While our current obsession with off-roading and four-wheel-drive vehicles is unmatched in history, Europe flirted with a fascination for the technology in the ’80s, on the back of its ascension in rallying. This 1985 Fiat Panda 4×4 Edizione Limitata is one adorable example of that flirtation in action.
One of around 5,000 examples to have left the factory, this example is now being offered for sale with a transferable Vermont registration. A fine example of the breed, this one was recently refurbished in Bologna, Italy.
Featuring a black-and-white color scheme, the look is accomplished with Corfu white paint and black body cladding. A black vinyl wrap on the roof and upper hatch, as well as a red and black stripe, help round out the look.
Read: Fiat Panda 4×4 Piccolo Lusso Is A €30k One-Off Restomod With A Mediterranean Flair
Meanwhile, its 13-inch steel wheels are finished in white and are wrapped in 145-width Pirelli MS Winter 160 tires to help it scramble up hills. To make it look a little more off-road ready, it also gets Carello headlights, auxiliary lights, mud flaps, a front push bar, and a roof rack.
During its refurbishment, the Fiat’s tires, dampers, and brakes were reportedly replaced and the steering rack rebuilt. The engine, too, was refurbished to ensure that it gets all 48 horsepower (36 kW/49 PS) the factory promised. Its carburetor, radiator, brackets, and exhaust system, and five-speed manual transmission were also all rebuilt or replaced as necessary.
Thanks to all of that work, this Panda looks almost too clean to put its Steyr-Puch all-wheel-drivetrain to the test. An odometer with just 36,039 miles (58,000 km) suggests that this might be one of the best-kept examples of this rare breed.
And with red, square-trimmed seats with dotted cloth upholstery, a two-spoke steering wheel, and color-coordinated floor mats all in pristine condition, this car is so perfectly dated that it would fit right in at a museum.
But can you imagine it crawling slowly across a trail at Moab? Wouldn’t it be so much cooler there than in a garage? You could decide for yourself, as this 1985 Fiat Panda 4×4 Edizione Limitata is for sale on Bring a Trailer as part of an auction that ends on September 14.
