Autobianchi - Revision history

Red marquis at 22:21, 18 February 2007

2007-02-18T22:21:34Z

Red marquis at 22:19, 18 February 2007

2007-02-18T22:19:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:19, 18 February 2007
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	{{List of Autobianchi Models}}'''Autobianchi''' (pronounced {{IPA\|[α.utobi'ɔnki]}}—IPA pronunciation) 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]].		{{List of Autobianchi Models}}'''Autobianchi''' (pronounced {{IPA\|[α.utobi'ɔnki]}}—IPA pronunciation) 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 [[Autobianchi A112\|A112]] released in 1969, a small [[hatchback]] very popular in [[Italy]] for racing, and which ceased production in 1986; as well as the [[Autobianchi Y10\|Y10]], which was the first car to use [[Fiat]]'s new FIRE ([[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine]]). The [[Autobianchi Primula\|Primula]] was the car with which Fiat introduced the particular front-wheel drive arrangement of [[Internal combustion engine\|engine]], [[Transmission (mechanics)\|transmission]] and [[Differential (mechanics)\|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.		The most famous Autobianchi models include the [[Autobianchi A112\|A112]] released in 1969, a small [[hatchback]] very popular in Italy for racing, and which ceased production in 1986; as well as the [[Autobianchi Y10\|Y10]], which was the first car to use [[Fiat]]'s new FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine). The [[Autobianchi Primula\|Primula]] was the car with which Fiat introduced the particular front-wheel drive arrangement of [[Internal combustion engine\|engine]], [[Transmission (mechanics)\|transmission]] and [[Differential (mechanics)\|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.		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.

Red marquis at 23:29, 22 January 2007

2007-01-22T23:29:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:29, 22 January 2007
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	[[Category:Makes]]		[[Category:Makes]]
	~~[[Category:Companies established in 1955]]~~
	[[Category:Classic vehicles]]		[[Category:Classic vehicles]]
	[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of Italy]]		[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of Italy]]
	[[Category:Autobianchi\|*]]		[[Category:Autobianchi\|*]]

Red marquis at 01:47, 16 January 2007

2007-01-16T01:47:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:47, 16 January 2007
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	{{List of Autobianchi Models}}		{{List of Autobianchi Models}}'''Autobianchi''' (pronounced {{IPA\|[α.utobi'ɔnki]}}—IPA pronunciation) 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]].
	~~[[image:Logoautobianchi1.gif\|thumb\|220px\|Autobianchi badge on a car's front fascia]]~~
	'''Autobianchi''' (pronounced {{IPA\|[α.utobi'ɔnki]}}—IPA pronunciation) 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 [[Autobianchi A112\|A112]] released in 1969, a small [[hatchback]] very popular in [[Italy]] for racing, and which ceased production in 1986; as well as the [[Autobianchi Y10\|Y10]], which was the first car to use [[Fiat]]'s new FIRE ([[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine]]). The [[Autobianchi Primula\|Primula]] was the car with which Fiat introduced the particular front-wheel drive arrangement of [[Internal combustion engine\|engine]], [[Transmission (mechanics)\|transmission]] and [[Differential (mechanics)\|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.		The most famous Autobianchi models include the [[Autobianchi A112\|A112]] released in 1969, a small [[hatchback]] very popular in [[Italy]] for racing, and which ceased production in 1986; as well as the [[Autobianchi Y10\|Y10]], which was the first car to use [[Fiat]]'s new FIRE ([[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine]]). The [[Autobianchi Primula\|Primula]] was the car with which Fiat introduced the particular front-wheel drive arrangement of [[Internal combustion engine\|engine]], [[Transmission (mechanics)\|transmission]] and [[Differential (mechanics)\|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.

Red marquis at 00:35, 16 January 2007

2007-01-16T00:35:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:35, 16 January 2007
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			{{List of Autobianchi Models}}
	[[image:Logoautobianchi1.gif\|thumb\|220px\|Autobianchi badge on a car's front fascia]]		[[image:Logoautobianchi1.gif\|thumb\|220px\|Autobianchi badge on a car's front fascia]]
	'''Autobianchi''' (pronounced {{IPA\|[α.utobi'ɔnki]}}—IPA pronunciation) 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]].		'''Autobianchi''' (pronounced {{IPA\|[α.utobi'ɔnki]}}—IPA pronunciation) 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]].

