The Bianchi S4, also known as “Bianchina”, was introduced in production by the Milanese carmaker in 1925.
With Bianchi also making the choice to drop side valves for good in the pursuit of higher specific power outputs, the car was equipped with an engine with overhead valves operated by a camshaft in the crankcase. The engine of the S4 has a bore of 64 mm and a stroke of 100 mm, for a total capacity of 1286 cc. Fuel was fed to the engine by an automatic Weber carburettor, while the ignition system used a Magneti Marelli magneto-dynamo. The engine was cooled by a thermosiphon circuit with no pump, while a forced lubrication system was used. A declared maximum power of 26 bhp at 3000 rpm was a match for the car’s direct rival, the Fiat 509.
The gearbox, with four speeds plus reverse, was connected to the output shaft of the single plate dry clutch by a short shaft with a U-joint, while the clutch was mated to the engine.
Constructed from high strength pressed steel elements, the chassis had a wheelbase of 2700 mm and a track of 1250 mm, and offered 2200 mm of ‘coachbuildable’ space.
Regarding performance and fuel efficiency, Bianchi claimed a top speed of 80/85 km/h (compared with 78 for the Fiat 509) and a fuel consumption of 7 litres / 100 km (compared with 9 litres / 100 km declared by Fiat for the 509).
On launch, the catalogue offered a wide choice of bodies for the chassis of the S4, among which: a 3-seat cabriolet with interior driver position, a limousine with interior driver position, a Limousine D’Orsay with separate driver position, a taxi landaulet, a van and a light truck. Over the following years, the range gained a succession of more elegant models, including the Torpedo and the Torpedo Lusso.
While restrained in style, these were often more elegant and roomy than their direct rivals. This was also reflected in their higher prices, with an S4 costing from 24,000 to 28,000 Lire, depending on the version and trim level.
Engine: 4 cylinders
Capacity: 1287 cc
Power: 26 bhp at 3000 rpm
Top speed: 80 km/h
Weight: 630 kg (unbodied chassis)
A gift from Autobianchi SpA, Milan
