Another one for the PH manufacturers

[spartan_andy]

Like the title says found another set up of jigs moulds etc for sale on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=29750&item=2485314283&rd=1

[Ex-Biker]

After a little search, it looks like the donor car is a Fiat Panda.

Anyone got any info?

I believe the biggest Panda engine is 1lt or 1.1lt? Can a bigger engine be fitted?

Graham Bell - have you tested one?

[fuoriserie]

yes, the bigger capacity engine would be A FIAT FIRE 1,100 cc.

I know that on the FIRECAT a FIAT UNO TURBO could be fitted.

I have some info on the FIREFLY.

Nice little car, maybe let down by some of the styling details.

With a few updates it could still be really interesting, and compete with the Harlequin Jester for a fun and cheap roadster.

I remember that the winscreen came from a FIAT 126, front headlights were MINI, and the rear lights FORD SIERRA.

I wonder why it never succeded, maybe very little marketing by the manufacturer, maybe engine options.

I believe you don't have that many FIAT PANDA's rusting in the UK!!! but we can supply you with at least 3,9 million examples built over 20 yrs time!!!

A perfect project for the Italian Market..........uhm........

[Ex-Biker]

I seem to remember this car was up for sale about 6 months back.

I wonder how much they really want?

[anonymous-user]

fuoriserie said:

I wonder why it never succeded, maybe very little marketing by the manufacturer, maybe engine options.

Well, I'd never heard of it!

[fuoriserie]

Someone interested in becoming a kitcar manufacturer on the cheap??!!!!

Lets raise a few pounds and bid? the lowest amount possible of course!!!!

[spartan_andy]

Kit car mag did a group track test in july 98 issue perhaps den can let us know in his round about way

[fuoriserie]

You can find pictures of the FIRECAT, basically a FIREFLY with the FIAT UNO engine here:

www.feredaycars.co.uk

[Ex-Biker]

I asked Kitcarman if he had any further info.

This is his email to me.

kitcarman said:

Hi Mark, My recollection was that Peter Coxhead (ex-editor of KC) loved it. Cheap, good looking and fun! Pandas are plentiful and as you say, it could probably be updated for a bigger/more modern set of mechanicals without too much difficulty. I'd go and read the past reports, but in all honesty it's a lot of work to do in order to get a post in through the back door. There have been loads of occasions when I'd liked to have contributed sensible and informed replies on many technical and commercial points.

Could be a tempting little project?

[grahambell]

Ex-Biker said:

After a little search, it looks like the donor car is a Fiat Panda. Anyone got any info? I believe the biggest Panda engine is 1lt or 1.1lt? Can a bigger engine be fitted? Graham Bell - have you tested one?

Hi Mark,

No, never driven one but do know a bit about it and think I've got an old magazine with a test feature somewhere. Originally made in Grimsby and looked a bit like a mini-TVR S. As Italo says, the makers Onyx also did a larger Uno based model called the Firecat.

If you want more detailed info let me know and I'll try and find that magazine.

[spartan_andy]

Are you interested then mark?

[spartan_andy]

Are you interested then mark?

[fuoriserie]

Is anyone interested ? , I guess that if you had the money to invest, it would be a nice little project to re-start manufacturing.

Restyling it would not cost that much, and you could really find a niche in the kit market.

Perfect dimension for a fun city-roadster

It would be in Smart territory, but at the cheaper end of the market.

You could even find 750cc engines for an entry level kit.

It does look like a mini TVR-S !

[Ex-Biker]

spartan_andy said:

Are you interested then mark?

The fact that 2 demo cars are available too, meaning you can demo one while modding/improving the other appeals.

I did say to Den that if I hadn't recently commited to a building project, I would be taking a serious interest. It all comes down to money.

[spartan_andy]

Age old problem root of all evils and all that

[fuoriserie]

How much do you think the project is worth?
2-5000 Pounds? or much more?

[mattstead]

fuoriserie said:

How much do you think the project is worth? 2-5000 Pounds? or much more?

If towards the bottom end of that price I would certainly be interested....I need another project like a hole in the head, but have already redesigned the firefly mechanicals in my mind.

[fuoriserie]

what type of mechanicals would you like? I think you would have to restyle a few things before taking into consideration an engine swap.

Its cheaper to work on some fiberglass shapes, than modify the mechanicals, engine mounts, suspensions and other.

Well if you can get 2 cars, moulds and jigs, for 2000 pounds then this should be a goer !!!

Any takers!!

[meeja]

Ex-Biker said:

It all comes down to money.

... and getting agreement from 'the management'......

Which is sometimes more difficult than finding cash!

[mattstead]

fuoriserie said:

Well if you can get 2 cars, moulds and jigs, for 2000 pounds then this should be a goer !!! Any takers!!

At £2000 I'd certainly be a taker right now.