The Giant Panda has been identified as a vulnerable species, and there is a global move to ensure its survival. This 1987 Fiat Panda is anything but giant but has survived in remarkable condition. Part of its core strength is that it spent most of its life in a dry climate, while meticulous maintenance has ensured that it is in excellent mechanical health. The time has come for this pint-sized classic to find a new home, so I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Fiat listed here on Craigslist in Stratford, Connecticut. You could become its new owner once you hand the seller $11,000.

Fiat introduced the Panda to its model range in 1980 as its contender in the “city car” market segment. The aim was to produce a car more at home in heavy traffic than belting along the open road. An update occurred with the introduction of the Mark 2 in 1986, with our feature car rolling off the Italian line in 1987. It spent most of its life in a dry region of its place of birth until being shipped to North America in 2018. This is good news for potential buyers, allowing it to avoid the rust problems that often plague these classics. Its “Bianco Corfu” paint holds an excellent shine, with only minor imperfections. The same is true of the panels, and the exterior plastic hasn’t crumbled due to UV exposure. The glass is clear, and the first impression made by this classic is extremely positive.

Powering this Panda is a 769cc four-cylinder engine sending its urge to the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The power and torque figures are, to be polite, pretty modest. I have been racking my brain trying to think of another volume-selling vehicle from this era that produced 34hp and 42 ft/lbs, and I can’t think of one. However, I suspect that one of our knowledgeable readers will be able to steer me in the right direction if I’m wrong. The saving grace is the curb weight of a mere 1,543 lbs, allowing the Panda to be surprisingly agile in heavy traffic. It is worth noting that the sweet little four will run out of breath with the needle nudging 78mph, meaning that this wouldn’t be the ideal weapon for cross-country adventures. The seller indicates that this Fiat has been meticulously maintained, and it appears that the comprehensive Service Records will confirm the odometer reading of 49,000 original miles. While it isn’t specifically stated, the impression given is that this is a turnkey classic with no mechanical needs or shortcomings.

With an overall length of slightly more than eleven feet, it would be fair to describe this Panda as tiny. It will seat four people, but the back seat is almost exclusively a “kids-only” zone. It also represents motoring at its most basic, with features like air conditioning, power windows, and even a radio, conspicuous by their absence. However, I feel that this approach harkens back to simpler times. Adding a stereo would not be difficult if the buyer doesn’t wish to engage in a dose of “carpool karaoke,” and I suspect that some will find that option attractive. The presentation is exceptional for an Italian classic of this vintage. The Black and White upholstered surfaces are in good condition, with no significant wear or other problems. The dash shows no evidence of deterioration, and I can’t spot any broken or crumbling plastic. The interior might not be lavishly appointed, but it scores points for its lack of defects.

This 1987 Fiat Panda won’t appeal to all tastes, but that is true of almost any classic. However, it is a clean and rust-free survivor that seems to harbor no nasty surprises. Its minuscule dimensions and exceptional fuel consumption figures make it an ideal commuter option, especially for those faced with the challenge of tackling heavy city traffic. It has only been on the market for a few days, but how easily do you think it will find a new home?