Someone Else's Problem: Where we are going, we might not need four wheel drive... '94 Fiat Panda 1000 "Cosi"

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Where we are going, we might not need four wheel drive... '94 Fiat Panda 1000 "Cosi"

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I haven’t bought a car in ages. With the FinalGear Balkan Roadtrip™ coming up soon, I felt like getting a roadtrip car from Slovenia – just like MXM – would be the natural thing to do, and getting a Panda – just like MXM – was the logical choice. Driving down there in one of my own cars would be more expensive than buying one from afar, and just flying in and passengering would be a bit boring after all the shenanigans in recent years.

Like MXM said, I originally planned to get a Yugo. But in fact, when the idea of the trip came about, I suggested we group-buy an old Alfa Romeo. Neither of these happened: I found Yugos to be almost as expensive as 4x4 Pandas, and suitable Alfa Romeos were available only on the wrong side of the country, on the coast.

Unos were a bit boring,, and only one suitable Tipo and Tempra seemed to be available. But amazingly, FWD Pandas offered great value compared to anything else, as they only cost hundreds of Euros instead of over a thousand.

One particular example was in the clear from the start: a 1994 “Cosi” edition (no idea, either) with the 999cc, 45hp FIRE unit. As I watched better-photographed 4x4s vanishing from the listings, this stayed, mainly because there was just one photo and no price assigned. But as it was said to have valid MOT, it was a contender from the start.

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After MXM got his Panda, it was time for me to get mine. Nicjasno went to see it, verified that it’s in actually pretty decent shape, and did a deal for just 300 euros. And immediately after, the little teal box passed MOT with only a couple easily rectified demerits.

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So, the hard facts: 155,000 km or thereabouts, with the belts done 3000 km ago. Despite its colour, it’s not quite mint – there are a bunch of scrapes and dents and a bit of rust, but it’s all still manageable. Some bubbling is apparent in the door seams as always on unrestored cheap Pandas, and some more rust can be find in the underbody trunk floor seam behind the bumper.

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The interior has fared well, with the original seats just worn but not ripped, and most importantly, it has the dashboard clock! There will be some light nicjasno spec maintenance done before the hard core Balkan to Baltic run, and I’m really happy about the state of things currently! The plan is to drive this beautiful bastard home and see if it's good for registering or as a parts donor for MXM's 4x4. Can't wait to fly down to Slovenia and get behind the wheel.
 
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MXM;n3550921 said:
Excellent, Panda-convoy is go! 10hp difference, but no 4wd penalty, this might be interesting :)

You both are just .. just.. uhm.. I don't even know the right words to describe you two :D
 
iu
 
They are both insane, that's what they are. But having driven both pandas, i can understand the appeal. They are actually very light and fun cars. Don't let the low hp rating fool you.
 
MXM;n3550921 said:
Excellent, Panda-convoy is go! 10hp difference, but no 4wd penalty, this might be interesting :)

DRAGRACE! Also, congrats :)
 
We will definitely do a drag race at some point, if there's an abandoned air strip or so :cool:
 
You guys are utterly bonkers. But more importantly brave. I doff my cap to you both.
 
Great! Finally MK1 Pandas get some appreciation :):):)
 
The only thing I wish this had would be the trick canvas roof, but you can't get it all – and perhaps the lack of a peelable roof means less footwell rust. But it would be hilarious for the trip.
 
Loving the sudden appearance of Pandas, it really is a shame that Aston Martin isn't around on here now because he would have a happy trouser accident. :D
 
Best part is the "SLO" sticker on the back. Yes I know it means Slovenia but it is still quite funny :)
 
I'd love to get one and swap in a 2-liter inline-5 or something. :lol:
 
You can put in a 1242cc Punto engine that can be gotten to 100hp with gently breathing on it, 125hp with Hayabusa throttle bodies or something.
 
public;n3550954 said:
You have a set of these wheels, right?

Indeed, 6 or 8 pieces, just no center caps as those seem to be rare.

I don't desperately need them and would swap for center caps for the Zastava in case you come across some on the roadtrip. :)
 
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Do you know the wheels' width, are they 5" or 7"? Available info does say 5", but doubts have been raised.
 
public;n3550962 said:
You can put in a 1242cc Punto engine that can be gotten to 100hp with gently breathing on it, 125hp with Hayabusa throttle bodies or something.

A Lampredi 16v would be awesome
 
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