A small sporty Panda
▶ Our main source for project cars is British Car Auctions. The cars usually have problems (we like problems) and they can be bought via bank transfer and come HPI clear. However, our latest project car came from a different source.
I made mention when we started our Mercedes-benz SLK project (May 2022 issue), that I was on the lookout for the next ‘modern classic’ project with a 1.4-litre engine. And here it is – a 2008 Fiat Panda 100HP (see pages 28-32).
The 100HP has a cult following. I’ve read rave reviews from other journalists that this little Panda is a great drive and values are on the rise. Even cars at auction are described as ‘rare’ which helps raise the bidding fever. I did bid on a 2007 car at BCA in September. However, with a CAP Clean price of £1275, I found myself still bidding at £1900. I let it go. Maybe I shouldn’t...
Time was running out to find a suitable candidate, and with a lack of 100HP cars at BCA, I put a plea out on the Facebook Panda 100HP group to see who was selling. I had six or so offers. Then a private message from
Lee who was selling his 100HP in Brighton (about 25 miles away). Lee was honest in his description, sent photos and I arranged to view the following Saturday. A test drive (below 30mph) was performed and all seemed OK.
There was a lack of oil in the engine, but it wasn’t rattling to death (and the oil light went out within seconds).
The price of the car was unknown to me, and as Lee had admitted to bashing the rear bumper into a post, he wasn’t looking for much – £600 seemed reasonable. If you look on Auto Trader at these cars, there is one on offer with a genuine 45,000 miles at £6000 more than we paid for ours!
Once back on the Knowles’ driveway, the lack of oil had my full attention. Had I read the dipstick correctly? Yes, I had, as on my return from the local GSF Car Parts store with 10W-40 oil, I started tipping this into the engine to raise the level on the dipstick. 1.5 litres later and we had a near full engine. Not good as it only takes 2.9 litres with a filter swap. I didn’t perform the oil and filter change just yet as time was against me. Looking to do that job next week just before my long drive to Sheffield – where our little Panda will spend its time with Andrew Everett.
Other observations – the clutch is good, the tyres are fresh and it handles corners at any speed. However, there is a shake in the steering wheel above 10mph – this might be warped front discs, so we’ll renew these to find out. At the rear, the wheel bearings (one or both) are humming away above 30mph (hence why I didn’t hear that on my test drive).
The suspension is firm – as expected on the sportier Panda – though we think the front dampers are the originals.
What’s not to like? The door mirrors (they are tiny) and the atrocious turning circle. Do we have any 100HP drivers amongst the CM readership? Please contact me on the above email.