FREDDY HARRIS AND HIS TWO MK. I FIAT PANDAS
27th March, 2020
Fiat GB marketed the original Panda as “The car that ‘knocks spots off its rivals”, and today they are as rare as a watchable episode of East Enders.
Freddy Harris owns two examples – a 1980 bottom of the range 30 with its “North-South” two-cylinder 602cc engine and a 1982-model 45 powered by transverse 903cc unit.
The former was never officially marketed in the UK and Freddy privately imported his car ‘almost two years ago now. It’s a joint project car with my father.
When it arrived, we noticed the gearbox mountings had cracked, and the best way to repair that is to remove the engine and transmission. At least the early Panda is a very simple car!’
The 30 is still ‘an ongoing project’ and the tasks that still await Freddy includes replacement bushes and other routine but essential jobs.
‘The lights have been changed to RHD format’, and of course the interior is free of almost any distracting luxuries – there no head restraints and the side windows are fixed.
Nor could the owner of a bottom of the range Panda expect a rear wiper or electric windscreen washers.
As for LAE 678 X, it joined the Harris fleet ‘in 2012.
It was an MOT failure, and I had to replace a sill, replacement some sections of the front panel, refurbishment of the front suspension and generally rustproofed it all-round.
Corrosion is always going to be your enemy and obtaining the right parts can be tricky’.
Freddy is a mechanic who specialises in restoration work - including the 45.
‘I have untaken some structural work and paint touch-ups, but it has not been completely stripped and fully restored - so it’s far from perfect’.
But most importantly, both of the Harris Fiats are prime examples of the first-generation Panda ‘the way Giugiaro intended’.
WITH THANKS TO – FREDDY HARRIS
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