In 1980, Fiat replaced the smallest 126 model with the full-size Panda minicar. It gained such popularity that the name is still used today, when its third generation is sold. The real legend, however, is the first one designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and produced in Turin as a three-door hatchback and later also in Spain under the Seat brand. At launch it was second in the European Car of the Year poll behind the Ford Escort. Panda was designed to be cheap and most of the simple solutions were actually applied in both design and production. Models 30 and 45 were the first to be introduced, later they were supplemented by the type 34 intended for export to France, Belgium, Germany and Holland.
The simple box-like design was created by Giorgetto Giugiaro at the Italdesign studio. He himself said about Panda that it is as practical and simple as jeans. And that he tried to put something from military helicopters into the car, so it is light, rational and purpose-built. Those edges were radical, at that time aerodynamic principles and curves were already gaining ground in the world, but here the angularity had its justification. Giugiaro also received the 1981 Industrial Design Award for the Panda and considered it his best work, although the Panda was sometimes mocked by the press of the time (the German Bild called it a shoebox).
Photo: Vlastimil Vainar
The angular simplicity of the Panda has its understatement.
Although the car was improved during its long production run, the rugged simplicity and use of thin, lightweight sheet metal remained throughout its production run. Over time, the original sheet mask with ribs on the side disappeared, Fiat replaced it with a plastic one with five oblique stripes. Also, the gray paint of the lower part of the doors and the body gradually disappeared from the Panda. The straight windows also have an unconventional effect, but they were cheaper to manufacture thanks to this. There is a single wiper on the front one.
The interior is also simple
It is the same in the interior. The simple seats have seven adjustment options, and it is also possible to fold them down and turn them into an improvised bed. The rear bench can be adjusted to a V, which can then be used for carrying… Actually, I can’t even think of what it’s good for, but I haven’t tested another car with this system. But there is enough room for adults, even some of today’s cars two classes higher could learn from the Panda. Alternatively, you can easily remove the seats completely and have a picnic along the way.
Photo: Fiat
The interior is usable down to the last centimeter.
Seat padding, door panels and floorboards are also easily removable. For one thing, it’s cheaper to make, and you can also easily wash it in the washing machine if you get it dirty. In addition, the door panels are the same on both sides to again make production cheaper, under them there are simple moldings on the bottom of the door that increase rigidity. Instead of a floorboard, a fabric shelf stretches across the entire width of the car, so you don’t have a problem with storing things. In addition, it is an elegant minimalist solution. But the back seats are more for children, there really isn’t much space on them. You can recognize the simplicity of the construction, for example, by slamming the door and the acoustic reverberations of this activity.
A small platform with simple Fiat technology is more than enough
The Panda is built on the Tipo Zero platform. The mostly tiny engine is located under the lightweight front hood and drives the front small and narrow wheels. It is so small that even a spare can fit in it. Of course, a 4 × 4 off-road version was also produced. Under the hood is a water-cooled in-line four-cylinder from the 850 type. Part of the technology was adopted by the first models from the 127 type. The rigid rear axle with leaf springs was also not a cry for modern technology even at the time of introduction.
Photo: Fiat
Fiat wasn’t afraid of optimistic ads, but the Panda really wasn’t a fast car.
Since the car is simple, it doesn’t even have proper soundproofing. So you can enjoy the sound of the little motor to your heart’s content, but I honestly didn’t mind. I remind you once again that driving comfort was not the main intention of the designers. Gear shifting is a little stiffer than I would expect in such a stunner, but it’s nothing unpleasant. It’s just that at first I look for the qualts a bit and sort them more intuitively, before I get used to their position.
His name is Panda, but he’s more of a playful puppy
What will please car enthusiasts are the immediate reactions to any control element in the car. The Panda does not show any delay at all to instructions from the steering wheel or pedals, which it owes to its simplicity and the absence of assistance systems. So you feel everything completely realistically while driving. It’s actually very addictive. In some of the photos, you can see the Panda together with the second-generation Volkswagen Polo, which we photographed on the same day. And even if I had a choice, I much preferred to sit in a Panda and ride with it every time. A true enthusiast enjoys the directness and immediacy of the car more than the slightly stronger and better equipped Polo, to which we will also devote an article in the future.
The Panda’s life was changed by a facelift in 1986 and another in 1991, but it continued in production until 2003 with many action editions. But since 1996, Fiat slowly withdrew it from some markets due to emissions and safety regulations. Then it only introduced the second generation and won the European Car of the Year 2003 award with it. Since 2011, the third generation has been on sale.
