Lot Ended
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 [email protected]
* All charges are subject to VAT