Tom Hanks’ Fiat 126
Hollywood actor, Tom Hanks, has been given a 1974 Fiat 126 after posting photos of himself next to several of the Polishmade Fiats last year.
Townsfolk of Bielsko-Biala, where the 126 was made, raised £1700 to buy a car for the actor, and local companies Oldtimer Garage and Carlex Design restored it for free. It underwent a major restoration, including changing the colour from turquoise to white, and having a bespoke interior installed.
Organiser and town resident, Monika Jaskolska, held the fundraiser after seeing his Twitter and Instagram posts announcing his affection for the car.
Carlex Design, the company that tackled the car’s bespoke interior, says: ‘It was a pleasure and an honour to be a part of the project. ‘Maluch’ (colloquial Polish term from the 126) has always been a symbol of our city, our country, and our youth. Each Pole has a number of great memories connected to driving a Fiat 126.’
The car will soon be flown to Hanks’ home in Los Angeles.