Photo: Vlastimil Vainar
A total of 7.5 million Pandas were sold, of which 4.5 million were the boxy first generation, which became one of the longest-running cars in the segment. It is simple and cheap to operate and maintain. However, the anti-corrosion protection was not among the best. In addition to Italy, production was also carried out in Spain by the Seat brand, later the product there was renamed Seat Marbella, which we also tested earlier.
Although the Panda has not achieved such cult status as the Citroën 2CV, Trabant or Mini, it may be waiting for it. The first generation is already legendary today. I enjoyed driving around Prague with her and laughed from ear to ear. Such a simple and purposeful little car is simply magical and you can’t be in a bad mood behind its wheel. And you won’t get the thumbs up from a seven-figure BMW in every car either.
The Legendary Fiat Panda: Simplicity at Its Best
Well, well, well! If it isn’t the Fiat Panda, the five-door box that set out to prove that practicality is the new sexy! Introduced in 1980, this marvel of automotive design has outlasted many of its flashier rivals. I mean, let’s face it, the Panda gained such popularity that it’s essentially the J.Lo of the car world—always evolving but somehow still maintaining that tried-and-true essence. You know, like jeans—Giugiaro’s design was so practical, after all, that he compared it to your favorite pair!
Meet the Designer and His Vision
The designer behind this automotive legend, Giorgetto Giugiaro, didn’t just slap some wheels on a shoebox and call it a day; he had a vision! Describing the Panda as straightforward and as functional as military equipment, he really leaned into that angular, practical style when everyone else was swooning over curves and aerodynamics. You can almost hear him say, “Why round the edges when you can make them sharp enough to cut the competition?”
Despite the German Bild branding it a “shoebox,” Giugiaro took that as a badge of honor! Who wouldn’t want to look like they’re driving around in a 1970s-inspired storage solution? It’s the car equivalent of saying, “I’m not stuck in traffic, I’m just part of an urban parade!”
The Interior: More Functional Than Fashionable
Now, let’s slide into the interior, shall we? When you step inside the Panda, you’re greeted by a no-frills environment designed for maximum utility. The seats have seven adjustment options—yes, seven!—but before you get too excited, remember this isn’t Narnia; there’s no magic involved. However, with the ability to fold them down into something resembling a bed, I suspect many a questionable decision could lead to spontaneous naps at service stations.
And speaking of questionable decisions, the rear bench can adjust to a V-shape—I’m intrigued! Who doesn’t want a seat that doubles as a bizarre origami project? But the best part? You can whip out the seats to hold an impromptu picnic! Just be careful not to serve up fondue; one aggressive corner might leave you with a cheese disaster!
The Mechanics: A Bit of Tech, a Lot of Fun
Underneath it all, the Fiat Panda rides on the Tipo Zero platform, which sounds suspiciously like a diet plan but is actually a small wonder of engineering! With a compact engine sustained by all the modern tech of its time, calling it a “rapid” ride might be a stretch, considering you could probably outrun it on foot if you tried. But what the Panda lacks in speed, it makes up for in personality.
Plus, it features a delightful lack of soundproofing—meaning you get to be serenaded by the joyful song of its little engine. It’s like a karaoke session with your car! Who doesn’t want that? You know you’ve made it when your vehicle allows for a complete symphony of unwelcome road noise!
A Playful Puppy in a World of Show Dogs
To the die-hard car enthusiasts, the Panda offers immediate responsiveness that many bigger, flashier cars can only dream of. It’s like driving a playful puppy instead of a show dog—immediate reactions with little fluff involved. And sure, some might be seduced by the allure of that snazzy Volkswagen Polo, but let’s be real: who cares about luxury when you can enjoy the simplicity of a purpose-built car that fits in well with the world’s messiness?
Final Thoughts
Despite undergoing a facelift or two over the years, the Panda has managed to remain true to its roots. With a staggering 7.5 million sold (including 4.5 million of the boxy first generation), it stands proudly as a champion of simplicity! It’s the type of car that puts a smile on your face as you navigate the hustle and bustle of life, just like a warm cup of coffee on a Monday morning.
While it hasn’t hit cult status just yet, I’d say it’s inching closer every day. So if you find yourself in one of these beauties, don’t be surprised if you discover that sometimes, a bit of magic lies in simplicity. Because let’s face it, who needs a thumbs-up from a seven-figure BMW when you can bask in the joy of driving a beaut like the Panda?
