Andrea Marazzi, a 30-year-old Italian mechanic, has set a Guinness World Record by building the world's thinnest driveable car, measuring just 19.5 inches wide. The vehicle, a modified 1993 Fiat Panda nicknamed the "Flat Fiat," was officially recognized by Guinness World Records after Marazzi completed the project in Bagnolo Cremasco, Italy.
From Junkyard Joke to Record-Breaking Build
Marazzi, who works at his family's auto dismantling business, said the idea began as a "silly idea" that evolved into a challenge to create "something no one else has." He spent about a year transforming the salvaged vehicle into the unusually narrow car, which remains roadworthy and has enough room for him to sit and drive it.
The electric vehicle features four wheels, one headlight, and a single seat. Despite its compact dimensions, Marazzi has reportedly driven the Flat Fiat around the narrow streets of Italy, showcasing its functionality.
Retaining Original Parts and Performance
Marazzi managed to retain more than 90% of the Panda's original components despite the dramatic reduction in size. The Flat Fiat weighs approximately 582 pounds and can reach a top speed of 9.3 mph.
He chose the Fiat Panda because of the model's global popularity and its history of unusual modifications. "There have been Pandas with bathtubs, Pandas made of wood, but nobody had made one this thin," he said.
Inspiration for People with Learning Difficulties
Marazzi, who has dyslexia, believes his condition has contributed to his creative problem-solving approach. He hopes his record-breaking creation will encourage people with learning difficulties to pursue unusual ideas and turn them into reality.
The project has drawn attention for demonstrating how creativity, engineering, and recycled vehicle parts can be combined to produce a fully functional car from an otherwise discarded vehicle. Marazzi's achievement highlights the potential for innovation in automotive design, even with limited resources.
