The story of the popular “large Fiat” (duży Fiat) in Poland began in 1965, when a licensing agreement was signed for the production of a modern passenger car at the Passenger Car Factory (FSO) in Żerań—a vehicle intended to replace the outdated Warszawa model. The model ultimately selected, designated the PF 125p, was a hybrid of the Fiat 1300/1500 and the Fiat 125. Assembly of the vehicles using components supplied from Italy began in 1967, with full licensed production following a year later. The initial series were equipped with a 1.3-liter, 60 hp engine; however, starting in 1969, a more powerful 1.5-liter, 70 hp engine was also introduced. The first half of the 1970s marked a significant period in the history of the PF 125p. During this time, station wagon and pick-up versions were added to the FSO lineup, and numerous upgrades were implemented—most notably in the 1975 model, which featured the most extensive revisions in the history of the “large Fiat.” The bodywork, interior, and engine were all modernized, resulting in a 5 hp increase for both engine variants. Production of the Polski Fiat 125p (renamed the FSO 125p in 1983, following the expiration of the licensing agreement with Fiat) continued until 1991. By that time, 1,445,669 units had rolled off the assembly lines at the Żerań factory, with 586,386 of these vehicles exported to 80 countries worldwide.
Technical specifications for the PF 125p (1976 sedan model):
Length: 4.23 m
Width: 1.63 m
Height: 1.44 m
Wheelbase: 2.51 m
Curb weight: 970 kg
Number of seats (load capacity): 5 (400 kg)
Maximum speed: 155 km/h
Powertrain: inline 4-cylinder Fiat DOHC gasoline engine
Displacement: 1481 cc
Power: 75 hp
Average fuel consumption: 8.2 – 12.5 l / 100 km
