Autobianchi

In November 1969 the Autobianchi A112 was introduced as a replacement for the Bianchina and Primula. It was developed using a shrunken version of the contemporary Fiat 128 platform and would form the basis for the Fiat 127 which would enter the market two years later. The A112 was available only with a three-door body and was offered with the 903 cc engine of the Fiat 850. In September 1971, the A112 E was introduced, featuring a roof painted in a contrasting colour, improved seats, higher grade trimming and equipment, as well as a five-speed gearbox later in life. The sportiest version was the A112 Abarth, also introduced in September 1971. It was prepared by the motorsports division of the Fiat Group, at first with a 982 cc engine, obtained by increasing the stroke, coupled to a sporting exhaust, a twin-choke carburetor, and a different camshaft. The A112 reached a very particular market; by 1984 female buyers represented 35% of A112 owners and about a third were in the 18-24 age range.

In March 1973, the A112 received a makeover. The grille was new, with a larger mesh, and the bumpers were now of rubber with chrome insert. A new style of alloys were available and the seats and dashboard underwent some changes. The A112 E was renamed Elegant and was no longer only available in two-tone paintjobs. The Abarth was also available in single paints and on two-tone models the contrasting shade was restricted to a black bonnet. In 1975, the insides in the rear were recontoured, so that the car now became a five-seater. On the outside it received new, much larger vents on the C-pillars, as well as redesigned taillights. The Abarth received a larger 1,050 cc engine.

In November 1977 the "nuova A112" was introduced. The most obvious differences are the new grille, new rear lights and a slightly taller roof with a marked edge around the sides, which enlarged interior space considerably. The upmarket Elegant received a larger, 965 cc engine.