Matchbox/Lesney 56c; BMC 1800 Pininfarina

The BMC-Pininfarina 1800 predates the Citroen CX by seven years - one wonders how BMC may have fared had they the courage to put this beauty into production - it would have certainly appealed in Europe and undoubtedly would have created a high-technology reputation for the (by then) struggling manufacturer. There’s no doubt that had BMC had the foresight to produce this car, then things might have been somewhat different in the lead-up to the Leyland takeover of the following year. Styled by Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina, the Berlina Aerodinamica was as svelte and slippery as the standard Austin/Morris 1800 was frumpy and unappealing to contemporary motorists.

Unveiled at the 1967 Turin Motor Show, nine years before the Rover SD1, the styling of this concept car was hugely influential.

There was never very much wrong with the production 1800 to drive thanks to keen dynamics and reasonable performance (expecially in the later 2200cc guise) but it was brought down by its stark interior and rather challenging styling

The BMC 1800 Pininfarina (56c) was introduced in 1969 in metallic gold with Superfast wheels. There was no transition model at number 56. The Fiat 1500 (56b) was discontinued with regular wheels and this car replaced it. The car was recoloured to peach and then orange for the rest of the run from 1971 to 1973 and orange is the most commonly found colour. Look out for peach coloured cars or gold with Gulf decals and racing number 17. There is a pre-production prototype in silver, yellow or blue which is quite rare and valuable.

Matchbox/Lesney 56c; BMC 1800 Pininfarina; Orange	Matchbox/Lesney 56c; BMC 1800 Pininfarina; Gold Metallic

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Last Edit: 12/06/2024		Page Added 21/02/2021