When you think of a skinny panda, you probably also think, “That don’t look right.” Instinct says to feed it. This thought process applies to all pandas, even those of the automotive variety. Case in point: a “flat” Fiat Panda making the viral video rounds. The vehicle is confounding and, well, it just don’t look right.
But we look at it, anyway! The creation of Italian mechanic Andrea Marazzi, a 1993 Panda has been reimagined into a 19.6-inch-wide version of itself. Although absolutely impractical, the “Panda stretta” (tight Panda) can be driven and is likely the world’s slimmest operational vehicle. Yanko Design, an online publication with a focus on international product design, offers further insight:
“Marazzi, who works at his family’s scrapyard and mechanical workshop in Bagnolo Cremasco, spent over a year building the vehicle as a tribute to the original Fiat Panda. Nearly every original part of the 1993 car has been reused in the process—doors, lights, roof, and wheels—but the body has been split vertically and rebuilt to shrink the vehicle’s width down to a comically slim profile.”
Marazzi took an already subcompact unit and still managed to find bloat to cut. That is ruthless CEO-level chopping right there. Not only did he modify the physical proportions of the Fiat, but he also revamped its powertrain and drive configuration.
View this post on Instagram
In a video posted to his Instagram account, Marazzi explains that the slimmed-down Fiat is rear-wheel drive, but power is sent just to one wheel. The other wheel handles the braking. Also, the engine is not an engine at all, but a fully electric motor. Typically, Fiat Pandas are front-wheel drive and powered by a gas engine. According to Yanko Design:
“Powering this narrow Panda is a small electric motor borrowed from an e-scooter, paired with a 24V battery that gives the car a modest top speed of about 15 kilometers per hour and a driving range of approximately 25 kilometers.”
That being said, although completely functional, Mazarri’s single-seat Panda is not meant for any legitimate daily use. The design pub explains further:
“It’s not built for real-world commuting, nor is it legally road-registered. But it functions exactly as a basic car should: offering forward and reverse drive, braking, turning, and a working headlight and turn signals. While Marazzi originally created it as a showpiece, the vehicle is fully operational and was recently driven in public at an enthusiast gathering in Pandino, Italy.”
View this post on Instagram
Established in 2017, Panda a Pandino is dedicated to all things Fiat Panda, and what better place for Marazzi to debut his inspired celebration? Coincidentally, according to the organizers, this year’s event drew a record crowd of 1,063 vehicles. That is a lot of Pandas. And rolling up via flatbed, the skinny Fiat didn’t go unnoticed. You can check out the vehicle walkaround below:
Regarding the popularity of Marazzi’s Panda, Yanko Design says:
“Surrounded by thousands of conventionally sized Pandas, Marazzi’s single-seater stood out immediately. Videos and images from the event quickly went viral online, leaving viewers fascinated by its proportions and mobility.
Many were amused by how the Panda looks almost flattened, as if it had been squeezed into a 2D shape while retaining its ability to move. Others praised the engineering behind it, describing it as a brilliant blend of creativity, nostalgia, and humor.”
Now, I don’t speak Italian. However, when international design e-zine Design Boom shared a video on its social channels, the English-speaking commenters and meme-ers likely offered up the same reactions as Italians:
“That’s a slice of a car.” – @zachthistle
“It hurts my eyes.” – @rmstitanic.design
“Both arms tan equally.” – @ingevanderham
“When you want to buy a car but only have money for half of it.” – @murilofrigeri
“I wanna tip it over so bad.” – @biglandooo
“This [is] the car you draw when you’re in 3rd grade.” – @rocco.elliot_music
“This kind of car, you don’t need car insurance, you need life insurance.” – @the5thsun
Hopefully, also taking notice? Guinness World Records. Yanko Design reports that Marazzi submitted a claim for the title of slimmest functioning vehicle ever made. I couldn’t find such a record via GWR’s online search tool. Though I did find Smallest Roadworthy Car and Narrowest J-Turn, of all things. Maybe Marazzi can also try for Smallest Roadworthy Car to Perform a J-Turn?
But, hey, no matter how you look at it, what Marazzi has built is a heck of an engineering challenge. And would make great home decor as wall art, while the lowest drivable car, coincidentally also a Panda, can double as an area rug.
Top graphic images: Moto Tv Woods Farm/I RECUPERI DEL SABATO/Jennifer Makau via YouTube screen capture
Ian Malcolm’s car. Maybe.
The Turanga Leela car
Mike Wazowski!
It matches his haircut, a little bit narrower than needed for coverage.
The coldest of Cold War era faces.
I’m impressed by the plastic work on those bumpers, you can’t even see the seam!
“ slimmest functioning vehicle ever made”
This would have to be a unicycle, no? Or a tiny motorcycle?
He’d have to go for “slimmest functioning four wheel car” or something.
I want to see a video of it turning.
I was thinking about that too. I think maybe the two wheels are on a “bogie,” ala an airplane’s front landing gear.
That’s the skinny on the Skinny.