Description

The Autobianchi Giardiniera was a practical and charming station wagon variant based on the Fiat 500 Giardiniera, produced under license by Autobianchi starting in the mid-1960s. It carried over the essential mechanical layout of the Fiat version, including the unique horizontally-mounted 499 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine positioned under the floor at the rear—allowing for a flat loading surface and surprisingly spacious interior for such a small car.

Retaining the suicide doors from earlier Fiat models and a long, boxy silhouette, the Giardiniera was designed for utility while maintaining the style and flair typical of Italian cars of the era. The extended roofline and hatchback rear gave it more luggage capacity and made it ideal for urban delivery, family use, or light commercial duty.

Despite its modest power output—around 17 horsepower—it was efficient, easy to park, and economical to run, all important qualities during Italy’s post-war economic boom. The Autobianchi versions often featured more refined trim or details compared to the Fiat originals, reflecting the brand’s positioning as a slightly more premium alternative.

The Autobianchi Giardiniera remained in production well into the 1970s, even after Fiat ceased its own version, making it one of the longest-lived variants of the original 500 platform. Today, it stands out as a beloved classic—quaint, practical, and full of vintage Italian character.