Biagini Passo

Last updated
Biagini Passo
Wolfsburg Automuseum Biagini Passo.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Automobili Biagini  [ de ]
Production1990–1993
AssemblyItaly: Atessa, Chieti
Body and chassis
Class Crossover
Body style Convertible
Layout Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Platform Volkswagen Group A1 platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine 1.8 L (109.8 cu in) I4
Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,480 mm (97.6 in)
Length4,255 mm (167.5 in)
Width1,705 mm (67.1 in)
Height1,555 mm (61.2 in)
Curb weight 1,245 kg (2,745 lb)

The Biagini Passo is a compact convertible all-wheel drive crossover built in Italy from 1990 to 1993. It made extensive use of Volkswagen components. Reminiscent of some earlier beach cars and buggys, it has been called the first ever convertible crossover. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Background

The corporate background of the Biagini Passo has been described as "complex". [5] Period advertising calls the Passo a product of Automobili Biagini, a division of ACM SpA. ACM had previously operated under the name Ali Ciemme SpA, part of that name being an initialism for even earlier company names; "Carrozzeria Mediterranea", and, later, "Centro Multiindustriale". [6] [7]

ACM was best known for assembling a version of the Romanian ARO 10 for sale in Italy. Early copies used the original ARO body style. Models with Renault gasoline engines were called the Aro Ischia, and those with Volkswagen diesel engines were the Aro Super Ischia. A later model with revised bodywork was called the ACM Enduro x4.

A key person behind both ACM and the development of the Biagini Passo was Livio Biagini. [8] [9]

Early in his career, Livio worked for his uncle Bruno Cavani, who produced motorcycles under his own name using engines from DKW and frames and other parts sourced locally. In 1957 Cavani transferred control of DKW-Cavani to his nephew Livio, who shortly thereafter closed it down and established a new company called Motauto. [10]

Livio was later one of the principals of IAP-Honda, an Italian company established to assemble Honda motorcycles for sale in Europe from imported and locally-produced parts. He was subsequently investigated for fraud in relation to this company's dealings. [11] [12] [13] During the investigation Livio apparently fled the country, possibly to Venezuela, and was considered a fugitive. [14] [7] [13] Livio's name was also found on a list of purported members of the illegal Propaganda Due organization. [15]

Livio returned to Italy and became the local importer of Chrysler products for the country. [8] [6] His dealings with the Romanian ARO came after this.

Rear side view of 1992 Biagini Passo LX 1992 Biagini Passo LX in White, rear left (Greenwich 2022).jpg
Rear side view of 1992 Biagini Passo LX

The Biagini Passo was built in ACM's factory in Atessa, in the province of Chieti. 220 people worked at this location building the car. [16] [9]

Production estimates range from a high of around 300 units, to a low of less than 100, and possibly as few as 65. [17] [3] [18] The Passo was sold in both Italy and Germany. [18]

While most production Passos used a 1.8 L gasoline engine, a 2.0 L version was available in some markets, including Italy. The company planned to eventually offer three different gasoline engine options and one diesel, and also said that a hardtop version of the Passo was being developed. [19] [20] [9]

Inadequate corrosion protection has resulted in many Passos being scrapped due to rust damage, making roadworthy examples even rarer. [16] [18]

Volkswagen called the Biagini Passo a "conceptual predecessor" of their own T-Roc Cabriolet of 2020. [21] [4] A Biagini Passo was displayed at the Volkswagen AutoMuseum in February 2019. [22]

Features

Biagini Passo interior 1992 Biagini Passo LX in White, interior (Greenwich 2022).jpg
Biagini Passo interior

The Biagini Passo is based on the body and unibody chassis of the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 Cabriolet. Biagini added a custom subframe that allowed it to accept the Syncro all-wheel drive powertrain from the MkII Golf Country. [19] Ground clearance was raised to 10.2 in (259 mm). [19]

The Golf Country powertrain provided the Passo's 1.8 L Volkswagen EA827 single overhead camshaft (SOHC) inline four cylinder gasoline engine and five-speed manual transmission. It also provided the part-time all-wheel drive system developed by Steyr-Daimler-Puch with viscous coupler that engages the rear wheels when the fronts began to slip. [9]

