Maluch for Tom Hanks

White, born in Bielsko-Biała! With these words, Monika Jaskólska revealed the Maluch made for Tom Hanks on the day of the American actor’s 61th birthdays in front of the Gemini Park Shopping Mall in Bielsko-Biała. The light green interior, personalised elements, leather upholstery. This is what Tom Hanks will soon enjoy. The car was founded by Rafał Sonik, the spirit and soul of the event.

The white paintwork, selected specifically so that it would shine in the Californian sun, buttons and switches inspired by a typewriter and plated with silver, hand-made wooden elements, and many motifs that refer to the traditional colours of Bielsko-Biała. This is a unique piece that came to be thanks to our partners: Carlex Design, BB Oldtimer Garage, FCA Poland S.A. and P.M. Motors.

Today’s event electrified the country. Lovers of Fiat 126p came to the party. About one hundred of the cars – frequently called by their pet names: “Maluch” (The Tiny One), “Fiacik” (The Little Fiat) and “Kaszlak” (The Cougher) – from all over Poland found a spot for themselves at the parking lot of the Shopping Mall. A few minutes after the clock struck two, Monika Jaskólska, the initiator of the event, Jacek Krywult, the Mayor of Bielsko-Biała City, Jarosław Klimaszewski, Chair of the City Council of Bielsko-Biała, Rafał Sonik, and representatives of the partners involved in the project, revealed the vehicle that stood on an stunning platform. A moment later, all attendees sang “Happy Birthday” to the birthday man. Tom Hanks “reciprocated” with a pre-recorded video with him saying thanks for the gift and for organizing the birthday party.

‘I didn’t hesitate to join this event for a couple of reasons. First of all, because the charity part of the initiative is the most important one. The entire profit from today’s event and the charity collection that has been run since November under the auspices of the “Pomaluj Mój Świat” Foundation will be allocated to equip a psychiatric ward for children and youth at the Paediatric Hospital in Bielsko-Biała. Secondly, Maluch is an important part of Polish history. This is our story. People worked incessantly for years to get the dream voucher for that car. Maluch is associated with the feeling of freedom and with the first trips further out. It was Maluch that we drove when we ventured behind the Iron Curtain and when we visited other continents. Maluch could fit families of seven to take on holiday and could drive into places that it would be difficult to go with many modern SUVs,’ said Rafał Sonik, when asked about his motivation. ‘Determination, bravery, sense of humour and optimism. This is what Polish people have in common with Tom Hanks. Fiat 126p, our very own Maluch, will go into good hands!’ he added.

The 2015 Dakar Rally winner arrived at today’s event in a Fiat 126p himself. As he said, he decided to feel the Maluch’s climate on his own skin. ‘I’ve found a true ‘gem’. Year 1981. It still has black plates! Straight from PRL,’ he said.

Today’s day with Maluch was also full of other attractions. Irek Bieleninik, the host of the event, kept the gathered public entertained with competitions and trivia; besides that, there were also Maluch-shaped cookies and live music straight from the 1980s, and more.

Maluch will stay at Gemini Park Bielsko-Biała until Thursday, 13th July; with the help of Jadę Zabiorę company, it will appear in Ustka next weekend. The information on where you can see this car in Poland will be updated regularly on the Facebook profile “Bielsko Biała dla Toma Hanksa”: https://pl-pl.facebook.com/Bielsko-Bia%C5%82a-dla-Toma-Hanksa-1733378546980494/

Maluch will go for its most important voyage to Los Angeles – carried by LOT Airlines – in three months. Tom Hanks will have to wait a little longer for the gift to reach him…