Wild Rally Fiat Panda 4X4

A radical new Fiat Panda 4x4 rally car has been unveiled by UK-based M-Sport Special Vehicles. The one-off Panda uses a highly modified 1993 bodyshell with huge Group B-style wheelarches, some 360mm wider than standard – required to clear the new underpinnings, which are derived from M-Sport’s Fiesta R5 Mk1 rally car.

Under the bonnet is a turbocharged Ford EcoBoost 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 300hp and 332lb ft of torque. Drive is to all four wheels via a Sadev five-speed sequential transmission, with bespoke front and rear differentials that can be tweaked to suit tarmac or gravel surfaces.

Inside, the original Panda dashboard design can still be discerned but it’s mostly stripped out and includes an FIA-homologated rollcage, OMP carbon seats, six-point harnesses and a spare wheel where the rear seats used to be. Founded by Malcolm Wilson, the new Special Vehicles division of M-Sport, based in Cumbria, plans to make a series of one-off special projects such as this. There are no current plans for the Panda to compete in any rally events.