This sweet station wagon came to us from near Heidelberg. In family ownership for many, many years, we started the restoration in 2020. Here, too, there were significant delays in the project, triggered by restrictions during COVID and the resulting capacity bottlenecks. The supply of spare parts for Autobianchi vintage cars is very good, many parts from the Fiat 500 are identical.
Encyclopedia
Autobianchi is an Italian car brand known for its compact and stylish vehicles. One of Autobianchi's most notable models is the Autobianchi Panoramica, produced in the 1960s. This model deserves special attention as it represented an interesting mix of style, versatility and innovation.
The Autobianchi Panoramica was first introduced in 1962 and was based on the Autobianchi Bianchina, a small city car. However, the Panoramica version was an estate variant of the Bianchina and featured a unique design with large panoramic windows, which gave the car its name.
The most striking feature of the Panoramica was undoubtedly its large Plexiglas roof, which extended from the windscreen to the rear of the vehicle. This roof provided excellent visibility of the surroundings and gave the interior a light and airy ambience. It was an innovative solution that caused a sensation in the 1960s.
The Autobianchi Panoramica was available in a variety of engine options, including a 500cc 21bhp engine and a 590cc 22bhp engine. Although performance was not impressive, the Panoramica's compact size and light weight made it a maneuverable and easy-to-drive car.
The Panoramica's interior design was simple and functional, but well thought out. The space was adequate for a vehicle of this size, and the innovative panoramic roof provided a unique driving experience.
Today, well-preserved examples of the Autobianchi Panoramica are sought after by classic car enthusiasts and are often admired at vintage car gatherings and events. This model remains a fascinating example of the creativity and courage of the automotive industry in the 1960s.