1987 FIAT Panda 750CL Model 141
Generously lent by Donald Osborne & Frank Garofolo
Inexpensive with Italian style and heritage
Mini European everyday car to jot into town, as Fiat as always done well
Cute, fun, and functional economical transportation
The FIAT Panda is still being offered in the European market today although current models look more akin to miniature sport utility vehicles than the original design. Over 10.5 million Pandas have been built over a 42-year period, begging the question of why it would have value as a collector car. With a cute name and minimalized styling, the Panda is simply adorable; however, finding a “survivor” car from the eighties that is well preserved rather than being abused simply for its utility is a rare occurrence. Also, the Panda was introduced right as FIAT was leaving the US market making it uncommon on the streets and boulevards of the North America.
Loved by millions throughout the world, the FIAT Panda shows that style and practicality can be the same. During its initial design phase, Italdesign referred to the car as il Zero. Fiat later proposed the name Rustica. Ultimately, the Panda was named after Empanda, the Roman goddess and patroness of travelers.
Leading up to its 1980 introduction, one of Italy’s most influential and respected auto designers, Giorgetto Guigiaro was commissioned to draw the lines for the Panda, a design that he still considers to be one of his best. To keep production costs low, the Panda utilized flat panes of glass in all windows, including the windshield. The car components such as brakes and suspension were borrowed heavily from earlier FIAT models such as the 126 and 127 but adopted a shape that was to be known as the 3 box or “Econobox” style that maximized interior space and functionality in a small low-priced vehicle. The car was a hit and while significantly underpowered with its diminutive engine, it was thrifty and a perfect match for the narrow streets found in cities throughout Europe. By the 1980’s FIAT was building cars in multiple locations in Europe; however, the Panda was uniquely Italian built at factories in both Northern Italy and Sicily.
While parts availability in the US can be a challenge, recent changes in import laws have allowed older models of the car to be imported into the United States, such as this fine example. A car that is as Italian as the most exotic Ferrari!
Specifications:
Engine: 769 cc 4-Cylinder
Horsepower: 34hp @ 5250 RPM
Torque: 42 ft./lbs. @ 3000 RPM
0-60 MPH: 21.7 seconds
Top Speed: 78 MPH
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Weight: 1543 lbs