Autobianchi Primula | |
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![]() Autobianchi Primula 65C 3-door hatchback | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Autobianchi |
Production | 1964–1970 |
Designer | Dante Giacosa (Berlina) Touring (Coupé) |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Supermini |
Body style | |
Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
Related | Autobianchi A111 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Transmission | 4-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,300 mm (91 in)[1] |
Length | 3,785 mm (149.0 in) (Berlina) 3,715 mm (146.3 in) (Coupé)[1] |
Width | 1,578 mm (62.1 in)[1] |
Height | 1,400 mm (55 in) (Berlina) 1,350 mm (53 in) (Coupé)[1] |
Chronology | |
Successor | Autobianchi A111 Autobianchi A112 |
The Autobianchi Primula is a supermini economy car manufactured between 1964 and 1970 by the Italian automaker Autobianchi, partly owned by and later a subsidiary of the Fiat Group. The Primula was a prototype for Fiat's rack and pinion steering and is widely known for its innovative Dante Giacosa-designed front-wheel drive, transverse engine layout — that would be later popularized by the Fiat 128 to ultimately become an industry-standard front drive layout.[2]
The Primula was originally available with two or four doors, with or without a rear hatchback, referred to in Italian as "berlina". Beginning in 1965, Autobianchi offered a coupé model, a more spacious 2-door fastback designed by Carrozzeria Touring.[2][3]
The Primula was manufactured in the Autobianchi factory in Desio,[4] with production reaching approximately 75,000 before ending in 1970.[2]