Description
Autobianchi
The Italian brand Autobianchi produced various small models from 1955 to 1986 that were based on the technology of parent company Fiat. The beautifully designed cars were equipped with the latest technical gadgets such as front-wheel drive with a transverse front-mounted engine and disc brakes on all wheels. The large Fiat could thus test new inventions in small series without endangering its own reputation. Well-known Autobianchi models were the Bianchina, the Primula, the Giardiniera and the successful A112. This Autobianchi 500 Pick-Up is a nice variant from 1969.
The history of Autobianchi
In 1885, the mechanic Edoardo Bianchi started a small workshop in Milan where he manufactured bicycles. Around 1900 he also decided to produce passenger cars under the brand name Bianchi. The small company could not compete with the much larger car manufacturers and stopped making cars in 1938. In 1955, Fiat, together with tire manufacturer Pirelli, revived car production at Bianchi. The first model rolled off the production line under the brand name Autobianchi: the Bianchina. This car was based on the technology of the successful Fiat 500, but had a new, very stylish design and served as a luxurious alternative to the average city car. Several versions of the Bianchina became available. The Trasformabile was a chic convertible and the Panoramica was a small station wagon. In 1964 the larger Primula family car was presented, which had modern front-wheel drive. Towards the end of the 60s, Autobianchi entered a period of great change. Fiat became full owner of the brand in 1968 and transferred it to subsidiary Lancia. A year later, the Giardiniera was introduced as a replacement for the Bianchina. In the same year, the Autobianchi A112 was also introduced, a small city car with a revolutionary invention at the time, namely a large tailgate that provided easy access to the luggage compartment as a third door. This car quickly enjoyed great popularity as an alternative to the British Mini and remained in production for an astonishing 17 years. In 1986, the Autobianchi brand name fell internationally when the successor to the A112 was marketed outside Italy as the Lancia Y10. In 1996, the brand name finally disappeared in its home country.
Autobianchi and Abarth
Spurred by the great sales success of the British Mini Cooper, Autobianchi decided in 1971 that there should also be a fast sports version of the A112. In the same year, racing driver and engineer Abarth sold his company of the same name, which specialized in technically modifying cars and making them sportier, to Fiat. Abarth was immediately able to start working at Autobianchi and later that year presented the lightning-fast Autobianchi A112 Abarth, which would also make waves in rallying.
