In 1961 the Furgoncino version joined the
line-up, based on the Panoramica, whilst the Cabriolet second series started
wth the engine from the 500 Sport. The last new version to appear was the
Berlina Quattroposti which was also released in 1961. This small 1967 saw the last changes to the range
when the 'Lusso' model was released, and the Cabriolet was further updated.
The Trasformabile ceased production in 1962, whilst the other versions
continued on until 1969. Approximately 40,000 Trasformabile, 9,000 Cabriolet,
120,000 Berlina Quattroposti and 150,000 Panoramica and Furgoncino were produced.
The
first product of the newly born Autobianchi, the Bianchina was unveiled
to the public in September 1957. It used the complete mechanical setup
of the 500 clothed in a new body designed
by Rapi, working for Fiat. The aim to position the new car above the 500
in the market was executed by having superior interior and exterior trim
and details, such as the new dashboard, two-tone paintwork, whitewall tyres
and large amounts of chrome, and was reflected in the higher price. The
design was also considered by many to be more 'classy', and contemporary
road-tests found the handling to be superior to the donor car. The engine
remained the same 479cc unit two cylinder unit with 21bhp.
In 1959 the Special Trasformabile joined
the standard Trasformabile in production, being distinguished by the use
of the 500 Sport engine (25bhp), whilst in 1959 the second series entered
production with a variety of detail changes.
1960
saw the third series Trasformabile (and Special) enter production. This
again featured numerous small design changes as well as a new 499cc engine,
with an increase in output of 1hp. In that same year the Bianchina Cabriolet
entered production, as did the Panoramica, or estate version. This latter
adopted the engine from the 500 Giardiniera (horizontal two cylinder unit
with 21,5bhp).
three-box
design was also available in a Special version. The second series, again
with numerous small modifications, appeared in 1965. Similar modifications
were made to the cabriolet, whch resulted in he third series of that variant.
Technical Details
| Engine | 479cc with 21bhp @ 6,200rpm (25bhp in Special & Cabriolet)
later 499,5cc with 22bhp. |
| Suspension | front : independent
rear : independent wheelbase : 1840mm (Panoramica & Furgoncino : 1940mm) track (front/rear) : 1121mm/1135mm |
| Transmission | 4 speed manual |
| Empty weight | Trasformabile : 500kg
Berlina 4 posti : 530kg Cabriolet : 515kg Panoramica : 585kg |
Back to the main Autobianchi page
Copyright © 2000 to 2008 CarsfromItaly