At first glance, you would think this vehicle was cobbled together in someone’s garage using whatever parts were at hand. If you did, you’d be wrong, as this is a real pickup, built in Poland, restored to as-new condition, and probably the only one like it in the U.S. For whatever reason, someone imported it and then went to the trouble of refurbishing it, so an emotional decision probably outweighed a monetary one. Located in Roselle, Illinois, this “dancing king” (the name of the truck translated) is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $13,500. We appreciate Rocco B. finding this tip for us.
According to another review, this 1997 FSO Polonez Roy was produced by a Polish company whose name in English was Passenger Car Factory. At one time, they were at the top of their game in Poland, who built Soviet cars after World War II and then later relying on Fiat for some of their engineering. Though the English translation of the truck’s name as Dancing King seems unorthodox, it is not someone’s wild dream of a homemade pickup.
Chances are you’ve never heard of the manufacturer, or this brand of vehicle, and the chances of finding another one anywhere in the lower 48 are probably slim and nil. This truck was top drawer when it was built, since leather upholstery is not something you normally find in a workhorse. Under the hood resides a 1.6-liter OHV inline-4 of Fiat design employing fuel injection. A 5-speed manual transmission is along for the ride.
We’re told this truck has been restored even though the bed looks like it was simply welded onto a 4-door sedan. The former is made of aluminum and has a flip-down opening as you would expect. The mileage is said to be 35,000, but we don’t know the degree of its accuracy. We’re told it has a clean U.S. title and is registered as such, too. If you’re looking for something no one else has, this is it. But we don’t know how you’d go about getting parts down the road.
These mixed into traffic in Warsaw in 97 like they weren’t Evan there. Useful design. Some had dump body options
Looks like the bedrails fold down as well making it a flatbed as well 👍
Uhm…. yeah
That bed sure does not look factory, no photos of the back.
It makes sense that a unicorn like this would be found in the northwestern Chicago metro area, given the large Eastern European immigrant population. I’d imagine that’ll also be where it’s new owner resides.
This truck shows why Poland is the West Virginia of Europe.
Poland has one of the hottest economies in Europe now and the largest army, besides a thousand years of Culture. They gave us Madame Curie, Chopin, and Copernicus. Bite your tongue.
The largest army in Europe is the russian army – just saying
I should have said largest in the European union. And technically Russia is mostly in Asia, except for the western part.
Do you think it makes you look intelligent or funny to insult a whole state?
Think again, and I’m not from West Virginia.
OK, OK, I’m sorry for making a little joke about Poland and West Virginia. Cruel? Well, making fun of handicapped people is cruel. Disrespecting a decorated Navy pilot is cruel. Bombing a school and killing 400 children, that’s cruel.
Mine was a misplaced little joke, sorry again.
I’m half Polish. My ex’s family was from WVa. I’m somewhat familiar with both. Good people.
Aye yi yi,,you know, as kids, we were so cruel. Not sure why, perhaps an offshoot of our fathers, but we picked on the poor Poles for no apparent reason. What the Polish went through was no joke. To be honest, I think it’s a neat vehicle, certainly covers all the bases, unlike America, where we have a different vehicle for every use. As always, horribly inept for our usage, but for Europe, it was a hit. While no breakdown on pickups, the entire line sold over a million cars( 1,061,807) between 1978 and 2002 not including commercial applications. Apparently, the “Roy” was the top of the line at almost 24,000 PLNs, or about $6300 US new. With a gross wage of about 1,063 PLNs a month, not many were sold. This will surely stump the AutoPlace person, not sure that’s a good thing. Cool find.
Thanks for your comment Howard.Some,even as adults, can STILL be cruel.
Pretty sure my Polish aunt would not approve…….yuck!
Best to have a personal Friend in Warsaw to get parts, like I do, to send parts, like ignition or brakes! Alas, I need a pickup like a fish needs a bicycle!
The movie The Money Pit comes to mind…
For people who need a truck…to be a truck…not a 600hp grocery getter, status symbol….this truck answers the call
Top Gear dropped one from a helicopter once.
She’s a thing of beauty. Better load forward.
Yah hey dare, betcha could do some fancy polka moves in dat dare bed doncha know.
Who Stole The Kishka? Someone call the cops!
Your user name ties right in with that remark.
I remember my Dad playing that record.
Rex,
I get it,as it obviously was meant in jest.
the seats look amazing