Our main source for project cars is British Car Auctions. The cars usually have problems (we like problems) and they can be bought via bank transfer and come HPI clear. However, our latest project car came from a different source.
I made mention when we started our Mercedes-Benz SLK project (May 2022 issue), that I was on the lookout for the next ‘modern classic’ project with a 1.4-litre engine. And here it is – a2008 Fiat Panda 100HP (see pages 28-32).
The 100HP has a cult following. I’ve read rave reviews from other journalists that this little Panda is a great drive and values are on the rise. Even cars at auction are described as ‘rare’ which helps raise the bidding fever. I did bid on a 2007 car at BCA in September. However, with a CAP Clean price of £1275, I found myself still bidding at £1900. I let it go. Maybe I shouldn’t...
Time was running out to find a suitable candidate, and with a lack of 100HP cars at BCA, I put a plea out on the Facebook Panda 100HP group to see who was selling. I had six or so offers. Then a private message from Lee who was selling his 100HP in Brighton (about 25 miles away). Lee was honest in his description, sent photos and I arranged to view the following Saturday. A test drive (below 30mph) was performed and all seemed OK. There was a lack of oil in the engine, but it wasn’t rattling to death (and the oil light went out within seconds).
The price of the car was unknown to me, and as Lee had admitted to bashing the rear bumper into a post, he wasn’t looking for much – £600 seemed reasonable. If you look on Auto Trader at these cars, there is
