Fiat 126
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Fiat 126 | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | Fiat |
| Production | 1972-2000 |
| Predecessor | Fiat 500 |
| Successor | Fiat Cinquecento |
| Class | city car RR |
| Body style | 2-door sedan |
| Engine | 594 cc Straight-2 652 cc Straight-2 |
| Length | 3.11 m |
| Width | 1.38 m |
| Height | 1.34 m |
The Fiat 126 was a city car introduced in 1972 as a replacement for the Fiat 500. It was replaced by the front-engined Fiat Cinquecento in 1993.
[edit] History
The 126 used much of the same mechanical underpinnings and layout as its predecessor, but with an all new bodyshell closely resembling a scaled-down Fiat 127. Engine capacity gradually increased from 600 cc to 650 cc and than to 700 cc in new "restyling" model Fiat 126 BIS ( 1987-1991 ) 26bhp.
In Italy, production ended in the 1980s, but was continued in Poland, where the 126 was produced from 1973 to 2000 as the Polski Fiat 126p.
In 1984, the 126 received a facelift, giving it plastic bumpers (for all versions) and a new dashboard.
Despite clever marketing, the 126 never achieved the frenzied popularity of the 500. This did not mean, of course, that it was not a commercial success; quite the contrary - it just happened that it was merely a highly successful model, not one whose sales had gone through the roof. The Soviet-reclaimed steel rust scandal of the 1970s (which also caused tremendous damage to Lancia's reputation in the UK) did nothing to help sales, although it would be fair to say that Fiats, Lancias and Alfa Romeos never rusted more than their British, French and even German competitors.
An unrelated car with a very similar appearance was the SEAT 133.
[edit] Gallery
 Fiat 126 Cut |
 Fiat 126 BIS |
 Polski Fiat 126p |
 Back View of 126 |
[edit] External links
- - Fiat 126p Fanclub Romania
- Fiat 500 History -Gizmohighway Auto Guide
- -Fiat 126 Club UK
- Polish Fiat 126p Fan Club – Terytorium126p (there is an English-only forum section, for foreign users)
- www.Fiat-126.de - Fanseite "Fiat 126"
- www.Fiat-126-Forum.de - Das deutschsprachige "Fiat-126-Forum"
- -Fiat 126 Club NL
| Fiat car timeline, European market, 1960s-1980s | Next -> | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| City car | 500 | 126 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 600 | Panda | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supermini | 850 | 127 | Uno | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small family car | 1100 | 128 | Ritmo | Tipo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large family car | 1300/1500 | 124 | 131 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1500 | 125 | 132 | Argenta | Croma I | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive car | 2300 | 130 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé / Roadster | Dino | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports car | X1/9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Panel van | Fiorino I | Fiorino II | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
