Chasing Cars
ENGINE 704cc/2-cyl/OHV POWER 25bhp@4500rpm TORQUE 36lb ft@2000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 72mph 0-60MPH 32.5 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 44-62mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 315 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? What performance there is from the little two-cylinder rear engine is transferred well to the back wheels via a tight four-speed gearbox and clutch showing no signs of the common worn driveshaft oil seal. The car is fun to drive and handles well with no sagging or worn suspension components. The exceptionally low mileage means nothing has suffered any overt wear and everything still feels fresh. Steering is very precise giving good feedback and the Fiat heads exactly where you point it. The car doesn’t rattle like many earlier 126s nor does it smoke or make unwanted noises. The engine gets quickly up to temperature and the needle stays put.
BODYWORK CHECK
The bodywork and paint are as you’d expect from a car that has covered just 300 miles. It is mostly unmarked save for a few small rubbing marks under the leading edge of the bonnet and, being white (‘Bianco Corfu’ to be precise), it doesn’t suffer from any swirling. The car has clearly been looked after covering less than a third of its
EXTERIOR Excellent paint and clean underneath INTERIOR Original equipment Everything well presented MECHANICALS Healthy engine Spot on steering
total miles between 1990-2002. There is no rust anywhere. Even the usual areas of concern like the sills, inner wings and wheel arches remain clean. The wheels and recently replaced tyres are in a reassuring condition, as is the plastic trim.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Complementing the rest of the car, the grey cloth interior is basic but in fine fettle, showing hardly any signs of wear. The Fiat’s cockpit is fresh and clean. The seats still feel firm with no sagging or damage to the bolsters, while the areas under the boot lid and bonnet remain as new. The only marks visible are some blemishing of the wing mirror glass. The plastic dash is in one piece and the minimal electrics and instruments work flawlessly. The headlining has not sagged or discoloured, and the door cards match the overall great condition.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is small but very well presented. Being as clean as this makes spotting any fluid leaks a breeze; there are none. The oil is at the correct level and clean, as is the brake fluid. Ancillaries are neat and tidy and the side-mounted radiator and fan are in equally good shape. The engine performs well upon start up and sounds healthy when running, displaying no strange noises or rattles. All visible components, including the suspension, appear to be in good condition and free from damage or corrosion – backed up by the way the car behaves.
THE CCW VIEW
This astonishing unrestored 126 must be one of the best, having covered a shade over 300 miles from new. Running costs are impressively low and parts and consumables still readily available. With this mileage and in this condition, it’s definitely worth a look.