1981 Polski Fiat 126p

The Polski was essentially a Fiat 126 licensed and produced in Poland. To distinguish the two, a "p" was added after the numerical designation.

These are pretty nifty little microcars. If you're going to do a small car, you might as well make it relatively unique. Fiat did just that with the 126, putting the engine in the rear and powering the rear-wheels. The tiny 652cc engine consisted of just two cylinders pumping out a mere 24 horsepower. These are not safe for highways and are designed for country roads and small villages only.

While the Fiat 126 lasted until 1979, Polski production continued, amazingly, until the year 2000, with over 3 million units being made. This thing was a big success.

These were ubiquitous in the communist Eastern Bloc countries during the 1980s. Seeing one trot around the wide, clean roads of Florida these days is a bit disorienting but symbolic of how far the world has come.

The seller of this example says they are the second owners. Cosmetically, they say it has no rust and wears new paint, new brakes and new tires.

Mechanically, they say it has a rebuilt engine and a 4-speed manual transmission.

This seems like a well-cared for example and looks appropriate in orange and the nicely contrasting white steel wheels. If you ever wanted this type of car, it could be a very nice alternative to a VW Bug or Yugo. 

Find it here on ebay in Miami, Florida for a Buy-It-Now of $4,000 and the Make An Offer option.

Sole Survivor: 1976 Fiat Polski 125 Pickup

How adorable is this little pickup?

Unfortunately, it's also quite the endangered species.

According to the seller it is most likely the only surviving officially imported example.

FSO produced Fiat-based cars made in Poland. When they decided to branch out into U.S. sales, they brought over three examples, one of which was this pickup body based on the Fiat 125 sedan. While the other two met their fate, this one managed to live on.

Power comes from a small pushrod 4-cylinder engine directed to the rear wheels.

The seller says this example has an odometer that stopped working at 20,029, but they estimate the mileage can't be much more.

Cosmetically, they say the vehicle was repainted once. They say the body is free of major damage and rust, although the floors have holes and need new welding.

Mechanically, they say it starts and runs fine but will probably need a new clutch and oil filter.

How do you put a price on something so quirky, and apparently so rare? You really have to be a diehard fan, as vintage Toyota micro pickup trucks from the same era are just as charming but probably much more reliable.

Still, there's a lot to love and smile at here.

Find it here on ebay in Minneapolis, Minnesota with no reserve bidding at $4,000.