The Passo's headlamps and front indicators are from the 1980–1985 Fiat Panda, side indicators from the 1983 Fiat Ritmo, and taillamps from the 1983 Opel Kadett D sedan and first generation Vauxhall Astra. [1] [3]

The Golf's original top-hinged rear liftgate is replaced with a wider bottom-hinged dropgate. The folding roof framework is a modified Golf Mk1 Cabriolet assembly used with the original soft top. The Golf's original glass rear window panel is replaced with a transparent Perspex panel that can be zipped out, a change necessitated by the revised tailgate. [3]

The front fenders and the hood are custom pieces produced by Biagini. A bullbar was added in front, plastic fender flares on the sides, and at the rear an externally mounted spare wheel and tire.

On the interior, the fascia is from the Golf Mk1 but is fitted with an additional full-width handle that extends across to the passenger side. The steering wheel is from Nardi, and the front seats from Recaro. [23] [19] The interior is trimmed in a combination of cloth and leather or Alcantara. [20] [9]

Models

Specifications

Biagini PassoDetail
Engine type: Volkswagen EA827 straight-four engine
Bore × Stroke:81.0 mm × 86.4 mm (3.2 in × 3.4 in) [24]
Displacement:1,781 cc (108.7 cu in)
Compression ratio:9.0:1
Induction: Naturally aspirated, multi-point injection
Maximum power:72 kW (97 hp) at 5400 rpm
Maximum torque:143 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) at 3000 rpm
Emission control:Catalytic converter
Transmission:5-speed manual transmission
Drive:Part-time all-wheel drive with viscous coupling unit
Length:
Width:
Height:		4,255 mm (167.5 in)
1,705 mm (67.1 in)
1,555 mm (61.2 in)
Wheelbase:2,480 mm (97.6 in)
Track (F/R):1,435 mm (56.5 in) / 1,443 mm (56.8 in)
Turning circle:10.5 m (34.4 ft)
Wheels:6Jx15
Tires:195/60R15
Curb weight:1,245 kg (2,745 lb)
Maximum total weight:1,640 kg (3,616 lb)
Top speed:155 km/h (96 mph)
0–80 km/h (0–50 mph) time:8.2 s
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time:12.3 s
Fuel:Regular unleaded gasoline
Consumption at 90 km/h (56 mph):8.5 L/100 km (33.2 mpg‑imp; 27.7 mpg‑US)
Consumption at 120 km/h (75 mph):11.4 L/100 km (24.8 mpg‑imp; 20.6 mpg‑US)
Consumption (city):11.9 L/100 km (23.7 mpg‑imp; 19.8 mpg‑US)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Golf</span> Small family cars manufactured by Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada, and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).

Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, commonly known as Karmann, was a German automobile manufacturer and contract manufacturer based in Osnabrück, Germany. Founded by Wilhelm Karmann in 1901, the company specialised in various automotive roles, including design, production and assembly of components for a wide variety of automobile manufacturers, including Chrysler, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Citi Golf</span> Motor vehicle

The Volkswagen Citi Golf is a right-hand drive 5-door hatchback manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen in South Africa from 1984 to 2009 as a facelifted version of the first generation Volkswagen Golf Mk1, which ceased production in Germany in 1983.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen LT</span> Light commercial panel van produced by Volkswagen

The Volkswagen LT is the largest light commercial panel van produced by Volkswagen from 1975 to 2006, before being replaced by the Crafter. Two generations were produced.

The Volkswagen Group A platform is an automobile platform shared among compact and mid-size cars of the Volkswagen Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crossover (automobile)</span> Style of motor vehicle

A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of automobile with an increased ride height that is built on unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars, as opposed to traditional sport utility vehicles (SUV), which are built on a body-on-frame chassis construction similar to pickup trucks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen New Beetle</span> Compact car

The Volkswagen New Beetle is a compact car, introduced by Volkswagen in 1997, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front, driving the front wheels, with luggage storage in the rear. It received a facelift in 2005 and was in production until 2011, almost fourteen years since its introduction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ARO</span> Defunct Romanian off-road vehicle manufacturer

ARO was a Romanian off-road vehicle manufacturer located in Câmpulung. The first ARO vehicles were produced in 1957, and the last in 2003. For a short while, Daihatsu-powered AROs were sold in Spain and produced in Portugal under the brands. In Italy, AROs were produced and sold under the ACM brand, often fitted with Volkswagen engines.

