Fiat Panda at 40 - 8 of the most weird and wonderful special editions
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Fiat Panda. Initially designed by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign the boxy little runaround has gone through three generations over the years but remains instantly recongisable. As well as being famous for its peculiar name (chosen to honour Empanda, the Roman goddess of travellers) and square design, the Panda is well-known for its variety of special editions. Here we take a look at some of the lesser-known but fabulously silly examples.
1. Fiat Panda Terramare
Yes, this really is an amphibious Fiat. A one-off rather than a special edition, it featured a floatation belt and waterjet propulsion on the rear axle plus a four-wheel-drive system. In 2006, it successfully crossed the English Channel in six hours Photo: Fiat
2. Fiat Panda Italia 90
Created to celebrate Italy’s hosting of the 1990 FIFA World Cup with special features including all-white paintwork, body-coloured grille and bumpers, wheel trims designed to look like footballs and blue upholstery in a nod to the home team’s kit Photo: Fiat
3. Fiat PandDakar
As the pun-tastic name suggests this was a Panda that took on the Dakar rally. Not only that, but it completed the gruelling 9,000-km race through Latin America in 2017. Based on a Panda 4x4 Cross it underwent "only a few changes" to be race ready Photo: Fiat
4. Fiat Panda Elletra
Long before the current mild hybrid, Fiat came up with an electric version of the Panda. The standard engine was replaced with a 9.2kW motor and 12 6V batteries. Range was around 60 miles and the top speed of a heady 43mph. Photo: Fiat