Introduced to the world at the Paris Motor Show in spring 1957, the Bianchina was the first car to emerge from the newfound union between Italian industrial giants Bianchi, Fiat, and Pirelli. Featuring Fiat 500-based mechanicals, rear-hinged doors, unique trim, and luxurious appointments, the Bianchina was essentially a coachbuilt custom at an attainable price. As a result, the diminutive car soon earned a reputation as the “rich man’s Fiat Cinquecento.”

Available in a variety of styles, from fashionable to functional, the Bianchina remained in production for more than a decade. Perhaps the most desirable Bianchina variant is the Trasformabile, distinguished by its sliding canvas roof. Approximately 35,500 examples were built between 1957 and 1962, accounting for just 1% of the entire Fiat 500 production run.

The elegant little Autobianchi presented here has been restored to an unusually high standard and was previously owned by Leo Schigiel, the noted Miami-based collector of Italian coachbuilt cars. As offered today, the Trasformabile presents beautifully in its period turquoise and white color scheme with complementing two-tone upholstery and whitewall tires. Detailed to an impressive standard and accompanied by a period-correct jack, this Autobianchi is a splendid example of mid-century Italian styling. A fun, vintage city car that can be entered with pride in local shows, this Trasformabile is sure to reward its new caretaker with its unique charms and magnetic appeal.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled as 017673.