Fiat pedigree
Mechanically, the A112 was related to the Fiat 127. Both models had the same origin, namely the Autobianchi Primula, the first car in the Fiat group with a transverse engine and front-wheel drive. The Autotobianchi A112 was a more sporty and youthful version of Fiat. It had the same engines as the Fiat 127, but a shorter wheelbase and lower weight. The Abarth version, with a 1,1 liter engine and double Weber, produced 70 horses (source: UltimateSpecs.com). In a car like this, small modifications could yield good results on the road, and the Autobianchi became a common sight in motorsport.
Models and year of manufacture
The A112 took over from the Primula from the 1970 model year and was produced right up to 1986 in various designs and series. The engines were taken from the Fiat 127. The standard version was 0,9 liters and 42 HP with a simple Weber carburettor. It accompanied the car throughout its production period - gradually under the model name "Junior". the model A112 Elite (A112e) got a 1-litre engine which with simple Weber produced 48 HP.
Light and practical
One can of course hold up the original Mini as a model for the Autobianchi A112. Although the Autobianchi is a tank larger and heavier - without destroying the "Mini" characteristics. For example, the Autobianchi has 13-inch wheels, a tailgate and a fold-down rear seat. That makes it a far more usable car than the mini. With a total length of 3,27 meters and 685 kg, we are still talking about a car in the supermini class
About the pictures
The picture of the yellow car was taken in the small French town of Le Boulou in the Pyrenees Orientales towards the Spanish border. The black car is pictured on the occasion of Cars & Coffee at Skui farm 2023. From 1984, the cars were sold under the Lancia brand. The gray car in Abarth edition is photographed at a car meeting in Perpignan, 2024.
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