling 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 of years to buy a car.<ref name=zakrz>Zakrzewski, Adam (2010). pp.72-83</ref> A coupon for a car could also be given by the authorities based on merit.▼
▲Thus, the PF 126p was intended to be the first real, popular, and affordable car
== Nicknames ==▼
▲== Nicknames ==
In
[[File:Cuba, Havana, FIAT 126p Polski.jpg|thumb|Fiat 126p in [[Havana]], Cuba, March 2014]]
In [[
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&
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
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 [[
In
In [[Cuba]]n [[Spanish language|Spanish]] it is known as the "Polqi" or "Polaquito", meaning "Little [[
== References ==
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== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book |title=Polski FIAT 126P: technika jazdy, obsługa i usprawnienia |
* {{cite book |title=Fiat 126p Mały Wielki Samochód |first=Aleksander |last=Sowa |publisher=Złot Myśli |year=2008 |isbn=978-83-7582-550-3 |language=
* {{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}}
{{Fiat}}
{{Early European Fiat vehicles}}
{{Modern European Fiat vehicles}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Fiat vehicles|126]]
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[[Category:2000s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1972]]
[[Category:Cars powered by 2-cylinder engines]]
[[Category:Science and technology in Poland]]
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