The Great Fiat 126 Expedition from Bielsko-Biała to Turin started yesterday. Twelve Fiat 126 cars (called “Maluchy” in Poland) set off from the Bielsko-Biała to Turin, where the popular “Maluch” originated. The rally was organised by a group of enthusiasts, 126Hooligans, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the start of production of the car that motorised Poland.
The whole expedition started with a press conference which was chaired by Marcin Małysz, the President of the 126Hooligans Group (Krakow Automobile Club). The organiser of the event, Marcin Małysz said that the rally was a celebration of the car’s 50th birthday.
“It motorised Poland. Fiat 126 is our national hero. (…) We decided to drive the route from Bielsko-Biała to Turin to show that it is possible and that it is possible to travel safely in a classic car,” he said.
The cars will have to travel a total of around 3 000 km in both directions. The oldest of the Fiats was built in 1972, while the youngest is just 22 years old.
“If you’re wondering what the preparations for the expedition look like here is the answer. All cars have already been inspected and serviced, and service cars and rescuers are also ready to start in Bielsko-Biała. This is what the car of crew number 7 Sobiesław Zasada / Longin Bielak looks like. Mr Sobiesław laughs that it must work out – after all, the crew is 188 years old in total! Maluch Happy End with number 0428 has only 230 km of mileage. All rubber elements including tires were replaced,” we can read on the official Facebook profile.
The more than 1,500-kilometre-long route from Bielsko-Biała to Turin was divided into four stages. On the fourth day, the “Maluchy” will make the shortest part, from Bergamo to the Fiat factory in Turin. There, they will meet with Fiat 126 owners and enthusiasts from northern Italy.