FIAT 126 1972–1976 car dimensions: 3054 mm long, 1377 mm wide and 1335 mm high. Unladen weight is 580 kg. Braked towing is 400 kg.
The cabin is basic and compact with seating for four, more space than the preceding 500, and simple matt-black finishes. Instruments are limited to a speedometer with fuel gauge, mileometer and warning lights. Wind-up windows, a heater that works but admits engine noise, dual sun visors, door pockets and basic stalks complete the setup. No electronic driver aids appear in period specifications.
Front luggage space measures around 100 litres thanks to the rear-engine layout. The area is shallow and flat, so larger items often go on the rear seat.
Payload is 320 kg with a kerb weight near 580 kg and gross vehicle weight of 900 kg. Towing is rated at 400 kg braked. The car suits light urban or short-trip use rather than heavy work.
The cabin is more spacious than the prior 500, with 13 cm extra length from wheel to rear seatback plus added width at the seats. Front seats are enveloping and firm yet comfortable for long runs. rear holds two adults if fronts are not fully back. Vinyl trim is standard with cloth optional. An efficient heater-ventilation mixes hot and cold air via adjustable under-dash vents. Sound deadening keeps things quiet up to 90-100 km/h. Basic extras include door pockets, rear parcel shelf, grab handle, armrests, ashtray, dual sun visors, opening quarter lights and interior light. Optional canvas sunroof from 1974.
21-litre fuel tank
Air-cooled 594 cc twin, four-star fuel preferred
Dual-circuit drum brakes all round
Collapsible three-piece steering column
Crumple zones and door intrusion barriers
Central fuel tank ahead of rear axle
The air-cooled twin runs on normal or super petrol from a 21-litre tank. Period tests returned around 45-50 mpg even when driven hard, with declared figures better than the 500's 5.3 l/100 km. Oil use is low at roughly 1,100 miles per pint.
Servicing is straightforward on the simple rear-engine layout. Oil capacity is 2.5 litres for a change. the centrifugal filter needs occasional cleaning. No water cooling system means fewer fluid checks. Brakes, kingpins and points require regular attention as on any 1970s car.
Safety kit centres on dual-circuit drums, a collapsible steering column, designed crumple zones, side-door intrusion bars and a fuel tank moved to a protected central spot under the rear seat. Seat belts were available and later versions gained inertia reels. early cars often left the factory without them fitted as standard.
The car is light and easy to work on. Most mechanical parts interchange with the 500 and remain obtainable. Rust is the main long-term concern on the unitary body. otherwise the mechanical simplicity keeps ownership cheap for city or short-trip use.
Length 3054 mm, Width 1377 mm, Height 1335 mm, Wheelbase 1840 mm (126 1972–1976)
Sources: manufacturer data, Fiat Customer Service technical data sheet May 1973 via fiat500126.com, autoevolution.com and engineindetail.com, Motor Sport Magazine December 1972.