Chassis No. 110B 012100

Engine No. 110.000 060240

Italian automaker Autobianchi was founded in 1955 as a joint venture between Pirelli, Fiat, and Bianchi-a bicycle manufacturer founded in 1885 and named for its founder Edoardo Bianchi. Inspired by the popularity of coachbuilt Fiat 500s, Autobianchi introduced its first model in 1957, the Bianchina, with a variety of charming body styles over its production run including the Berlina (sedan), Cabriolet (convertible), Trasformabile (fixed profile convertible), Panoramica (station wagon), and Furgoncino (van). The Bianchina shared its reliable mechanicals with the Fiat 500, including its air-cooled, two-cylinder engine which produced a spritely 16.5 horsepower. What it lacked in power and size it more than made up for with its charming appearance and cheerful color schemes, embodying the increasing optimism of post-war Italy.

This particular Trasformabile example was imported to Southern California in 1958, where it remained until its rediscovery in 2008 after spending over 25 years in climate-controlled storage. Largely intact, the Bianchini underwent a meticulous year-long restoration which began with a complete disassembly and media blasting down to the bare sheet metal. The body was then renewed in a charming French blue and contrasting old English white roof, complemented by period-appropriate two-tone wheels wrapped in Firestone Silvertown tires. The cabin was outfitted with red and white-upholstered forward-tilting bucket seats, new old stock (NOS) rubber flooring, and period-correct Fiat-branded glass all around. Major mechanical components received comprehensive attention: the fuel tank underwent chemical cleaning, the brakes were completely rebuilt, and the engine was reconstructed using NOS components including the cylinder head, carburetor, and various internals.

Completed in November 2010 and subsequently acquired by the Academy of Art University Collection in January 2011, the car has since been preserved in superb cosmetic condition and mechanically maintained. This included installing a new fuel pump, rebuilding the single Weber 26IMA carburetor, and installing new fuel hoses in early 2021. This wonderfully restored Italian microcar is accompanied by a front-mounted spare, jack, and tool roll, providing its next fortunate owner with a healthy dose of La Dolce Vita.