Some people dream of Ferrari. Others dream of Lamborghini.
And then there are those who, deep down, still dream of a Bianchina.
Yes, that very one: small, quirky, with the same irresistible charm as a Vespa on four wheels.
But don’t be fooled by that innocent little face — behind it lies a story of innovation, industrial courage, and just a hint of madness. Welcome to the world of Autobianchi. 
And then there are those who, deep down, still dream of a Bianchina.
Yes, that very one: small, quirky, with the same irresistible charm as a Vespa on four wheels.
But don’t be fooled by that innocent little face — behind it lies a story of innovation, industrial courage, and just a hint of madness. Welcome to the world of Autobianchi.
An (only slightly) illegitimate childIt was 1955, and in an Italy riding the wave of an economic boom, Fiat decided it was time to experiment — without getting its hands too dirty.
Thus Autobianchi was born, a joint venture between three heavyweights: Fiat itself (engines and ambition), Pirelli (tires and grit), and Bianchi (yes, the bicycle maker, now ready to level up).The goal? To create a laboratory on wheels, testing new technical and design solutions that might — quietly — make their way into the more prestigious models from Lingotto.
In short: Autobianchi was the weird cousin in the Fiat family. The one who dressed better, took more risks, but never made too much noise.
Thus Autobianchi was born, a joint venture between three heavyweights: Fiat itself (engines and ambition), Pirelli (tires and grit), and Bianchi (yes, the bicycle maker, now ready to level up).The goal? To create a laboratory on wheels, testing new technical and design solutions that might — quietly — make their way into the more prestigious models from Lingotto.
In short: Autobianchi was the weird cousin in the Fiat family. The one who dressed better, took more risks, but never made too much noise.
The Bianchina: Audrey Hepburn as a city carYour first love is something you never forget, and for Autobianchi, it was the Bianchina, launched in 1957. Based on the mechanics of the Fiat 500 (already a small revolution in itself), but with a more chic design — almost like a tiny diva. No surprise then that it became the car of Ugo Fantozzi, who drove it with tragic dignity. And that choice was no accident: it was the car of the average Italian, the one who dreamed of Paris but ended up in Cinisello.
The genius behind the pencil: brilliant designers and mindsAmong the names that left their mark on Autobianchi’s style, Luigi Rapi stands out — the Fiat designer who shaped the first Bianchina — as well as Marcello Gandini, who came through Bertone and was behind the A112 in its sportier evolution.And here we step into legend: the A112 Abarth, ladies and gentlemen. The forerunner of the hot hatch. A true miniature sports car that, if you knew how to drive it, could outpace much bigger machines. Beloved by young drivers with a heavy foot and a light wallet. And above all, a real training ground for up-and-coming racers.
Awards, success, and the end (but with style)Throughout the ’60s and ’70s, Autobianchi was also a pioneer with the Primula (1964), Italy’s first front-wheel drive car with a transverse engine and modern suspension — anticipating what would later become the standard for the entire Fiat Group.Autobianchi was never a market queen, but it was often one step ahead. It innovated, it experimented, and — despite its small name — it had big ambitions. In the ’80s, the brand was slowly absorbed into Lancia, and in 1995, with the farewell of the last Y10 (already badged as a Lancia), Autobianchi bowed out.But not before leaving behind a legacy that still lights up the eyes of enthusiasts today.
Fun facts for true connoisseurs (or to show off at the bar)
- The Primula was also studied by Volkswagen, who took notes before launching the Golf.
- The A112 was produced in over 1.2 million units — a resounding success for a niche car.
- The Bianchina was also exported to France, with decent success.
- But don’t ask it to carry baguettes: after all, it’s still Italian.
