1960 Autobianchi Bianchina

The Fiat 500-based Bianchina, named after Edoardo Bianchi's first-ever automobile, was introduced to the world at the Paris Motor Show in the spring of 1957. The Italian-based Autobianchi automobile manufacturer was created jointly by Bianchi, Pirelli, and Fiat in 1955. During its 27-year existence, it produced only a few models which were almost exclusively small cars based on Fiat automobiles. As such, they had similar sizes, higher prices, and were often used to test ideas and technologies that were sometimes incorporated into future Fiat vehicles. Among the innovations were front-wheel drive and fiberglass bodies.

Edoardo Bianchi was originally a bicycle manufacturer and arguably best known as a maker of fine racing motorcycles. He built his first automobile around 1900 and many of the vehicles he built were of higher quality and built with great attention to detail. Mr. Bianchi passed away in July of 1946 and his factory had been destroyed during World War II. Following World War II, Edoardo's son, Giuseppe Bianchi took the reins of the company and resurrected the production of bicycles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. In 1957, Autobianchi was formed as a result of a partnership between Autobianchi, Fiat, and Pirelli. Production commenced at a new purpose-built factory in Desio.

The Autobianchi Bianchina was essentially a coachbuilt custom with luxurious accouterments, unique trim, and rear-hinged doors. A variety of body styles were offered including a Cabriolet (roadster), Trasformabile (sliding canvas roof), Berlina (saloon), Furgoncino (van), and Panoramica (station wagon). Power was initially sourced from the smallest Fiat engine - an air-cooled, 479cc unit that offered approximately 15 bhp. Output rose to 17 horsepower at 4,000 RPM in 1959, and the 499cc unit powering the Trasformabile offered 18 horsepower initially, later enhanced to 21 bhp. The transmission was a four-speed manual unit and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided the stopping power. The front suspension was independent with transverse leaf springs while the rear used a swing-axle setup. The wheelbase measured 72.4 inches and most body styles measured 118.9 inches in length (the Trasformabile measured 117.5 inches and the Panoramica measured 127 inches).

Approximately 35,500 examples of the Autobianchi Bianchina were built between 1957 and 1962, accounting for just 1% of the entire Fiat 500 production run.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2022