1960 Autobianchi Bianchina

The Fiat 500-based Bianchina, named after Edoardo Bianchi's first-ever automobile, was introduced to the world at the Paris Motor Show in the spring of 1957. The Italian-based Autobianchi automobile manufacturer was created jointly by Bianchi, Pirelli, and Fiat in 1955. During its 27-year existence, it produced only a few models which were almost exclusively small cars based on Fiat automobiles. As such, they had similar sizes, higher prices, and were often used to test ideas and technologies that were sometimes incorporated into future Fiat vehicles. Among the innovations were front-wheel drive and fiberglass bodies.

Edoardo Bianchi was originally a bicycle manufacturer and arguably best known as a maker of fine racing motorcycles. He built his first automobile around 1900 and many of the vehicles he built were of higher quality and built with great attention to detail. Mr. Bianchi passed away in July of 1946 and his factory had been destroyed during World War II. Following World War II, Edoardo's son, Giuseppe Bianchi took the reins of the company and resurrected the production of bicycles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. In 1957, Autobianchi was formed as a result of a partnership between Autobianchi, Fiat, and Pirelli. Production commenced at a new purpose-built factory in Desio.

The Autobianchi Bianchina was essentially a coachbuilt custom with luxurious accouterments, unique trim, and rear-hinged doors. A variety of body styles were offered including a Cabriolet (roadster), Trasformabile (sliding canvas roof), Berlina (saloon), Furgoncino (van), and Panoramica (station wagon). Power was initially sourced from the smallest Fiat engine - an air-cooled, 479cc unit that offered approximately 15 bhp. Output rose to 17 horsepower at 4,000 RPM in 1959, and the 499cc unit powering the Trasformabile offered 18 horsepower initially, later enhanced to 21 bhp. The transmission was a four-speed manual unit and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided the stopping power. The front suspension was independent with transverse leaf springs while the rear used a swing-axle setup. The wheelbase measured 72.4 inches and most body styles measured 118.9 inches in length (the Trasformabile measured 117.5 inches and the Panoramica measured 127 inches).

Approximately 35,500 examples of the Autobianchi Bianchina were built between 1957 and 1962, accounting for just 1% of the entire Fiat 500 production run.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet
Chassis number: 110B 019184

The Autobianchi Bianchina was introduced at the Paris Auto Salon in the spring of 1957. It was the first car produced after the marriage of Italian companies, Fiat, Pirelli, and Bianchi. The mechanical components were sourced from the Fiat 500, and it was given suicide-style doors, unique trim and deluxe creature comforts. It was a unique factory custom automobile listed at an affordable price.

Several body styles were available and would remain in production for over a decade. The Trasformabile body style had a sliding canvas roof between fixed pillars and roof rails.

This particular Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile is an original rust-free example that has been treated to a restoration. The odometer shows 25,650 miles with just having test miles since the restoration was completed.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet
Chassis number: 110B 020309

Edoardo Bianchi built his first automobile around 1900. Over the years, Bianchi's were often high-end luxury vehicles manufactured to very high standards. After Edoardo passed away and the destruction of the Bianchi factory during World War II, manufacturing was suspended. Giuseppe Bianchi, Edorado's son, took control of the company in 1946 and resurrected the production of bicycles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. In 1957, Bianchi formed a partnership with FIAT and Pirelli, creating Autobianchi with the purpose of building passenger vehicles. This new endeavor used a new purpose-built factory in Desio. Their first model was the Fiat 500-based Bianchina, named after Edorado Bianchi's first automobile. It made its debut as a Trasformabile coupe, with lots of chrome and a full-length folding sunroof. Whereas the Fiat 500 had been built as basic transportation, the Bianchina was marketed as a 'recreational vehicle' or a 'second car.' It was positioned up-market and marketed to affluent middle-class ladies.

In 1960, the newly introduced Fiat 500D engine became standard equipment in the Bianchina range. By this point in history, the lineup included two new models - a Cabriolet and a Panoramica estate car. A fourth version, the Quattroposti saloon, arrived the following year.

The current owner of this car, Mr. van Huystee, purchased this example in the mid-1990s. It has been given a comprehensive refurbishment and finished in a period paintwork scheme of sunny light blue with a two-tone tan and cream interior. It has a rollback roof in black fabric, 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, an independent suspension, and a 4-speed manual gearbox. The air-cooled, two-cylinder engine is fitted with a single Weber carburetor and offers approximately 17 horsepower.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet
Chassis number: 110 B *018396*
Engine number: 110.000*098910*

This 1960 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile was given a comprehensive show-quality restoration and finished in white and black over two-tone red and cream upholstery. Its 499cc, overhead valve, air-cooled two-cylinder engine with a single Weber carburetor produces approximately 17.5 horsepower at 4,000 RPM. There is a four-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and an independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs.

by Dan Vaughan

Edoardo Bianchi was a bicycle manufacturer who created the company Bianchi in 1885. Beginning in 1899, he began experimenting with the automobile. The company's history is also remembered for its motorcycle production, of which many were used successfully in sporting competition.

Before World War II, the company produced various models that appealed to a wide range of consumers. By the close of the 1930s, production had shifted towards concentrating on motorcycles and commercial vehicles. The company's factories were destroyed during WWII, and Edoardo Bianchi passed away in 1946 due to a car accident. Ownership of the company went to his son, Giuseppe.

After the war, a new factory was constructed in Desio and production resumed for bicycles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. Bianchi later approached Fiat and Pirelli with a proposal to form a new company focusing on automobile production. An agreement was reached in early 1955, and the Autobianchi Company was formed. A new factory was built to handle the production.

Fiat provided the technical components and knowledge, Pirelli provided the tires, and Bianchi created the bodies and assembled the vehicles. The first product produced under this new venture was the Bianchina, based on the Fiat 500. It was powered by an air-cooled, two-cylinder engine mounted in the rear of the car. The body was designed by Luigi Rapi. The car was positioned to sell above the Fiat 500 and offered luxury features not found in the 500. The first body style to roll off the assembly line was the 'Trasformabile' and would remain the only body style available until 1960 when the Cabriolet was introduced. A three-door estate dubbed the Panoramica and a two-door saloon called the Berlina were introduced later.

In 1960, the newly introduced Fiat 500D became standard equipment on the microcar. An Autobianchi Bianchina Cabriolet played a starring role in the original 'Pink Panther' movie, starring Peter Sellers.

by Dan Vaughan