1961 Autobianchi Bianchina 500 Transormabile Speciale

The Milan-based Bianchi Company produced vehicles for 56 years that included large and small cars, motorcycles, tanks (in support of the war efforts), and trucks. In 1955 it merged with Pirelli and Fiat to become Autobianchi SpA and produced Fiat 500-based cars. They were basically an in-house custom body builder used by Fiat to compete with the numerous aftermarket kit suppliers. In September 1957, they introduced their Bianchina Trasformabile.

The following year the car was given a more powerful engine and was offered as a salon, coupe, convertible, and estate. 1958 was also the same year that Bianchi sold its shares to its partners, Fiat and Pirelli.

At the 1960 Geneva Salon, the Bianchina Speciale Convertible was introduced. It was a miniature luxury car aimed at the American market and outfitted with a generous amount of chrome trim and a unique interior. Power was supplied from the 500D motor, and the suspension was modified to give it a more responsive and luxurious ride. Soundproofing was improved to reduce exterior noise. The cooling slots on the side, behind the doors, and the chrome borders were removed.

The Bianchina Speciale Convertible was given a price of 20 percent over the base 500. The convertible body styles would continue until 1970, while the estate and saloon were discontinued in 1969.

This 1961 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile Speciale has been given a complete restoration since new. It is painted red with a red-and-white striped interior. It has a two-cylinder engine that displaces 499 cc and produces 21 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and hydraulic drum brakes.

In 2007 this car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA, where it was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000 and offered without reserve. Bidding surpassed those estimates, settling at $41,800, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008