3. Fiat Panda 100HP
Image a Fiat Panda driver and also you’ll in all probability consider a jolly pensioner on their solution to choose up the week’s milk and bread. However your nan’s buying cart this isn’t.
In true scorching hatch custom, Fiat transplanted the 1.4-litre overhead-cam engine from the then-new Grande Punto into its tiddly metropolis automotive and eked an additional 5bhp out of it, for a complete output of 99bhp.
That provides it a shocking flip of tempo in real-world circumstances as a result of the automotive weighs a scant 975kg and it has a six-speed gearbox to maintain the revs up.
Its cheeky character is backed by the reworked styling, with an expansive Audi-style entrance grille, flared arches at every nook, and a dinky spoiler on the again.
These had been remarkably good worth for cash on the second-hand marketplace for years however have lately achieved cult standing so values are climbing. Anticipate to pay wherever between £1000 and £6000, with restoration candidates on the decrease finish and low-mileage collectors’ vehicles on the upper.
Insurance coverage is rated at group 11, making it one of the reasonably priced sporty vehicles to run as a first-timer.
However heed this warning: you want to purchase one very rigorously, because the variety of bespoke elements on the 100HP could make it a nightmare when issues go incorrect. The rear beam axle, for instance, is liable to rust and snap across the springs. It wasn’t used on some other automotive, and Fiat didn’t construct very many 100HPs, so discovering a substitute is difficult.
Likewise, you’ll need to be protecting of the bodywork. The bumpers are constituted of recycled plastic so could be difficult to restore – some physique outlets will outright refuse to try a repair – and replacements price round £400 every on the second-hand market.
However get a great ’un and also you’ll personal one of the charismatic small vehicles of the previous 20 years, which you’ll absolutely exploit with out risking your licence or security.
