FSO Cars 125P (1967 - 1991)

Fiat and FSO joined forces to create the Polski-Fiat 125P, a new car loosely based on the Italian company's impressive new saloon. The styling of the Polish car was similar to its Italian counterpart, but its underpinnings and power unit came from the older 1300/1500. The FSO factory was gutted to accommodate the new assembly line, and Fiat assisted with its installation and setting-up of supply deals - something it would become very experienced at thanks also to deals with VAZ (Lada) and Zastava.

Development to production takes two years - good going - but the new car is seen as a bright new beginning for the Polish motor industry. Production is slow to take off, but by the beginning of 1968, it's running at capacity as demand from buyers begins to ramp up. The 125P was initially in 1300 form only. The 1295cc 60bhp engine offers adequate performance.

The most obvious visual difference between a 125 and 125P are the round headlamps used on the latter. But the grille and bumpers are also changed. The interior is also a carry over of the Fiat 1300/1500's, meaning the Poles are denied the Fiat's impressive dashboard.

Up-gunned 125P joins the range. Now with 1481cc and 75bhp, the relatively large-bodied saloon is blessed with improved performance. Relatively speaking.

The Polski-Fiat 125P was launched in Kombi form. This was unique to the Polish company, as the Fiat 125 Break never made it beyond design stage. The pick-up version was also introduced at the same time, increasing its appeal considerably.

The chrome radiator grille of the original car was replaced by a far more contemporary-looking black plastic item.

Further visual tweaks were introduced. Another new radiator grille was phased in, which was joined by revised corner lights and rear lamp clusters. It was in this form that the Polski-Fiat 125P was introduced in the UK market. The interior was freshened up at the same time, with a new dashboard, seats and steering wheel introduced.

With the cessation of Fiat's licensing deal in 1983, all Polski-Fiats became known by their domestic name, FSO. That meant the car was now known as the FSO 1300 and 1500. No other changes were made at this time.

The obstinently-unchanged car received its final 'facelift' when the Polonez's dashboard and drivetrain and fitted to the older car. It's the first time that the 125P in any of its forms loses its archaic strip speedometer.

The final 125P based car rolls off the line after 1,445,689 are built.