The original Fiat Panda is never far from anyone's mind at PH - we're cool like that - but was brought to the front and centre of everyone's attention recently thanks to M-Sport. You've all seen Pandamonium, right? By fusing together a box-arched Panda body with Fiesta R5 running gear, M-Sport has created one of the most outrageously exciting cars seen in a long time. From a Fiat Panda!
Sadly, however, most of the surviving examples are now like the Pandamonium donor car; if not in need of a Fiesta rally car stuffed under them, then certainly a bit of TLC. Numbers have plummeted in recent years, so any 4x4 survivors really ought to be cherished - cars like this one, in fact.
It's a Panda 4x4 Sisley, making it even rare than a standard car. Well, it's believed to be at least, the seller isn't 100 per cent sure. But it is a 4x4, meaning that famed Steyr Daimler Puch four-wheel drive system, the FIRE 999cc engine, and the sort of go-anywhere ability that forged a legend. It's hard to imagine the 21st century Panda 4x4 follow up had this one not garnered such a following; the four-wheel drive supermini must be a tiny niche.
But such was the impact of the 4x4. So much so, in fact, that the seller of this right-hand drive Sisley says almost 100 people have enquired already. So you might have to move fast with your £3k. And be prepared for a bit of work - the Panda is without an MOT, and might need a new fuel pump fitting. Doesn't look quite how the Panda 4x4 Sisley dream will have been sold in the late 1980s, either - but precious little does more than 30 years later.
Instead we should all clearly be looking at this as a relatively cheap and very interesting winter project. As the advert states, Europe is not short of Panda 4x4 specialists, another indication of just how popular these little cars are on the continent. Certainly sourcing bits shouldn't be too much of an ordeal, or at least not as arduous as it can be for classic cars. Sounds obvious, too, but it's a Fiat Panda - nothing is going to cost a fortune.
And think of the possibilities. The Sisley will be as welcome on a green lane as it will an Italian car meet, as capable in the city as it is off-road. Perhaps a Jimny might get even further still, but plenty have been surprised by just what the 4x4 is able to do. A reputation like the Panda's isn't earned merely on looking cool, after all - although that certainly does its reputation no harm now. Anyone that wants a fun winter project - especially as more time at home seems to be looming again - could surely spend many happy hours bringing the Sisley back to its best. It may not be a rally car by the end of it, but it will be a lovingly restored Panda 4x4. And that's very nearly as good.
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