Red marquis: /* Origins */

2007-01-15T23:57:03Z

Origins

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:57, 15 January 2007
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	=== Origins ===		=== Origins ===
	[[~~Bianchi (bicycle manufacturer)\|~~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 ~~[[bicycle]]s~~, ~~[[motorcycle]]s~~ and [[commercial vehicle]]s.<ref name="carsfrom Bianchi">{{cite web\|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050209015255/www.carsfromitaly.com/others/index.html \|title=Bianchi \|work=The Etceterini pages @ CarsFromItaly.com \|accessdate=2006-08-08}} ''(accessed via the [[Wayback Machine]])''</ref><ref name="Bianchina Club Storia">{{cite web\|url=http://www.bianchinaclub.com/ita/servizi/edoardo_bianchi.htm \|title=Storia dell'Autobianchi \|work=Bianchina Club \|accessdate=2006-08-08}} {{It icon}}</ref><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire">{{cite web\|url=http://www.clubautobianchi.com/marque-histo.html \|title=L'histoire de la marque \|work=Club Autobianchi \|accessdate=2006-08-08}} {{Fr icon}}</ref>		[[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 vehicle]]s.<ref name="carsfrom Bianchi">{{cite web\|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050209015255/www.carsfromitaly.com/others/index.html \|title=Bianchi \|work=The Etceterini pages @ CarsFromItaly.com \|accessdate=2006-08-08}} ''(accessed via the [[Wayback Machine]])''</ref><ref name="Bianchina Club Storia">{{cite web\|url=http://www.bianchinaclub.com/ita/servizi/edoardo_bianchi.htm \|title=Storia dell'Autobianchi \|work=Bianchina Club \|accessdate=2006-08-08}} {{It icon}}</ref><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire">{{cite web\|url=http://www.clubautobianchi.com/marque-histo.html \|title=L'histoire de la marque \|work=Club Autobianchi \|accessdate=2006-08-08}} {{Fr icon}}</ref>

	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.<ref name="Bianchina Club Storia"/><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire"/>		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.<ref name="Bianchina Club Storia"/><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire"/>

	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 [[coachbuilder]]s 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 [[Original Equipment Manufacturer\|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.<ref name="Bianchina Club Storia"/><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire"/>		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 [[coachbuilder]]s 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 [[Original Equipment Manufacturer\|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.<ref name="Bianchina Club Storia"/><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire"/>

Red marquis at 23:55, 15 January 2007

2007-01-15T23:55:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:55, 15 January 2007
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	[[image:Logoautobianchi1.gif\|thumb\|220px\|Autobianchi badge on a car's front fascia]]		[[image:Logoautobianchi1.gif\|thumb\|220px\|Autobianchi badge on a car's front fascia]]
	'''Autobianchi''' (pronounced {{IPA\|[α.utobi'ɔnki]}}—~~[[International Phonetic Alphabet\|~~IPA pronunciation]]) was an ~~[[Italy\|~~Italian]] [[automobile]] manufacturer, created jointly by [[Bianchi ~~(bicycle manufacturer)\|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]].		'''Autobianchi''' (pronounced {{IPA\|[α.utobi'ɔnki]}}—IPA pronunciation) 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 [[Autobianchi A112\|A112]] released in 1969, a small [[hatchback]] very popular in [[Italy]] for racing, and which ceased production in 1986; as well as the [[Autobianchi Y10\|Y10]], which was the first car to use [[Fiat]]'s new FIRE ([[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine]]). The [[Autobianchi Primula\|Primula]] was the car with which Fiat introduced the particular front-wheel drive arrangement of [[Internal combustion engine\|engine]], [[Transmission (mechanics)\|transmission]] and [[Differential (mechanics)\|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.		The most famous Autobianchi models include the [[Autobianchi A112\|A112]] released in 1969, a small [[hatchback]] very popular in [[Italy]] for racing, and which ceased production in 1986; as well as the [[Autobianchi Y10\|Y10]], which was the first car to use [[Fiat]]'s new FIRE ([[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine]]). The [[Autobianchi Primula\|Primula]] was the car with which Fiat introduced the particular front-wheel drive arrangement of [[Internal combustion engine\|engine]], [[Transmission (mechanics)\|transmission]] and [[Differential (mechanics)\|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.

