Exciting Adventures in Little Italy with a Powerful Mk1 Fiat Panda

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How many of you have truly pushed a car to its limits?

Be honest; I mean really testing it until you experience the vehicle moving in ways you’re not controlling through the steering or pedals.

It can be quite daunting, especially if you’re not confident in your skills or the car itself. Personally, I’ve had a few ‘moments’ while driving at full throttle, and I can tell you that it’s a lot less stressful in a car with 200 horsepower than in one with 500.

Nowadays, the car community seems obsessed with bragging rights and horsepower numbers. Instead of focusing on building vehicles they can genuinely handle, many owners are focused on claiming to have “The only ‘X’ with over ‘Y’ horsepower in existence” or “The only Stage 75.8 ‘Z’ in the game…”

It’s become quite tiresome and, honestly, a bit dull to see on social media.

As performance cars become more widely available, it’s concerning to see inexperienced drivers getting behind the wheels of high-powered, compact vehicles with short wheelbases and 2.0L turbocharged engines.

With 0-60 mph times comparable to those of Group B rally cars and lightning-quick automatic transmissions, it’s alarmingly easy for a novice driver to cause havoc on public streets.

But I digress. That’s just my perspective, and it leads us back to the main idea. Despite the trends in the automotive sphere, there are still enthusiasts preserving the essence of classic tuning in 2024.

Take Joe Ward and his charming Fiat Panda, for instance—one of my favorite vehicles featured this year.

Introduced in 1980, the Panda was a simple, boxy car, designed based on Giorgetto Giugiaro’s idea of the ultimate people’s car. While it may not seem like the obvious choice for a performance vehicle, that’s precisely what gives this little car its unique appeal.

“I bought this Panda because it was my first car, which turned out to be a rusty piece…” recalls Joe. “I wanted to do [these modifications] to it until my dad made me see sense.”

Due to the state of most classic Italian cars in our typically rainy climate (often just a rusted heap), Joe ensured he started with something structurally sound. “This one appeared on the market with only 2,500 miles from new; it was the ideal starting point,” he explains.

Gone is the original 1.0L engine, now replaced by a robust 1.2L, 16-valve engine from a 2002 Fiat Punto. This modification has increased the Panda’s power from a meager 47hp (in 1980) to an impressive 79hp—before Joe even began making further enhancements…

Instead of relying on quick plug-in adjustments, Joe has perfected this engine the traditional way. He installed a ported and polished cylinder head for better airflow to the slightly over-bored cylinders fitted with Mahle pistons, while Piper performance camshafts manage the valve timing.

The intake boasts individual throttle bodies paired with 3D-printed upswept trumpets, drawn in by a ram-air intake located on the bonnet. A shaved head and block enhance compression, and the entire configuration is governed by a standalone MicroSquirt ECU.

A Supersprint manifold and a custom exhaust produce a thrilling sound, while a 5-speed gearbox from a later model Panda optimizes the powerband. And regarding the power output? Don’t be deceived by the branding—this spirited little car generates 115 horsepower.

On the exterior, Joe’s Panda, while still retaining its roots, is undeniably striking. It features a functional chassis-mounted splitter and air dam designed by Joe, along with side skirts and a wing on the tailgate. Don’t underestimate the efficacy of homemade aerodynamic parts; they can yield impressive results.

Under the rolled and flared wheel arches, you’ve got 14-inch Oscam split rims outfitted with Nankang NS2-R tyres for street driving, as well as a different set of ATIWE Borbets for track days. Unique touches also include 3D-printed blanks that replace the original door mirrors, which have been replaced with a single ‘overtaking’ mirror for better visibility.

For symmetry in design, a left-hand drive taillight has replaced the reverse light. Additionally, to decrease weight, Joe customized polycarbonate windows, one of which includes a slider on the driver’s door.

A ‘big’ brake kit features later model 240mm discs paired with Wilwood calipers and a brake bias valve. With the help of custom LEDA coilovers using Mk1 Ford Fiesta top mounts, Joe has accomplished a notable 180mm drop.

Inside, despite being stripped down, the Panda remains unexpectedly inviting. After all, it was designed with minimalism in mind, which makes it feel right at home in its current state.

A full FIA-spec roll cage provides safety for the occupants, custom-made by ARC Autosport, who also created the mounts for the Recaro Pole Position driver’s seat and the Cobra classic passenger bucket seat. Both sides are secured with TAKATA Racing harnesses.

As with the exterior, the meticulous details make the Panda’s interior pop. The cabin stands out with a complete respray in pastel grey, thanks to the talented Jack Smith, also known as Forged From Flake. I have no hesitation in applauding Jack’s extraordinary work.

Among my favorite features are the rare Abarth steering wheel, competing with the unique leather bar tape on the door bars for attention, and the 3D-printed gauge binnacle that’s designed to attach to the roll bar—considering space is limited in this small car.

A conversion for the pedal box and a short shifter complete the interior, topped off with a custom-turned wooden shift knob.

But what motivates someone to put in such effort on an Italian econobox like this? Joe aptly states, “I built it the way I did because I’ve had track cars before and love the experience of driving just as much as the building process. I didn’t want to create a show car that I would feel too protective over.”

“I also thought it would be hilarious to chase down other cars in a tiny white box at a track day. Just imagine seeing a Panda in your mirrors; it would definitely make you smile!” There’s a certain charm in Joe’s Fiat, reminiscent of a simpler time that’s increasingly absent from many modified cars today.