1970 Alfa Romeo F11 Minibus ‘Autotutto’
The Alfa Romeo F11 Minibus ‘Autotutto’ is a fascinating example of Alfa Romeo’s venture into the commercial vehicle segment, a departure from their usual sporty offerings.
The first version of this small commercial delivery van (the T10), was introduced in 1954 at the Turin Motor Show, was designed to cater to a variety of uses, living up to its name ‘Autotutto’ which translates to ‘all-purpose’. The F11 Minibus variant, part of the updated lineup, continued to showcase Alfa Romeo’s engineering prowess.
The exterior of the F11 Minibus is characterized by its boxy, utilitarian design, optimized for maximum cargo space. Measuring compactly to navigate urban environments, it features large windows for improved visibility, a flat front with the distinctive Alfa Romeo grille, and practical sliding doors for easy access. The design is simple yet functional, reflecting the vehicle’s primary role as a workhorse.
Inside, the F11 Minibus offers a straightforward and functional layout. The driver’s cabin is designed with practicality in mind, featuring basic instrumentation and controls within easy reach.
The spacious cargo area is flat and low, thanks to the front-wheel-drive layout and independent suspension system. This design allows for easy loading and unloading, making it ideal for commercial use.
Under the hood, the F11 Minibus is powered by a 1.3-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine, a de-tuned version of the engine found in the Giulietta. This engine, known for its reliability and efficiency, produced enough power for the vehicle’s intended use. Additionally, a twin-cylinder supercharged two-stroke diesel engine was available as an option, catering to different market needs.
Notable features of the F11 Minibus include its independent suspension system, which was quite advanced for a commercial vehicle of its time. This, along with the front-wheel-drive layout, allowed for a large, flat load area and made it relatively easy to extend the chassis for longer body configurations.
This adaptability meant the F11 Minibus could be customized for various commercial applications, from passenger transport to cargo delivery.
Inside, the van had an extremely practical design. The flat and low cargo floor, combined with wide-opening rear doors, made loading and unloading easy. This was particularly beneficial for businesses requiring frequent and efficient handling of goods. The passenger variant offered plenty of seating, making it suitable for shuttle services and group travel.
The F11 Minibus faced competition from other European commercial vehicles, such as the Volkswagen Type 2 and the Citroën H Van. Each had its strengths, but the F11 Minibus distinguished itself through its advanced engineering and the use of a proven engine.
Versatile commercial vehicles like the F11 Minibus ‘Autotutto’ showcased Alfa Romeo’s ability to adapt its expertise to the demands of the market while retaining the ingenuity and flair that define the brand.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
