We’ve all had that something or someone for which or to which we are inexplicably drawn, and when asked “why?” we are stopped in our tracks racking our brain for an answer to that question. At the end of the day, that answer is often simply and beautifully – “because.” Because I am. Because I can be. Because, well I don’t know why, just because!
And that’s my exact answer to why I’m enthralled by the Fiat Panda. “Because.”
Because… of my Italian heritage?
I’d probably be remiss if this teeny car didn’t garage itself in a small corner of my heart. Let’s set the record straight, I’m specifically referring to the First generation (Gen-1) Panda, built from 1980-1986. “The Panda” as we’ve come to know it, whose official moniker is “The Fiat Tipo 141” was designed as an inexpensive, easy to use and maintain, no-frills utility vehicle, positioned in Fiat’s range between the 126 and 127. The first Panda was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign. More on that later.
Any time I travel to Italy I’m always on the look out for Gen-1 Pandas. I’ve yet to be disappointed, always spotting one 30 minutes into arriving and hitting the road, and one could argue that they are probably the second most popular car in Italy, to the Cinquecento (Fiat 500). You could get quite the bruised arm playing “punch panda,” as these cars are everywhere! The Fiat 500 may be the more iconic symbol of Italian automotive history (Ferrari aside), but the Gen-1 Panda is right there with it. This clip from Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip does a great job of summarizing why the Panda became such a staple.
As I mentioned, production of the Gen-1 Panda started in 1980 but didn’t actually end until May of 2003! A 23 year production run which resulted in just shy of 4.5 million cars sold! Well, no wonder they are everywhere dotting the Italian landscape.
Because… it’s a super nimble and fast sports car?
Throwing down some stats: the Panda weighs anywhere from 1500-1700 lbs depending on trim and makes a whopping 55 hp (in max trim) capable of propelling the car to a neck breaking 80-85 mph (depending on grade). With specifications like that, I’m sure I’m getting the “she’s crazy” stare. But stay with me. If you’ve ever traveled through Italy, the majority of roads are of the “country” variety that tend to twist and climb through mountains. I’m sure you’re saying — there are highways too, and I wouldn’t want to take such a vehicle on one of those. Yes, there are… but one of the beauties of Italy is that you never actually ever have to get on large highways (autostradas) if you don’t want to. Besides, max speed on Italian highways varies from 110-130 kph (~70-80 mph) – so you’d be fine #mustdriveflatout.
In all seriousness, the Gen-1 Panda was not meant to be a highway cruiser, it was intended to be a utility vehicle destined for the small country and mountain roads. And in a way, “a better version” of the 500, a car that was designed for “all of Italy.” And that’s where it flourishes. Available in both 4×2 (FWD) and 4×4 (AWD) configurations, the Panda will easily take you where you need to go. The 4×4 system was no slouch, designed and supplied by Steyr-Daimler-Puch — which happens to be the same system used in the well known Mercedes G-class. #minigwagon. Want to learn more about all the Panda variants over the years? – Check out this link.
Despite the Panda being a bit lacking on horsepower, this has not deterred enthusiasts from modding them for motorsports use. Unlike the US where race tracks are grand, spacious and lend themselves to high horsepower fire breathing V8s. The Motorsports world in Europe is primarily comprised of smaller road courses and rally. The dominating forces in those arenas are small, lightweight and largely FWD cars. And like any vehicle, there is always some sort of cult following, here is some solid evidence of people taking Panda’s to the extreme. Can you imagine seeing a Panda at your next AutoCross? … Oh wait…
Because… its got sleek and sexy styling?
I’ll call a box a box. But isn’t a Panda just a Black & White bear?
Full disclaimer… I am biased and partial to square boxy cars! My first car was an Audi Coupe GT, and I still own one! I guess this leads me to being partial to car designs by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who as mentioned earlier designed the Fiat Panda (and the Audi Coupe GT!). To take a short tangent, Giugiaro is credited with designing for nearly every major car manufacturer whether it was production vehicles (Mk I Golf, Scirocco, Delorean, various Alfas, Lancias, and even Mazdas) or concept cars like the 2006 Mustang, and various BMWs. (Learn more about Giugiaro, his company Italdesign and his cars via this website). Back to the Panda… its not curvy like its namesake, but its cute and unconventional nonetheless. I won’t go on-and-on about its styling, like I said — I’ll call a box a box. Sometimes there’s beauty in simplicity.
Because… Just because!
So after all that, why am I fascinated by the Fiat Panda? Because of everything its not, everything it is, and everything it could be. If you’re still unconvinced check out this video of a Panda taking some laps around the track.
Great stuff! Looks like the cult following and mods have made their way into this very cool #restomod: “Vintage Fiat Panda 4×4 Born Again as All-Electric Adventurer” – https://www.thedrive.com/news/31828/vintage-fiat-panda-4×4-born-again-as-all-electric-adventurer
Yep, thats a pretty neat project car! Last year’s Geneva Autoshow teased what a future EV Panda may look like with the Centoventi Concept car.
Check out this article describing the car:
https://www.automobilemag.com/news/fiat-centoventi-concept-photos-info/
This article describes more about the huge customization available with numerous renderings:
https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/6/18253455/fiat-centoventi-customize-concept-modular-geneva-motor-show-2019