Panda, Panda
10/27/2023
As far as we know, the angular Turin vintage car Fiat Panda (first generation: 1980 to 2003) has not made it into its own movie, unlike the Opel Manta with the film "Manta, Manta". However, we were able to see for ourselves that the small car originally designed by Giorgio Giugiaro enjoys cult status and is a popular classic at the classic car fair Auto e Moto d'Epoca, which is now being held in Bologna instead of Padua.
The practical compact car was on display several times. Although we were only able to see one example of the very early version with the asymmetrical radiator grille (pictured above), there were quite a few of the later model variants.
Even knowledgeable Italian sheet metal artists have worked on its predecessor model, as they once did. The Panda was available as a convertible ...
... but also as a convertible saloon.
It was even shown as an example of a successful restoration on the Stellantis Fiat FCA Heritage stand.
And several examples of the all-wheel drive versions, which are likely to bring up the rear of most modern SUVs in snow or rough terrain, were on offer.
And if you are not happy with the 4-stroke engine in the Panda, you can apparently have the "great box", as the car was once called in advertising, electrified. But we think that would be a shame.
We like the presentation as a rally car with Sahara-crossing ambitions even better.
And by the way, the Auto e Moto d'Epoca in Bologna is still open to the public until Sunday, October 29, 2023. We will of course be publishing a comprehensive review, but we can already reveal that it is well worth a visit.
