Polski Fiat / Fiat 126p / FSM-Niki 650

You know, until recently I wouldn't have looked twice at a Fiat 126p (or FSM-Niki 650 as they were know in Australia), thinking that the were a wholly-unremarkable, sluggish small car.  That changed when I read an article in Top Gear magazine (also published on the web) about the Polski Fiat 126 Group 2.  Who would have thought that a company called 126 Group 2 is currently producing a Fiat 126-based rally car in their Poland workshop?  

A quick search on the web reveals that the Fiat 126 has a large following, with enthusiasts all over the globe, including Australia.  Witness the Martin Racing 126/Niki-rebuild video (and Australian Top Gear competition submission) below.  Don't miss the blast around Mt Panorama featured at the end!

And 4performance's 'Building a Fiat 126p Rally Edition' youtube video is quite interesting, showing each step of their rebuild in detail.

What makes cars like the Fiat 126p so interesting is that they are affordable and look to be very simple to work on, both of which are important to anybody wanting to build a car as a project.  

Perhaps the Fiat 126p is another car I should add to my imaginary future garage?...  :)

(image from topgear.com)

New Fiat 500 - here in March

According to the motoring media, the new Fiat 500 will arrive in Australia in March 2008.  Don't get too excited though- apparently the first few months' shipments are all sold out.  I think the Fiat 500 is going to be a smash hit when launched in Australia.  Firstly, it's (reasonably) inexpensive when compared to its obvious rival the MINI Cooper, with pricing in the AU$20k range.  Secondly, it looks brilliant, and is endlessly customisable - just like the MINI. I created the two exterior pictures using Fiat's Video Configurator, selecting the colour schemes and options I would pick if purchasing a Fiat 500 of my own.  Good fun that :)  The third picture on the left is of the interior and dash, which look great - very different to anything else I've seen.  Unique and classy, while still appearing simple and user-friendly.  Perhaps the only thing lacking at launch is an engine with some power.  A 1.4 litre engine will have to suffice - at least until the Fiat 500 Abarth comes along.  Now that's more like it!...

 

(images from autos.yahoo.com and fiat500.com)