Autobianchi Primula

The Primula was a car produced by Autobianchi between 1964 and 1970. The Primula was the first car in the Fiat group to experiment with front-wheel drive and a transverse engine.

In the early sixties, Oreste Lardone and Dante Giacosa managed to convince the top management of the company to experiment again with a technical solution that provided undeniable advantages for small and medium-sized cars. However, nobody wanted to use the FIAT brand for this experimentation, preferring the “collateral” Autobianchi. Thus, in 1961, the “Project 109” began. Using a new platform and placing the well-known 1221 cc, 4-cylinder in-line carbureted engine from the 1100 D in a transverse front position, the Primula was born in 1964 with front-wheel drive. Characterized by a rational and sober two-volume design with slight rear fins, which were very popular at the time, the Primula could be chosen in a sedan or coupe configuration.

The sedan could have a practical rear hatch or a simple trunk, in 2, 3, 4, or 5-door versions, while the coupe model, with a lower roof and tapered rear, was offered only in a 2-door version. The rear hatch, which made it a “fastback” car, was not very appreciated in Italy but was very popular in France. This was a rare case since foreign cars were not particularly appreciated in France, but utility models like the Citroën 2CV Mixte or the Renault 4 were highly loved, precisely because of the rear hatch that allowed for great versatility of use.

Characterized by refined finishes, the new Autobianchi had good performance thanks to the 49 horsepower engine, supported by excellent road-holding, a credit to the front-wheel drive and independent MacPherson front suspensions, another novelty for the company. Another novelty introduced by this car, first among those in the Fiat group, was the adoption of rack and pinion steering.