1958 Autobianchi Bianchina Cabriolet

Eduardo Bianchi established a bicycle-making business in Milan in 1885. Within a few years, he was making motorized three-wheelers. Before the turn of the century, he was building four-wheelers. By the 1920s, Bianchi was third behind Fiat and Lancia in Italian car production.

The company name was changed to Autobianchi in 1955 following a business alliance with Fiat and Pirelli. The newly reorganized firm focused its operations on a series of upscale Fiat 500 variants. The first vehicle produced under this new venture was the Bianchina. Based on the Fiat automobile, it offered luxury features that superseded the standard offerings of the 500. The first body style was the Trasformabile, or semi-convertible, and it would remain the only body style available until 1960.

The Bianchina was understated yet refined, with sporting character and sturdy Fiat 500 mechanical components. They had a top speed of 60 mph and an estimated range of nearly 300 miles. Fuel economy approached 50 miles per gallon.

This example has been expertly restored and finished in red with a white convertible top. The interior is finished in matching two-tone vinyl over black carpeting.

Power is from a rear-mounted air-cooled two-cylinder engine displacing 479cc and offering 21 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2016