Originally a bicycle manufacturer and arguably best known as a maker of fine racing motorcycles, Edoardo Bianchi built his first automobile around 1900.

A wide variety of models was manufactured over the next 30 years, though by 1940 the firm was concentrating on motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Car manufacture resumed in 1957 when Bianchi joined partners FIAT and Pirelli to form Autobianchi. Production commenced at a new purpose-built factory in Desio, Autobianchi's debut model being the FIAT 500-based Bianchina, named after Edoardo Bianchi's first ever automobile.

The Bianchina debuted as the Transformabile coupé, which is the same body style offered here. With a full-length folding sunroof, it showed clear signs of American influence, its size excepted, exemplified by two-tone paintwork, whitewall tires and plentiful chromework. Positioned up-market from the FIAT 500, which had been conceived as basic transportation for the impecunious masses, the Bianc