The 1960's were not an easy time for the motor industry in Poland. The ruling communist party rejected the possibility that an average citizen might have his own personal car. Car's were foreseen to be delivered to public institutions (like taxi corporations, governmental institutions and others).
Designing an own car was out of range for a communistic country and economics so a license from an Italian car manufacturer was acquired. Although the Polish 125p looks similar to its Italian cousin the Fiat 125 the car produced in Warsaw by FSO (Passenger Car Factory) technically was the older Fiat 1300 wrapped in a newer looking body.
Production launched in 1967 and with time the quality was worse and worse including modification's made by the factory within years that followed the production start, which caused the car was looking not more modern as planned but cheap and trash.
Fiat 125p stayed in production till 1991 (!!!) and at the end was just a shadow of the original 125 and even of first cars produced in Poland. In western economics the car model from the beginning of production were always a bit worse then the newer ones. In socialism its exactly the other way round. 1 445 699 cars were produced.
The presented car is offered as a car sharing vehicle by the polish company "Panek". The idea has its roots in big nostalgia that comes along with these vehicles in Poland. If You plan to visit Warsaw or another big city's in the country You might be able to find 1988, 125p waiting for being rented (the car is moved from time to time between several cities where the company is operating).
5 окт 2024