Canadian Car of the Year winners, as chosen by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ARO 10</span> Motor vehicle

ARO 10 was an off-road vehicle produced by ARO and manufactured in Romania. It shares auto-parts with Dacia 1300, from engine to front axle, and was inspired by the Renault Rodeo and Citroën Méhari.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geneva International Motor Show</span> Annual Swiss auto show

The Geneva International Motor Show was an annual auto show held in March in the Swiss city of Geneva.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Motor Show Germany</span> Annual German motor show

The International Motor Show Germany or International Mobility Show Germany, in German known as the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, is one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs. It consists of two separate fairs, that subdivided in 1991. While the IAA Mobility displays passenger vehicles, motorcycles and bikes, the IAA Transportation specializes in commercial vehicles. Before the separation, the show was held solely at the Messe Frankfurt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LA Auto Show</span> Annual US auto show

The Los Angeles Auto Show, also known as the LA Auto Show, is an auto show held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California, United States. It is open to the public for ten days, filling 760,000 square feet (71,000 m2) of exhibit space. Since 2006 the event is held in November or December.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">C-segment</span> European car size classification

The C-segment is the 3rd category of the European segments for passenger cars and is described as "medium cars". It is equivalent to the Euro NCAP "small family car" size class, and the compact car category in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Golf Mk4</span> Fourth generation of Golf compact car

The Volkswagen Golf Mk4 is a compact car, the fourth generation of the Volkswagen Golf and the successor to the Volkswagen Golf Mk3. Launched in October 1997 for the 1998 model year, it was the best selling car in Europe in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Golf Mk3</span> Third generation of Golf compact car

The Volkswagen Golf Mk3 is a medium-sized compact family car. It is the third generation of the Volkswagen Golf and the successor to the Volkswagen Golf Mk2, which was produced by Volkswagen from August 1991 to 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Golf Mk2</span> Second generation of Golf compact car

The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is a hatchback, the second generation of the Volkswagen Golf and the successor to the Volkswagen Golf Mk1. It was Volkswagen's highest volume seller from 1983 and ended in (German) production in late 1992, to be replaced by the Volkswagen Golf Mk3. The Mk2 was larger than the Mk1; its wheelbase grew slightly, as did exterior dimensions. Weight was up accordingly by about 120 kg (260 lb). Exterior design, developed in-house by VW design director Schäfer, kept the general lines of its Giugiaro-designed predecessor, but was slightly more rounded. All told, about 6.3 million second-generation Golfs were built.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen Golf Mk1</span> First generation of Golf compact car

The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 is the first generation of a small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was noteworthy for signalling Volkswagen's shift of its major car lines from rear-wheel drive and rear-mounted air-cooled engines to front-wheel drive with front-mounted, water-cooled engines that were often transversely-mounted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volkswagen T-Roc</span> Motor vehicle

The Volkswagen T-Roc is a compact crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by German automaker Volkswagen. It was unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, and launched in November 2017. It is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB A1 platform, and generally has been considered as the SUV equivalent of the C-segment Golf. It is positioned between the Tiguan and the slightly smaller T-Cross, while being approximately the same size as the Taigo.

