Bianchina

Infobox Automobile


name = Autobianchi Bianchina
manufacturer = Autobianchi
production = 1957–1970
predecessor =
successor = Autobianchi A112
class = City car
layout = RR layout
body_style = Berlina (saloon)
Cabriolet (roadster)
Trasformabile (convertible)
Panoramica (station wagon)
Furgoncino (van)
engine = 479 cc ohv straight-2 15-17 hp
499 cc ohv straight-2 18-22 hp
transmission =
wheelbase =
length = Auto mm|3020 (saloon)
width = Auto mm|1340 (saloon)
height = Auto mm|1320 (saloon)
weight = Auto kg|530 (saloon)
aka =
fuel_economy =
fuel_capacity=
related = Fiat 500
designer = The Bianchina is an automobile produced by Italian automaker Autobianchi, based on the Fiat 500 mechanicals. It was available in various configurations, "Berlina" (saloon), "Cabriolet" (roadster), "Trasformabile" (convertible), "Panoramica" (station wagon), and "Furgoncino" (van). The car was presented to the public on September 16, 1957 at the Museum of Science and Technology in Milan.

Initially the car was equipped with the smallest Fiat engine, air-cooled 479 cc producing convert|15|hp|abbr=on. In 1959 the engine power was increased to convert|17|hp|abbr=on and 1960 was launched cabriolet version.

In the same year Trasformabile, which engine cylinder capacity was increased to 499 cc (18 hp) was made available in Special version with bicolour painting and engine enhanced to convert|21|hp|abbr=on.

In 1962 the Trasformabile was replaced by 4-seat saloon. The engine and chassis were the same as in Trasformabile.

In 1965 was made minor facelift.

In 1970 Bianchina went out of production, replaced by the more modern A112.

Production

The Bianchina was produced from 1957 to 1970 in a total volume of approx 275,000. From 1970 to 1977 the model name was "Giardinera", which only existed in station wagon and van variations."Source: Club Bianchina and Bianchina Classic Club"

In popular culture

George Lucas was given a Bianchina by his father, which Lucas then modified ("souping up his Fiat [sic] Bianchina in his garage" was described as his "most formative experience"). [Tom Shone: "Blockbuster" (2004). London, Simon & Shuster UK. ISBN 0-7432-6838-5. Page 54.] He raced it with his friends across the mudflats around Modesto, California, and credits the car with giving him the instinct and thrill for speed which he used to great effect in the Star Wars series, notably in the Millennium Falcon. [Shone, 2004, page 47: " ... the mythic architecture into which "Star Wars" most forcefully plugged was the one about driving really, really fast with a bunch of new friends: "you're all there, and everything is working".] Lucas entered the car into races until he was hospitalised after crashing the car on June 12, 1962 on a public road.

Bianchina is the car of the popular Italian film character Fantozzi Interpreted by Paolo Villaggio.

References

External links

* [http://www.autobianchi.org/ita2/index.asp Registro Autobianchi]
* [http://www.bianchinaclub.com/eng/home.htm Bianchina Club]
* [http://www.bianchina.it/ Bianchina Classic Club] (Italian only)