Description

1989 Fiat Panda MkI 4x4

UK supplied RHD example with just 21,500 miles from new; Steyr underpinnings; comprehensively recommissioned; go anywhere

If you want to look 'old money' in St Moritz these days, a flashy Range Rover or Aston-Martin SUV simply will not do - a Panda 4x4 is the only choice - and best of all a Guigiaro-designed 141 Series Mk1.

Said by the master designer himself to be his most successful design, not only as the closest end result to the original design brief, but for its simplicity, effectiveness and crisp lines.

Introduced in 1984 to a somewhat sceptical audience, the Steyr-engineered 4x4 soon proved its go-anywhere credentials and they are still in high demand today in areas with narrow roads and slippery access - there is very little else that will do the job.

Sold new to a lady living just outside Hereford by Godsells, her local Fiat dealer in 1989, she kept it until May 2004 by which time it had still only covered 11,800 miles. It was advertised on AutoTrader as unmarked and in virtually as new condition, always garaged and all for £1,395. The service book with 10 stamps plus Pdi and numerous invoices confirm this.

It changed hands twice in quick succession, moving to Builth Wells and then Kington in 2005.

Its new owner clearly put the car to work and by the time it entered the hands of our vendor, it was looking a bit sorry for itself. The car had been off the road since 2006, by which time the mileage had increased to 19,433.

Acquired by the current vendor as a 'good thing', the mileage had increased to 20,282 miles. The car remained extremely sound, unusual for a Panda of this era with a rock-solid underside. It was moved to the front of the queue during lockdown and comprehensively recomissioned for the road.

The list of jobs was exhaustive, with many parts being sourced from Italy and Ricambio in London. The engine was given a complete service, including all new fluids, a thermostat, full cambelt kit, carb overhaul, plugs and filters etc. New inner driveshaft boots were aslo fitted.

Next came the brakes, which had reconditioned callipers up front and new cylinders at the rear - with new shoes/pads all round. In addition, new flex hoses front and rear and a full set of brake pipes were also added - the brakes are effectively new.

Rear wheel bearings have also been fitted, the wheels blasted and painted and new tyres, specifically made by Pirelli for Fiat Pandas acquired from Naples, Italy. A new parcel shelf was also sourced.

A brand new petrol tank and rear section of the exhaust was also required and a new heater matrix has just been fitted too - it even comes with its new tank nearly full of petrol (not to be sniffed at these days).

On the outside, a NOS front bumper improved matters, along with a brand new NOS driver's door - fitted by the team at 'The Smallest Cog'  - Richard Hammond's new restoration enterprise in Hereford. This was painted to match - the original door being the only significantly rusty panel for some reason. The bonnet is a bit crinkly - testament to its 2005/06 working history but otherwise it is pretty straight and smart.

It has a fresh MOT which expires in October 2022 with just one minor advisory for a slightly binding service brake, the vendor reporting that the car starts and runs very well - it has covered some 1,300 miles since back on the road - plenty of time for a good shakedown. The comprehensive history file also includes various brochures and price lists.

Good examples are very hard to find, the model having developed a cult following similar to the Renault 4 and 2CV. Grab this low mileage RHD example while you can.

For more information - contact Matthew.parkin@brightwells.com