Autobianchi Bianchina

Transformable - 1960

Autobianchi was an Italian automobile manufacturer,

created jointly by Bianchi, Pirelli and Fiat in 1955.

Autobianchi produced only a handful of models during its lifetime, which were almost  exclusively small cars, with the biggest being the short-lived Autobianchi A111, a small family  car. Autobianchis were priced higher than Fiat models of similar size and the brand was used by Fiat to test new and innovative concepts which later found their way into mainstream Fiat  vehicles; these concepts included fibreglass bodies and front-wheel drive. The most famous Autobianchi models include the A112 released in 1969, a small hatchback very popular in Italy for racing, and which ceased production in 1986; as well as the Y10, which was the first car to use Fiat's new FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine). The Primula was the car with which Fiat introduced the particular front-wheel drive arrangement of engine, transmission and differential (final drive) that has become prevalent in its cars today. This car competed with the Innocenti-built Mini, which was the inspiration for the drivetrain layout. Autobianchi was bought by the Fiat group and integrated into the operations of Lancia. The  marque survived in Italy until the end of the Y10's production in 1995, but became extinct  elsewhere when the model was rebranded as a Lancia in 1989.

History

Bianchi, founded by Edoardo Bianchi in 1885 and now remembered primarily as a bicycle  manufacturer, was also active in passenger car manufacturer from 1899. Bianchis were in  general high-end luxury cars, made with high attention to detail. The company's factory in  Abruzzi was destroyed by bombing during World War II. Edoardo Bianchi himself died in 1946 in a car accident, and the ownership of the firm passed to his son, Giuseppe. Even though a new,  modern facility was constructed in Desio after the war, economic conditions forced Giuseppe not to resume passenger car production, but rather to focus on bicycles, motorcycles and  commercial vehicles. Bianchi bicycles are still manufactured. Bianchi's general manager, Ferruccio Quintavalle, wanted to take advantage of the company's  extensive experience in manufacturing cars and ordered the preparation of studies and  prototypes of possible new models. Soon it became apparent that resuming passenger car  production would not be feasible without a help of stronger partner. Therefore, Bianchi turned to large industrial groups Fiat and Pirelli with a proposal to form a new company to produce  automobiles. Thus, the Autobianchi company was born, with the agreement signed by the three parties on 11 January 1955 and share capital of 3 million lira, 33% of which belonged to the  Bianchi family. A new, modern, purpose-built plant for the production of Autobianchi cars was erected on an area of 140,000 square metres in Desio. Each of the partners had a clearly defined role and interest in the venture. Fiat was to provide the technical base and components for the assembly of the cars. It was seeking to capture the premium niche of the small car market, at that time occupied by coachbuilders such as Moretti and Vignale, who were building their models on Fiat chassis. Pirelli, which was to supply tires for the cars, sought to expand their OEM market share. Bianchi, was assigned the duties of  preparing the bodies and assembling complete vehicles; a step towards their desired return to full passenger car production.

Bianchina

The first car to be produced by the new company was the Bianchina, whose name was a tribute to Edoardo Bianchi's first 1899 car. The Bianchina was based on Fiat 500 mechanicals – with its  two-cylinder, air cooled engine mounted in the rear – but featured a completely new stylish  body designed by Luigi Rapi, who was in charge of Fiat's special body unit and helped to set up production in Desio. With many premium design and equipment features, the Bianchina emerged as an upscale minicar, slotting above the Fiat 500 in the market. Marketed as a "second vehicle in the household", and a luxurious "recreational vehicle", also being targeted at affluent middle- class women, it mirrored the increasing affluence in Italian society. The first Bianchina rolled from the production lines in Desio on September 11, 1957 and had the unusual body style of a two-door landaulet, called "Trasformabile". It remained the sole body  style until 1960, when a two-door "Cabriolet" was introduced, followed by a three-door estate version, the "Panoramica" and a two-door saloon, the "Berlina". Finally, two van versions were  launched: one resembling a two-seater version of the Panoramica, and another, with a raised  and expanded cargo section.

1960

Engine 499 cc 2 cylinders Power 17,5 HP Top speed 95 km/h Lenght/width 3,04 m/1,35 m Weight 560 kg