Red marquis: /* References */

2007-01-15T23:55:14Z

References

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	== References ==		== References ==
	~~<div class="references-small">~~
	~~<references/>~~
	~~</div>~~

	{{Autobianchi}}		{{Autobianchi}}

202.65.191.138 at 05:53, 3 January 2007

2007-01-03T05:53:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:53, 3 January 2007
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	{{Autobianchi}}		{{Autobianchi}}

			[[Category:Makes]]
	[[Category:Companies established in 1955]]		[[Category:Companies established in 1955]]
	[[Category:Classic vehicles]]		[[Category:Classic vehicles]]
	[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of Italy]]		[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of Italy]]
	[[Category:Autobianchi\|*]]		[[Category:Autobianchi\|*]]

Red marquis at 06:59, 14 December 2006

2006-12-14T06:59:21Z

New page

[[image:Logoautobianchi1.gif|thumb|220px|Autobianchi badge on a car's front fascia]]
'''Autobianchi''' (pronounced {{IPA|[α.utobi'ɔnki]}}—[[International Phonetic Alphabet|IPA pronunciation]]) was an [[Italy|Italian]] [[automobile]] manufacturer, created jointly by [[Bianchi (bicycle manufacturer)|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 [[Autobianchi A112|A112]] released in 1969, a small [[hatchback]] very popular in [[Italy]] for racing, and which ceased production in 1986; as well as the [[Autobianchi Y10|Y10]], which was the first car to use [[Fiat]]'s new FIRE ([[Fully Integrated Robotised Engine]]). The [[Autobianchi Primula|Primula]] was the car with which Fiat introduced the particular front-wheel drive arrangement of [[Internal combustion engine|engine]], [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]] and [[Differential (mechanics)|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.

=== Origins ===
[[Bianchi (bicycle manufacturer)|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 [[bicycle]]s, [[motorcycle]]s and [[commercial vehicle]]s.<ref name="carsfrom Bianchi">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050209015255/www.carsfromitaly.com/others/index.html |title=Bianchi |work=The Etceterini pages @ CarsFromItaly.com |accessdate=2006-08-08}} ''(accessed via the [[Wayback Machine]])''</ref><ref name="Bianchina Club Storia">{{cite web|url=http://www.bianchinaclub.com/ita/servizi/edoardo_bianchi.htm |title=Storia dell'Autobianchi |work=Bianchina Club |accessdate=2006-08-08}} {{It icon}}</ref><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire">{{cite web|url=http://www.clubautobianchi.com/marque-histo.html |title=L'histoire de la marque |work=Club Autobianchi |accessdate=2006-08-08}} {{Fr icon}}</ref>

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.<ref name="Bianchina Club Storia"/><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire"/>

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 [[coachbuilder]]s 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 [[Original Equipment Manufacturer|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.<ref name="Bianchina Club Storia"/><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire"/>

=== Bianchina ===
{{main|Bianchina}}[[Image:Bianchina1.jpg|200px|thumb|Bianchina Trasformabile Special]]
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 [[city car|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.<ref name="Bianchina Club Storia"/><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire"/><ref name="carsfrom Bianchina">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050209015255/www.carsfromitaly.com/others/index.html |title=Autobianchi Bianchina |work=The Etceterini pages @ CarsFromItaly.com |accessdate=2006-08-07}} ''(accessed via the [[Wayback Machine]])''</ref><ref name="Bianchina Club Storia Bianchina">{{cite web|url=http://www.bianchinaclub.com/ita/servizi/storia_bianchina.htm |title=Storia della Bianchina |work=Bianchina Club |accessdate=2006-08-08}} {{It icon}}</ref>

The first Bianchina rolled from the production lines in Desio on [[11 September]] [[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 car|estate]] version, the ''"Panoramica"'' and a two-door [[saloon car|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.<ref name="Bianchina Club Storia"/><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire"/><ref name="carsfrom Bianchina">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050209015255/www.carsfromitaly.com/others/index.html |title=Autobianchi Bianchina |work=The Etceterini pages @ CarsFromItaly.com |accessdate=2006-08-07}} ''(accessed via the [[Wayback Machine]])''</ref><ref name="Bianchina Club Storia Bianchina">{{cite web|url=u=http://www.bianchinaclub.com/ita/servizi/storia_bianchina.htm |title=Storia della Bianchina |work=Bianchina Club |accessdate=2006-08-08}} {{It icon}}</ref>

=== Stellina and Primula – Autobianchi pioneers new concepts ===
{{main|Autobianchi Stellina|Autobianchi Primula}}
Five years after the debut of the Binachina, at the 1963 [[Turin Motor Show]], a completely new Autobianchi model debuted: the [[Autobianchi Stellina]]. A two-door [[roadster|barchetta]] based on the [[Fiat 600|Fiat 600D's]] chassis was distinguished by its fibreglass body, designed by [[Tom Tjardaa]]. It was Italy's first car with such a body. The vehicle was only produced for two years (1964 and 1965) and only 502 Stellinas were made. Nevertheless, the model was an important step in the development of new technology for Fiat and the rest of the automotive industry. Its lofty price-tag of almost a million [[Italian lira|lira]] further emphasized the elevated status of the Autobianchi brand within the Fiat empire.

