Pale_green_4x4_Panda.jpg

Panda (Classic) Pale green Classic Panda 4x4 (1986).

Introduction

Just acquired this lovely 4x4. :)

Traded in by Gavin (Palio) against the project Panda I'm currently building for him. Gavin bought it back in February from Dave (Aquamarine) but has not used it since. Fortunately for me Gavin stored it at a friends house many miles from his own so didn't form an attachment to it.

Dave had done quite a bit of work to it before selling it on to Gavin, and as a result it's in lovely condition ( ignoring paintwork issues here :p ), even has new doors. Dave, perhaps you could fill in more details for us?

This is my only pic so far but will add more asap........




I really like the pale green colour so will be keeping this original but improve the finish in places. This will be an easy task as Dave has done a great job removing what little rust was there. As far as I can tell the doors and back of the inner sills were the only rusty areas on an otherwise solid and straight Panda. This is impressive given it's an early Mk2 (1986).

Mileage is a very low 58,000, this is reflected in the condition of the interior and mechanics. I haven't driven it yet but Gavin and Barbara have and they assure me it is a real pleasure, with a strong engine and a tight and quiet gearbox. :)

With the plans for Barbara's own Panda recently changing I find myself with some nice upgrades looking for a home. The beige Alfa interior would look stunning with the green paintwork so I'm very tempted to fit it. Then there's wheels. I have half a dozen options here, including leaving the current ones on, so think I will just have to try them all and see what looks best. Other than that the rest will stay as it is.

It looks like we'll be bringing it to the Thoresby meet rather than put Barbara's 4x4 back together with it's original parts only to take it all apart again when we get back.
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Hey fantastic!! Couldn't have gone to a better home. Seeing the pic makes me miss it though - dangerous. You're very kind about the paintwork - I was at pains to point out to Gavin its shortcomings. It's my favourite Panda colour and one of my favourite ever Pandas. (y)

Hi Dave, hope you're ok with the new interior? Yes, the colour is spot on, no way could I change that.
It looks like it was a good example before you had it, did it need a lot of work?
 
this is a real nice one. i must admit i like the green. the wheels look like new from what i can see of them! really wish i could get mine sorted out.
i agree that keeping it stock would be nice, given its in such good condition.

sigh.. so many pandas being moved about as of late, just wish i was able to get one :/
 
Hi Dave, hope you're ok with the new interior? Yes, the colour is spot on, no way could I change that.
It looks like it was a good example before you had it, did it need a lot of work?

Hi Vernon

Am sure the new interior will be fantastic (as with all your work). Definitely keep the original interior though as it is I think pretty mint and the muted colours worked well.

I've got a list somewhere of the work I did< i'll dig it out. It had been owned (I'm told) by a farmer's wife for most of its life and had been well protected by mud! Doors were poor, some bits on arches, dents on bonnet and wing (you'll see the poor paint match), needed some welding in rear arches. Mechanically lovely!
 
Hi Vernon

Am sure the new interior will be fantastic (as with all your work). Definitely keep the original interior though as it is I think pretty mint and the muted colours worked well.

I've got a list somewhere of the work I did< i'll dig it out. It had been owned (I'm told) by a farmer's wife for most of its life and had been well protected by mud! Doors were poor, some bits on arches, dents on bonnet and wing (you'll see the poor paint match), needed some welding in rear arches. Mechanically lovely!

Thanks for that Dave, didn't expect you to say it had that much, you wouldn't know.

Perhaps I'd better sell it to Kev before I do anything to it. :(


sigh.. so many pandas being moved about as of late, just wish i was able to get one :/

But John you do have one. It wasn't so long ago that you were posting you didn't. ;)
 
true, true.. dont get me wrong, i am really thankful to own a panda. i love the thing. its just i'd like 2.. just for the fact i can use bits off one to get the other on the road.
well that and when i do get one of the 2 up and running i have the other one to look forward to getting back on the road.
 
Took a few more pics today..........












Also, finally got to drive it for the first time, I can confirm that it drives extremely well :). If you ever wondered what a 4x4 drove like when it was new this one will give you a pretty good idea. There is a hint of pinking under load so maybe the ign. timing needs checking but I'm just being picky now.

I've also decided not to fit the Alfa interior and alloy wheels, it's such a nice early example that it should be preserved as it is. If it stays with me long enough there are some improvements I'd like to carry out but none of them stray from it's originality.

Is that a big sigh of relief I hear? :p
 
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Also, finally got to drive it for the first time, I can confirm that it drives extremely well :). If you ever wondered what a 4x4 drove like when it was new this one will give you a pretty good idea. There is a hint of pinking under load so maybe the ign. timing needs checking but I'm just being picky now.

You mean there is a Panda in the world where the gearchange actually works properly? :eek:
 
You mean there is a Panda in the world where the gearchange actually works properly? :eek:

Yep! I thought my white one was good but have to say this one is better still. :)

Aww stop it!! I said it seemed to drive well, but sadly Panda overload meant it had to go against the project. Don't you dare get it perfect & force me to buy it back at £4k - still love that colour............. :yum:
 
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