The Fiat 126 is a small, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive city car that was introduced by Italian automaker Fiat in 1972 as a replacement for the Fiat 500. Despite its small size, the Fiat 126 gained popularity for its affordability, simplicity, and fuel efficiency, particularly in Eastern Europe.
The Fiat 126 was initially fitted with a 594 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 23 horsepower, similar to the one used in the Fiat 500. In 1977, the 126 received a minor upgrade in the form of a 652 cc engine producing 24 horsepower, and from 1984, a water-cooled 704 cc engine was also available for the Polish-made version, known as the 126p, which produced 26 horsepower.
The Fiat 126 is a small, two-door city car measuring just over 3 meters in length. Despite its small size, the car could accommodate four people, although the rear seats were admittedly cramped.
In terms of performance, the Fiat 126 was not designed for speed, as evidenced by its modest horsepower figures. However, it shone in the city, with its small size and light weight enabling it to navigate narrow streets and tight parking spaces with ease. Read more