NO RESERVE: 1987 FIAT PANDA 4X4

This Fiat Panda 4x4 is a charming Italian classic, with genuinely impressive off-road capability, and presented with very low mileage. Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre inline-four FIRE engine, producing up to 50hp, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission and ‘on demand’ four-wheel drive via a manual lever behind the gear shift. The odometer shows just 16,286 miles, which is well documented by the history file.

An original UK-market car, this Panda 4x4 was first registered on 21 December 1987, and is understood to have remained within the same family for the first 20 years of its life, covering around 11,000 miles in that time. It was acquired by the vendor in March 2020. The car was taken to a local building site for the auction photoshoot, but this is believed to be its first foray off-road.

Its bodywork presents in very good order, and this is a rare twin sunroof model. The bespoke front and rear protection bars were fitted by the previous owner, while the custom roof rack and basket were installed by the vendor. The latter features a spare off-road tyre and shovel to complete the rugged aesthetic. While there has been some underside rust in the past per the MOT history, it has evidently been repaired to a good standard, and the recent coating of rust-preventing wax has been topped up.

The Grigio Metallic paintwork of this car was subject to a full respray five months ago, so there are now no blemishes or scratches visible in the finish. The bonnet was also replaced just before the respray with a used but rust-free example. It retains the original number plates from the initial supplying dealer, as well as the rear window sticker. The wheels have been swapped to black painted steel items with Kobra Malatesta off-road tyres, but the original wheels and another set of tyres come with the car.

Inside, this Panda remains remarkably original, with the robust beige cloth upholstery in great shape, showing minimal wear and only slight signs of age. The headlining has been renewed, but otherwise the cabin is as it was delivered - even down to the original Blaupunkt Bristol 24 radio cassette player. The door panels, rear seats and carpets present well, and there are rubber mats protecting the floor throughout. All of the electrics and switchgear are reported to work as they should.

The last maintenance was carried out in October 2020 at 16,277 miles, when F3 Cars in Nottinghamshire performed a major service, replacing the cambelt, pulleys and water pump, engine oil and filter, spark plugs, air filter, and the rear differential seal. It is fine mechanical order, ready to set off on a road trip adventure if the next owner so desires.

As you would expect from such a low-mileage car, it has not received particularly regular servicing, but the recent major service means it is now running well, and the MOT records and other receipts provide solid documentation of the mileage. The last MOT test was carried out on 14 October 2020 at 16,292 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever.

Accompanying the car is the original owner’s book pack, including the operating manual, warranty booklet, and stamped maintenance record, as well as two sets of keys. There are also various servicing and maintenance invoices and receipts, numerous MOT certificates dating back to 1991, and some copies of previous registration documents. Details of all previous owners are on file, and there is even the original bill of sale and pre-delivery inspection report. Under the bonnet is the original spare wheel and Pirelli winter tyre - though obviously not recommended for use due to age, as well as the original jack.

This Fiat Panda 4x4 is a characterful modern classic, presented in excellent condition. While the four-wheel-drive version of the Panda is actually a fairly common sight in its native Italy in particular, an example with such low mileage and in such good order represents a remarkably rare opportunity - especially with the sought after twin sunroof option. If you have always fancied one of these iconic off-road hatchbacks in your collection, then now is your chance.

Summary of maintenance and MOT history:

• 22/11/1988 – 491 Miles – Service book
• 11/02/1991 – 8260 miles – MOT
• 15/11/1991 – 9027 miles – Service receipt
• 15/11/1991 – 9027 miles – MOT
• 05/06/1996 – 9327 miles – Service record
• 05/06/1996 – 9327 miles – MOT
• 05/06/1996 – 9327 miles – Service book
• 30/04/1997 – 9681 miles – Repairs receipt
• 08/05/1997 – 9681 miles – Service record
• 08/05/1997 – 9681 miles – Service book
• 08/05/1997 – 9681 miles – MOT
• 29/04/1998 – 9910 miles – Repairs report
• 29/04/1998 – 9910 miles – MOT
• 11/06/1999 – 10300 miles – MOT
• 24/05/2000 – 10548 miles – MOT
• 14/06/2001 – 10787 miles – MOT
• 20/06/2002 – 11033 miles – MOT
• 30/06/2003 – 11159 miles – MOT
• 01/09/2004 until 01/09/2009 vehicle SORN
• 22/12/2009 – 11226 miles – MOT
• 10/09/2010 – 12279 miles – MOT
• 13/10/2011 – 14964 - MOT
• 06/11/2011 – No mileage stated – Service record
• 21/11/2012 – 16041 miles – Repair receipt
• 21/11/2012 – 16043 miles – MOT
• 01/06/2014 - SORN
• 11/03/2015 – 16050 miles – Repair receipt
• 11/03/2015 – 16050 miles – MOT
• 01/12/2016 – 16060 miles - Repair receipt
• 01/12/2016 – 16060 miles - MOT
• 05/12/2017 – 16065 miles – Online MOT History
• 29/04/2019 – 16083 miles – MOT
• 03/05/2019 – 16083 miles - Repair receipt
• 12/10/2020 – 16277 miles – Service record
• 13/10/2020 – 16286 miles – Repair receipt
• 14/10/2020 – 16292 miles – MOT

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.