Even more important was the following year's presentation, the [[Autobianchi Primula]]. It was Fiat's first attempt at a [[front-wheel drive]] car with a [[transverse engine]], a configuration popularized by the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Mini]] and allowing for very compact and efficient utilization of the body space. Designed by Fiat's technical director, [[Dante Giacosa]], it was launched under the Autobianchi brand to test market reaction to the new concept. Even though the new Autobianchi was priced higher than Fiat models of similar size, the car met with a favorable reception. Fiat would gradually move all of its models to front-wheel drive.

=== Into the 1970s ===
{{main|Autobianchi A111|Autobianchi A112}}
Facing a crisis in the motorcycle market, Bianchi was forced to sell its share in Autobianchi and the company was finally fully integrated into Fiat SpA in 1968. 1969 marked many important developments for the marque. First of all, Bianchina production is finally stopped. Moreover, Autobianchi was positioned within the Fiat Group under the control of the newly-acquired luxury marque [[Lancia]]. And significantly, two new Autobianchi models werw launched this year: the [[Autobianchi A111]] and [[Autobianchi A112]].<ref name="Bianchina Club Storia"/><ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire"/><ref name="carsfrom Bianchina"/><ref name="carsfrom Autobianchi">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050209015255/www.carsfromitaly.com/others/index.html |title=Autobianchi |work=The Etceterini pages @ CarsFromItaly.com |accessdate=2006-08-08}} ''(accessed via the [[Wayback Machine]])''</ref> Those names sound perhaps a bit uninspired compared to previous Autobianchis, and do not have much to do with any particular technical characteristic or size. They were basically internal Fiat development codes, used as model names in a fashion similar to Fiat-branded vehicles of that era.<ref name="mallisarjat">{{cite web|url=http://www.ajovalo.net/Fiat_sarjat.htm |title=Fiat/Lancia/Alfa Romeo mallisarjat |work=Ajovalo |accessdate=2006-08-08}} {{Fi icon}}</ref>

The A111 was derived from Primula mechanicals, but much bigger and more spacious, marking the first (and only) entry of the brand into the [[small family car]] class. As usual, it was priced higher than similar Fiat models, notably the first front-wheel drive Fiat ''per se'', the [[Fiat 128]], and did not much find much favour with customers. After little more than 50,000 A111s were made, the plug was pulled as early as in 1972.

The A112 was much more successful. A modern, front-wheel drive [[Supermini car | supermini]] it was in many ways similar to the [[Innocenti Mini]], which gained substantial popularity in Italy, following on from the popularity of the original [[Mini]] throughout [[Europe]]. Similarly, the A112 saw strong demand and built a loyal following, reinforced by the introduction of [[Abarth]] sporting versions and Autobianchi's engagement in racing with modified versions of the model.

With Primula production ceasing in 1970 and the quick demise of the A111, Autobianchi became effectively a one-model brand. Consequently, the A112 was marketed as a Lancia from the mid-1970s in most markets, except for Italy and [[France]], where it retained the Autobianchi branding until the end of production.

=== End of the road ===
The A112 continued for a remarkable 17 years, with frequent but mostly insubstantial changes. After over 1,250,000 of those small cars were built, they were finally replaced in 1986 by a new model, the [[Autobianchi Y10]], based mechanically on the [[Fiat Panda]]. This car was branded as Lancia from the beginning for most export markets (except for France again, until 1989), thus becoming better known as the ''"Lancia Y10"''. It retained Autobianchi badging and branding in Italy alone. The Desio plant was finally closed in 1992 and with the Y10 being replaced by the [[Lancia Ypsilon]] (branded as Lancia in all markets including Italy), the Autobianchi brand disappeared altogether in 1996.

The rights to the brand are now held by the ''Registro Autobianchi'', the official club of the marque in Italy.<ref name="Club Autobianchi histoire"/>

==External links==
* [http://www.autobianchi.org/ita2/index.asp Registro Autobianchi]

== References ==
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{{Autobianchi}}

[[Category:Companies established in 1955]]
[[Category:Classic vehicles]]
[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of Italy]]
[[Category:Autobianchi|*]]