References

  1. 1 2 Bessinger, Benjamin (24 April 2020). "Panorama: Biagini Passo". Welt (in German).
  2. ↑ "Así era el primer crossover convertible" [This was the first convertible crossover]. Milenio (in Spanish). Grupo Multimedios. 18 September 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Axon, Gary (December 2020). "Biagini Passo" (PDF). Auto Italia. No. 298. p. 98.
  4. 1 2 "#TBT: The all-wheel-drive convertible Golf that you've likely never seen before". media.vw.com. 16 April 2020.
  5. ↑ "Ali Ciemme: Off 4WD e Pick-Up Sport Limited Edition". Autoruote4x4 (in Italian). 15 August 2010. Archived from the original on 2019-04-02.
  6. 1 2 "Pasiunea pentru maşini l-a adus la Uzina ARO" [His passion for cars brought him to the ARO Factory]. Evenimentul Muscelean (in Romanian). 23 June 2011.
  7. 1 2 n. t. (6 December 1979). "Solo «sciacalli» per le industrie fasulle insediate in Val di Sangro?" [Only "jackals" for the bogus industries based in Val di Sangro?](PDF). l'Unità (in Italian). p. 20.
  8. 1 2 Wilcox, David (18 June 1983). "When in Romania do what the Romanians do — take to the fields". Commercial Motor. pp. 27–30.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Braccini, Carlo (26 August 1991). "Brillante su strada La Passo supera la «prova vento»" [Brilliant on the road The Passo passes the "wind test"](PDF). l'Unità (in Italian). p. 31.
  10. ↑ "55 case costruttrici negli anni '50" [55 manufacturers in the 1950s](PDF). Scuola Officina (in Italian). Museo del Patrimonio Industriale. January–December 2021. pp. 32, 33, 40. ISSN   1723-168X.
  11. ↑ Pasquale, Franco (7 December 1976). "La Honda è Entrata in Italia con una «Fabbrica Fantoccio»" [Honda has Entered Italy with a "Puppet Factory"](PDF). l'Unità (in Italian). p. 6.
  12. ↑ Tarantini, Nadia (28 November 1979). "Dopo la « bomba » dell'Honda abruzzese si indaga sui padrini locali della industrializzazione" [After the "bomb" of the Abruzzo Honda, the local godfathers of industrialization are being investigated](PDF). l'Unità (in Italian). p. 11.
  13. 1 2 Cianci, Nando (14 December 1980). "«Rubavamo i soldi alla Casmez? Che c'è di male? Lo fanno tutti»" ["Were we stealing money from Casmez? What's wrong? Everyone does it."](PDF). l'Unità (in Italian). p. 19.
  14. ↑ Tarantini, Nadia (29 November 1979). "Il Vero imputato (ma «non perseguibile») nel Sangro e la Democrazia cristiana" [The True defendant (but «not prosecuted») in the Sangro and the Christian Democrats](PDF). l'Unità (in Italian). p. 14.
  15. ↑ Loggia P2 e Massoneria — Documentazione Bancaria Relativa a Licio Gelli [P2 Lodge and Freemasonary — Banking Documentations Relating to Licio Gelli](PDF) (Report) (in Italian). Vol. VI. Camera dei Deputati VII — Senato della Repubblica. 1987.
  16. 1 2 Einaudi, Filippo (7 March 2021). "Biagini Passo, la Golf 4x4 Cabrio un po' italiana" [Biagini Passo, the slightly Italian Golf Convertible 4x4]. it.motor1.com (in Italian).
  17. ↑ Fink, Greg (16 April 2020). "This WTF Italian 4x4 Convertible Is Actually a Familiar Car". Motor Trend.
  18. 1 2 3 Glon, Ronan (21 August 2020). "Revealed: The secret Volkswagens that were never sold". Autocar.
  19. 1 2 3 4 Glon, Ronan (31 October 2022). "Italy built the off-road, convertible Golf that VW never would". Hagerty.
  20. 1 2 Ferrari, Alessandra (10 December 1990). "Travestendosi da debuttante il «Passo» torna in passerella" [Disguising itself as a debutant, the «Passo» returns to the catwalk](PDF). l'Unità (in Italian). p. 20.
  21. ↑ "Positioning — "Accept no roof": the T-Roc Cabriolet combines the best of two worlds". www.volkswagen-newsroom.com. 3 October 2020.
  22. ↑ "Biagino [sic] Passo in the AutoMuseum Volkswagen". www.automuseum-volkswagen.de. 2019.
  23. ↑ Legelius, Carl (11 October 2010). "Köp en Biagini Passo – NU" [Buy a Biagini Passo — NOW]. www.klassiker.nu (in Dutch).
  24. ↑ Patera, Zdeněk. "Biagini Passo 4WD, 1993". auta5p.eu.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.