Stellantis is preparing to bring to the fore one of the Italian car industry's best-known names, Autobianchi. Which ceased to exist commercially in 1995 but seems to be returning. Not as an independent brand, but as a special version of Fiat Pandina.
The indication of her return comes from photographs of a Fiat Pandina original with the inscription «Tributo Autobianchi». This is an anniversary edition that will utilize the historical name, but does not at present mark the complete revival of Autobianchi as a separate company.
Pandina's choice is not random. Fiat's small model remains one of the most recognizable city cars in Europe and continues the tradition of simple, practical and affordable Italian models. At the same time, it matches the philosophy of Autobianchi, which was mainly linked to small cars, often more particularly and more carefully-trained than the respective Fiats of their time.
Autobianchi was founded in 1955 by Bianchi, Pirelli and Fiat. He then passed fully under Fiat control and was used for models that often operated as technological or commercial experiments before their solutions passed into larger production volumes. Her most famous model was A112, presented in 1969 and built by 1986 in more than 1.2 million units.
A112, especially in Abarth versions, acquired a separate position in the European market for small cars. And that's because it was small, flexible and with clearly more sporty character than most cars in its category. It followed the Y10, which in many markets was made available as Lancia, before the name Autobianchi permanently went aside in the mid-1990s.
The new Tributo Autobianchi version is expected to be based on Fiat Pandina Cross. This means that it will maintain the most off road appearance, with protective plastic perimeters of the body, increased ground clearance compared to simpler versions and distinct design details.
The changes will be mostly aesthetic. New rims, special signals, different details on bumpers and color combinations inspired by the history of Autobianchi are expected. Similar retro references are considered likely to exist inside, with special linings and decorative elements.
Mechanical parts shall not be differentiated. The 3,705 meter Pandina uses the 1.0 FireFly of 70 horsepower with mild hybrid assistance, which moves the front wheels and is combined with a 6 relationship manual box.
There seems to be legal feasibility behind this move. In Italy, historical trademarks that are not used for a long time can be found at the heart of third party contesting or exploiting procedures. Using the Autobianchi name on a production model allows Stellantis to keep the signal active and protect its rights.
