And they’re off! Fleet of Maluchs embark on epic 4,000km journey across seven countries to raise money for young car crash victims
A convoy of 36 iconic Fiat 126p cars have set out on an epic 4,000km journey to raise money for children injured in car accidents.
Setting off from Bielsko-Biała on Tuesday, the drivers hope to raise 1million zł (around €225) by the time they arrive in Monte Carlo in just four days’ time.
Adding a touch of motorsport prestige, legendary motoring figures Longin Bielak, a 97-year-old racing driver and Sobiesław Zasada, a 93-year-old rally driver, are also taking part.
Stripped of modern conveniences such as air conditioning and ABS, the Fiats plan to drive through seven countries before arriving on Saturday.
The legendary Polish Fiat 126p known as the “Maluch” (the little one) began production in Bielska-Biało in the 1970s and became the most popular vehicle in Poland up to the nineties.
Stripped of modern conveniences such as air conditioning and ABS, the Fiats plan to drive through seven countries before arriving on Saturday – and then returning to Bielsko-Biała.
Adding a touch of motorsport prestige to the monumental jorney, legendary motoring figures Longin Bielak, a 97-year-old racing driver and Sobiesław Zasada, a 93-year-old rally driver, are also taking part.
They said: "We are going in a team, together we are 190 years old and we will reach our destination. The goal is noble, and we feel great.”
With a show of flare, YouTube influencer reZigiusz helicoptered in a red Fiat 126p to join the mission, with the hope that his involvement will spur his over 4 million followers to get involved.
The rally also saw other notable figures joining the rally, including Rafał Sonik, winner of the Dakar Rally, and Bartek Ostałowski, an ambassador and survivor of a motorcycle accident.
Talking about his involvement on the journey, Sonik said: “It will be a murderous expedition, because we will drive 400 km in the mountains, but for a very noble cause.”
The legendary Polish Fiat 126p known as the “Maluch” (the little one) began production in Bielska-Biała in the 1970s and became the most popular vehicle in Poland up to the nineties.
Rally driver Kajetan Kajetanowicz, who is going with his interior designer wife who will be taking over the wheel for part of the journey said: “It will be interesting, because Aneta doesn't like being my driver, because then I turn into a driving instructor.
With a show of flare, YouTube influencer reZigiusz helicoptered in a red Fiat 126p to join the mission, with the hope that his involvement will spur his over 4 million followers to get involved.
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