Everything sounds better in Italian! Would you rather drive a “station wagon” or a “Panoramica?” The latter of course, especially when it’s as interesting as this 1964 Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica in Bayside, New York. Ran when parked? Perish the thought! This rear-engine cutie-pie explored Europe last year in an eleven-day rally. If a similar adventure tops your bucket list, cast a bid here on eBay where the cost of entry has risen above $4000.
Based on the Fiat 500, the Autobianchi Bianchina rolls on nearly new Michelin tires. The cloth sunroof folds for open-air motoring. I can hear my Grandma saying “it’s cute as a button!”
The Panoramica has no radio, making it easier to shift by ear. An interior replete with appliance white paint, durable rubber, and vinyl promises another 65 years of service. Other than an exhaust rattle and a missing marker light, this tiny transporter is ready for action.
The 18 HP 499 cc (31 cid) inline two-cylinder engine conquered the “steepest mountain passes” of the rally. A four-speed manual transmission directs power to the rear wheels. Whether your vacation plans include the Mille Miglia or a reasonable local facsimile, this well-traveled Italian will garner smiles wherever you go. What’s your idea of the perfect Panoramica road trip?
This is the kid half-brother of my first car, a North American-spec 1959 Fiat 500. Its engine had the same displacement and one hp less, or about 50cc and 3 hp more than the home-market version of the time. It also had big goofy headlight pods stuck onto the front because 7″ sealed-beam lights were all that was legal in the US … but in answer to your question, I would say drive this wherever you have time for! I bought mine in Alaska, in midwinter, and except for just around town there are not many places close by. Fifty miles was the typical distance for a non-local coffee run; my longest journey was a roughly 500-mile round-trip weekend jaunt, in the middle of the next winter, from Anchorage down to Anchor Point and back, just for a visit. Of course I was all of 21 at the time … But Italians make good long-term seats, at least in my estimation, and as long as the scenery keeps moving by I don’t care that much how quickly it goes, if I’m enjoying the car and the journey.
The Autobianchi versions of Fiat cars are vehicles I have always admired. I didn’t know they’d made one of the 500 wagon, with the tilted-over engine under the floorboards, but it’s very nice-looking … and with all those windows I can see where “Panoramica” comes from!
” Rally ” ??? LOL
I restored one several years ago … when they say City Car they mean it. TOP speed barely 60 at WOT ……. and it takes almost 2 minutes to get there.
Ran great, but could not keep up with traffic on our 65mph 4 lane, but ?fun? to drive at 50 … yeah, compared top my riding lawn mower .
strictly City, can park it anywhere you can put a GoldWing
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these are really fantastic