*The Autobianchi Bianchina*

Story


Designed as a luxury version of the Fiat 500, which used the chassis, the " Bianchina " was presented to the public September 16, 1957 at Museum of Science and Technology in Milan .
was initially proposed in the only body in 3 volumes, called " Trasformabile ", with tail fins, chrome and abundant sunroof canvas. Given the success (in the first months even higher than that of the Spartan 500), the Autobianchi decided broadening of the range and improve their characteristics.

In 1959 the engine power increased to 17 hp, while in 1960 were launched versions Cabriolet and Overview .
the same year the Convertible, which adopted the engine displacement increased to 499 cubic centimeters (18 HP) was also made available in Special version with two-tone paint and engine boosted to 21 hp.




Bianchina (1959)





Bianchina (1962)




In 1962, the Convertible was replaced by Sedan 4 places , ie a sedan version with the roof closed and 4 seats.
The engine and the chassis (short wheelbase) were the same as in the Convertible.
The Saloon could be chosen in the basic version (with engine of 18 HP) or Special.
The latter, better finished and fitted, it was recognizable by the two-tone paint (with the roof in contrasting color), the chrome window moldings of the doors and the engine by 21 hp. The same all versions adopted a flatbed dug at the foot area of the passengers, to improve the habitability.

In 1965, in addition to a slight restyling (frieze front, redesigned instrument panel insert with faux wood and some other details of the interior revised), which interested all versions, variants Sedan 4-seater Cabriolet and adopted the F-type engine, optimized various components.
In 1969 all Bianchina went out of production, replaced by the more modern A112 .

The Bianchina produced


The variants of Bianchina produced were:


  • Trasformabile: was the first version to make its debut in 1957, and the only one to be produced in the early years. Characterized by hinged doors behind, the Convertible was a small 2-seater notchback features a large canvas sunroof, which embraced also the rear window (plexiglas). At the aesthetic level this version was recognizable for the rounded rear pillar and the three chrome strips behind the door. It was produced until 1962.




Bianchina Trasformabile




Bianchina Berlina




  • Berlina 4 posti: was the last version to be introduced into the range in 1962. The logic of the 4 places to be seen in the context of the thought of the motorist Italian sixties, who considered the family cars as "work." In the wake of these considerations, the Autobianchi, inserted in the range of the limousine 4 seats.
    Made as closed version of the Cabriolet (then a short wheelbase), to which was added a metal roof shapes rather boxy.
    This version was the least appreciated by the audience. In fact it was the Bianchina less aesthetically balanced. It was produced until 1969.




  • Panoramica:based on the mechanics of the Fiat 500 Giardiniera, was definitely the version that required the greatest technical effort: wheelbase extended by 10cm, sole engine rotated 90 degrees. Practice (thanks to the tailgate and good luggage compartment), habitable and not without a certain elegance, the overview was produced until 1969, even in the Convertible version (with a large canvas sunroof).



Bianchina Panoramica




Bianchina Cabriolet




  • Cabriolet: was certainly the version more "frivolous" the small Autobianchi and, as such, was enriched by a greater number of chrome and glossy trim. Currently and 'version more' rare (about 3150 units produced) and most sought after by fans. The mechanics was identical to that of the Convertible and Sedan. Since 1960, in addition to the canvas roof could be installed, in winter, a more 'protective hard top. The production process' in 1969.






  • Furgoncino: Overview was made on the basis of Panoramica, available in 2 variants: low roof and high roof. These two versions were substantially different from each other: the first kept the body of the Overview (with appropriate modifications, such as the elimination of the rear side windows and rear seats), the second shared with the original model with only the front part of the body , while the rear part, "panel van", had a specific design (solution that Fiat would repurposed in the seventies with the guilder).




Bianchina Furgoncino