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Autobianchi Primula Classic Cars for Sale

The Autobianchi Primula was a small car that was built by the former Fiat subsidiary Autobianchi from 1964 to 1970. The Primula was noteworthy for its technological innovations, including a transverse engine and rack and pinion steering

The origins of the Autobianchi Primula

Autobianchi, which was a Fiat joint venture with Pirelli and cycle manufacturer Bianchi, specialised in small cars. The Autobianchi Primula was conceived in response for an innovative small car. It was one of the earliest Fiat Group cars with a hatchback design, although it was also sold as a saloon. The Autobianchi Primula used a front-wheel drive layout designed by Dante Giacosa, which combined with a transverse engine to provide stability and interior space. All Primulas were made in the existing Autobianchi factorya at Desio in northern Italy.

The Autobianchi Primula in the marketplace

Fiat priced the Autobianchi Primula to be competitive with the Innocenti-branded, badge-engineered Austin/Morris cars that were its most obvious rivals. A 1.2-litre engine was used for most models, at first taken from the Fiat 1100 D and later sourced from the Fiat 124. The slightly sportier coupé versions of the Autobianchi Primula were fitted with a 70-horsepower, 1.4-litre engine. The transmission was standard except for being placed above the differential rather than in the oil sump like most other cars of the time. A further innovation in the Autobianchi Primula was the use of disc brakes all round; in the mid-1960s, most small cars were still fitted with drum brakes on the front wheels.

Sales and legacy of the Autobianchi Primula

Customers were favourably impressed by the Autobianchi Primula, as were motoring journalists: it was runner-up for the European Car of the Year prize in 1965. This proved the catalyst for Fiat to produce more front-wheel drive cars in the mould of the Primula, including the hugely successful Fiat 128. The Autobianchi Primula was fairly successful in the marketplace, with just under 75,000 being sold before the end of production in 1970. Almost all cars on the market today have steel suspension systems derived from that of the Autobianchi Primula, giving the car an enduring place in motoring history.

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