Whereas the roads in Eire is likely to be tough, the gravel tracks of Italy’s mountainous areas may be rougher nonetheless, a state of affairs which gave delivery to the Fiat Panda 4X4 in 1983.

The boxy sq. form of the unique 1980 hatchback grew to become well-known all through the world and the mannequin, within the authentic styling, continued in manufacturing in Italy up till 2003.

The present Panda was launched in 2014.

Austrian connection

Marrying a beefed up hatchback physique to an Austrian Steyr-Puch light-weight four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, which included every part from the clutch by way of to the rear axle and brakes, produced a light-weight off-roader that was forward of its time.

To mark the fortieth anniversary of the Panda 4X4’s authentic launch, an Italian customized store is to supply a restricted variety of replicas, though it’s not clear simply what number of or at what value.

Nevertheless, reviews within the Italian press counsel that will probably be powered by 1,242cc petrol engine borrowed from the Fiat Punto linked to a selectable 4WD system by a Newtron hybrid transmission, which boosts most energy from 75hp to 90hp.

Fiat Panda cross
The newest iteration of the Fiat Panda 4X4 is the Panda Cross which additionally has hybrid drive

That is an enchancment from the primary Panda 4X4 which provided 43hp from its 900cc engine, though the automobile’s weight of simply 800kg went someway to compensating for this shortfall within the bonnet division.

Panda 4X4 – match for off street

The challenge is being undertaken by a bikes customized store from Ferrara with the quite indelicate identify of ‘Inglorious Basterds Cycle’ (IBC).

Extra used to producing unique one-off customized bikes to clients’ necessities, the staff working the agency declare to be each enthusiastic about equipment, and ‘polyvalent’.

The styling which incorporates bigger wheels and plastic physique panels, is claimed to be impressed by not simply the Panda 4X4, it additionally carries cues from the Fiat Campagnola, an off roader from the Nineteen Fifties which, just like the early Land Rovers, was based mostly on the Willys jeep which it was set to exchange within the Italian military.

Fairly after we will see the completed product within the flesh is unclear, however for followers of traditional vehicles it should a refreshing change from immediately’s infinite variations on the theme of an egg.