Chassis No. 100B 023200

Founded in Milan in 1885, Eduardo Bianchi's bicycle manufacturing enterprise evolved into a significant automotive producer, becoming Italy's third-largest automaker behind Fiat and Lancia by the 1920s. A 1955 merger with Fiat and Pirelli saw the company become Autobianchi, focusing on bespoke variants of the Fiat 500 platform.

The first Autobianchi model, the Bianchina, debuted in charming Trasformabile (fixed profile convertible) form, later introducing variety of body styles over its production run. The Bianchina shared its reliable mechanicals with the Fiat 500, including its air-cooled straight twin engine which grew to 499 cc in 1959, producing a spritely 21 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 stylish early Trasformablie model, chassis number 23200, hails from the second series of production and is offered in a nautical two-tone navy blue and Old English White specification. Benefitting from a bare-metal restoration completed in 2015, the Bianchi's performance has been dramatically enhanced by a 650-cc, air-cooled Abarth-specification engine with electronic ignition rated at 35 horsepower, paired with a synchronized four-speed manual transmission. Further notable performance improvements include its 12-inch aluminum Fiat Lesmo wheels mounted with Falken Sincera SN828 P tires, rear leaf-spring to coil-over conversion kit, and a stainless-steel muffler. Abarth badging and red pinstriping give the exterior a sporting flair, while the full leather interior continues the theme with vibrant red carpeting, Tricolore stripes on the door cards, blue contrast piping on the seats, aluminum pedals, an Abarth steering wheel, and a chrome-pated shift gate.

This wonderfully restored Italian microcar is accompanied by a spare tire, factory tool kit, jack, Autobianchi manual, spare parts catalog, chrome luggage rack, and other spare parts, providing its next fortunate owner with a healthy dose of La Dolce Vita.