Firstly, apologies if this has been dealt with elsewhere on the forum, but my searches haven't found a comprehensive list. Similarly my attempts at googling for the answer have got me nowhere

What I'm looking for is a breakdown of the models against the 3 figure variant number. I think I'm right in saying that my panda 4x4 TA is a 312, going by the vehicle type listed in the V5, but what are the rest (or, indeed, am I wrong and mine is something else entirely)

Any help gratefully received to clear my confusion:bang:

There's a bit of confusion over the latest Pandas model number.
All models from 2012 seem to be known as the 312.

But if you go by Fiat model numbers, they are Type 319 (Type 312 is the 2007+ 500).
So they are often referred to as either or both!

First generation Pandas, from 1980 to 2003 (though they stopped importing them to the UK around 1993/4) are Type 141.

Again, more confusion as in 1986, Type 141 model was according to Fiat, face lifted.
It was actually more than a face lift, there's very little interchangeable parts.
Body panels, suspension, engines etc aren't the same.
Most owners will tell you it's a completely different model (third generation) though it still has the same Type number, 141.

2003 to 2012 is the 169.

These model/type numbers cover all engines, they didn't alter these numbers for different engines, the different engines have their own codes.
Twinair 85hp engine code appears to be 312A2.000 no matter what it's fitted to.

And just to add to the confusion, the current model Panda was known as type 139, at least during its development.

I must admit to using 169 for the "MK2" and 319 for the "MK3" (2012+) as those seem to be the codes most often used on the Forum. Whether or not that is correct I can't say!

JCarp16 said:

I must admit to using 169 for the "MK2"

Click to expand...

You better hope the Panda classic guys don't read this.
They swear the "face lifted" 141 is a MK2!

Face lifted 141
https://www.favcars.com/images-fiat-panda-141-1991-2003-63826

Pre face lift 141
https://www.flickr.com/photos/huggerindustries/7193339708

I think the last link was of a UK import!

Try this one of a pre face lifted 141, just out the factory.
http://www.autobild.de/klassik/marken/fiat/panda/typ-141/

Goudrons said:

I think the last link was of a UK import!

Try this one of a pre face lifted 141, just out the factory.
http://www.autobild.de/klassik/marken/fiat/panda/typ-141/

Click to expand...

I'm aware of that and I did upset someone by saying it was the same basic shape and body shell. I had two 141 'Mk2s'. Also seen a MK1 for comparison and I would say update/facelift rather than new model.

Well thank you all - it appears I am not alone in being confused
The reason I asked is that when looking at parts on ebay, many sellers have a 'model picker' tool, and they invariably tell me that the part I am looking at is not suitable for my model, unless I choose 312> Panda> 4x4> 0.9 litre! (which sounds like my car

You need to be careful, a lot of aftermarket parts catalogues aren't very accurate and they often don't take into account part changes in production runs.

You are best sourcing the Fiat part number from somewhere like https://www.fiatdalys.lt/en/catalog/step1/F
or
https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/
Then trying to cross reference them.

You can get a forum discount at Shop4parts with a special code if you donate a few bob to the running of the forum (which I see you've already done) and they do know their Fiat parts there.

Oh - now I had always thought mine (a 2023 4x4 MJ) was a 'model 319', and Fiat parts for the car (eg roof bars) have shown this as the model number.

But the VIN number (which starts with the agreed 'model number') starts ZFA312...

So yes, I see why there is confusion.

The Fiat 'owners handbook' shows the 'bodywork code' for all post-2012 Panda starts 312 (see page 202), and the petrol engine codes all start 312 too, except the 1.2, which shows as Engine type 169A4000 (the number from the older Panda model!). To further add confusion, the MJ engine code is 199!

Herts Hillhopper said:

Oh - now I had always thought mine (a 2023 4x4 MJ) was a 'model 319', ...

Click to expand...

You sure it's not a Delorean?

Your confused over this??? You ain't seen nothin yet. Just wait until you try and buy paint. Fiat in their wisdom reuse paint code numbers and you can imagine the confusion this creates for my 2017 blue one they cannot or will not supply paint at all. Judging by the appalling match for my Bravo's colour its probably a good thing. That colour supplied by fiat neatly matches one of the same number from the 1960's! They seem to have used every possible nuanced shade of blue in existence over the years. They have however compensated me for their odd inability to supply to their great credit and this more than paid for a supply from Chipex.co.uk that it a perfect match.

I was musing over their 1899 models and was amused to see that even then no two cars seemed to be the same and out of a run of less than 20 that suggested on the hoof development I suppose.

Lets give them the benefit of the doubt and put it all down to continuous improvement rather than gross insanity. It has to be one or the other.