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 300 miles. Fuel economy reportedly approached an impressive 50 miles per gallon. With its limited-production cachet, the Bianchina was quickly regarded by enthusiasts as the “rich man’s Fiat.”

This is an excellent example of one of the world's most attractive microcars. A complete, high-quality, photo-documented restoration was undertaken to bring the Bianchina to show standards. During the restoration, this car was brought down from a solid, complete original car to a bare tub, and it was media-blasted with aluminum oxide before applying the bodywork and paint. The exterior is finished in a nostalgic mint green with cream accents, and it is sporting a new, black fold-down top. The inside of this lovely little car is tastefully trimmed in tan and cream. All of the chrome, down to the taillights and door handles, are original to the car, and they were re-chromed to show quality.

One look at this car and any experienced buyer will notice the level of restoration that this Bianchina has received, down to the new and rebuilt mechanicals. A complete catalogue of pictures is available, showing its very presentable condition prior to and throughout the entire restoration process. The attention to detail is what makes this car truly a one-of-a-kind.