Carry about model panda (7)
I believe the answer is:
bearcat
'panda' is the definition.
(term for the red panda)
'carry about model' is the wordplay.
'carry' becomes 'bear' (bear can mean to transport or carry).
'about' becomes 'ca' (abbreviation for circa).
'model' becomes 't' (Ford Model T car).
'bear'+'ca'+'t'='BEARCAT'
(Other definitions for bearcat that I've seen before include "Animal" , "Cabaret (anag) - red panda" .)