Vehicle Description
In 1885, 20-year-old Eduardo Bianchi set up a bicycle-making
business in Milan. Before long, he was making motorized
three-wheelers and then, before the turn of the century,
four-wheelers. In the 1920s, Bianchi was third behind only Fiat and
Lancia in Italian car production. In 1955, following a business
alliance with Fiat and Pirelli, the company name was changed to
Autobianchi. The reorganized firm focused its operations on a
series of upscale Fiat 500 variants. The first vehicle that was
produced under this new venture was the Bianchina. Even though it
was based on the Fiat, it offered luxury features that were not
found on the standard 500. The first body style to roll off the
assembly line was the transformabile, or semi-convertible, which
would remain the only body style available until 1960. Ultimately,
only 10,000 of these examples were produced. Bursting with an
abundance of sporting character, the Bianchina offered sturdy Fiat
500 mechanical components with luxurious levels of trim for the
era. The understated yet captivating Bianchina was further enhanced
by a series of mechanical upgrades, including a lowered suspension,
which contributed to a sportier ride. The Bianchina was quite a
capable performer, with a top speed of 60 mph and an estimated
range of nearly three hundred miles. Fuel economy reportedly
approached an impressive fifty miles per gallon. An Autobianchi
Bianchina Trasformabile appeared in the 1963 production of 'The
Pink Panther' driven by Robert Wagner - while wearing a gorilla
suit! With its limited-production cachet, the Bianchina was quickly
regarded by enthusiasts as the "rich man's Fiat." The car on offer
is the best-known model, the Bianchina Trasformabile cabriolet with
framed door windows and a fabric roof that folds down behind the
rear seats. This sporting little Bianchina has been expertly
restored and presents very nicely in red with a contrasting white
convertible top. The minimal and tidy interior is finished in
matching two-tone vinyl over black carpeting and offers
surprisingly ample room for the driver and passenger, and a couple
of kids in the back seat. The chrome bumpers and detail trim are in
excellent condition, as is the engine bay and front trunk, which
features a delightfully small spare wheel and tire. This is an
excellent example of one of the world's most attractive microcars.
Bursting with an abundance of sporting character, it is ready to be
enjoyed by its new owners. It makes a resounding statement of
cuteness and will upstage the latest Bentley and Ferrari
convertibles on the streets of the Hamptons, South Florida, or
Malibu. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details
please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7694-1958-autobianchi-bianchina/
