Residents of Bielsko-Biala, Poland, presented this 48-year-old Polski Fiat 126p hatchback to Hollywood actor Tom Hanks five years ago. The three-door ride is now on sale with 23 horsepower, fully restored condition and Hanks’ autograph.
The actor visited Budapest, Hungary six years ago, making non-stop jokes about the quaint little Fiat 126. According to The Drive, he stopped next to every car, shot a selfie and posted the result on social pages with comments like “Check out my new ride” or “I am in love with my new car”.
Monica Jaskolski, from a Polish town of Bielsko-Biala, cooperated with other Hanks fans to present him with a hatchback like this. It was in that town that the Fiat 126 used to be made by a license for Socialist countries. This localized version of the car was known as “Polski Fiat 126p”.
The fans were successful in raising enough money to buy an old car and to have it restored to peak condition. Interior specialist Carlex Design trimmed the cabin in lime-green and black leather, contrasted by white safety belts and captions “Bielsko-Biała for Tom Hanks” everywhere.
The ride still relies on its 594cc (36ci) two-cylinder engine to propel it forward with 23 PS (23 hp / 17 kW) and 39 Nm (29 lb-ft) of torque. The gearbox is four-speed manual, and the whole drivetrain has fewer than 500 kilometers (310 miles) on it, reportedly.
Tom Hanks intends to donate the entire auction proceedings to charity. Bidding has so far reached $57,000.