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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