Highlights
- Extremely capable, lightweight 4x4
- Resprayed and restored
- Recent mechanical servicing
The Appeal
If you go to any of Italy’s more mountainous regions, you will be struck by just how many early Pandas are still on the road, and many of them will be the extremely capable four wheel drive version. The Fiat Panda 4x4 was a stroke of genius when it was introduced, combining an extremely light body shell with enough grip to get it up the steepest, snowiest mountain roads.
This 4x4 Sisley has benefitted from a restoration, including a respray in its original Tropical Green Metallic colour, which we think suits the car superbly. ‘Sisley’ branding and their canoe logo can be found throughout the car, both inside and out, and we particularly like the analogue inclinometer, not currently fitted, which shows you exactly how adventurous you’re being.
There’s something enduringly endearing about a tiny little off-roader. This plucky little Fiat will go places any modern SUV would struggle to reach, and it’ll do so while putting a smile on your face as you bumble about the vineyards of Tuscany, or simply pop to the shops in the snow.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 8th October 1990
- MOT valid until January 2023
- Original owner’s handbook
- Fiat service book
- Extensive invoices on file
- Restoration started by previous owner in 2015
- Completed by current owner in January 2022
- The vendor informs us that the car will come with a new MOT upon sale
- Restoration documented on YouTube
The Interior
- Cloth interior in great condition throughout
- Corduroy seat covers feature embroidered Sisley canoe logo
- The driver’s seat base has been retrimmed
- Sisley branded seatbelts and horn push
- The carpets look clean and tidy, and feature rubber overmats
- Simple dashboard with bold, clear instruments
- Buttons and switchgear look to be in good condition
- Floor pans look to be in good condition
- Retro JVC cassette player
- Original inclinometer included but not fitted
- Instruction panel for operation of four wheel drive fitted to transmission tunnel
- The headlining has sagged slightly in a couple of corners
- The driver’s door lock currently only works by pushing the internal tab, a new lock is included in the sale
- The single windscreen wiper doesn’t currently work on its slowest setting, but functions correctly otherwise
- Desirable twin sunroofs allowing plenty of light and ventilation, recently replaced
The Exterior
- Full exterior respray in 2022, in Tropical Green Metallic
- The paint appears to remain in excellent condition throughout
- No reported dents, scratches or blemishes
- Original Sisley badges and mud flaps
- Fiat Panda 4x4 and Steyr Puch badges proudly declare the model’s heritage
- The underside is said to be undamaged and has recently been cleaned and undersealed
- The steel wheels have been powder coated and are shod with all season tyres
- ‘4x4 Sisley’ transfers on doors remain bold and clear
- Lamp lenses appear clear and bright
- There is a small stone chip in the front windscreen
- Heated rear screen
The Mechanics
- 999cc Fiat four-cylinder petrol engine produces 50bhp
- Selectable four wheel drive system manufactured by Steyr Puch
- Said to start easily and run well, ready to drive away
- No reported leaks or smoke
- It is reportedly completely unmodified from its original specification
- The vendor tells us fuel tank, hoses, filter and pump have been replaced
- A service has been done, including engine oil and filter, gearbox oil, ignition system parts, air filter and spark plugs
- The hubs and ball joints, front brake discs and pads have reportedly been replaced by the vendor
- The previous owner is said to have changed the differential oils and rear brakes
Summary
There’s nothing more endearing than a plucky underdog, and we think the Fiat Panda 4x4 is the pluckiest of all underdogs. Mud, sand, snow and ice will thwart the bigger cars long before the Panda stops trundling its way through. It may not get anywhere quickly, but it will get there.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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