The Autobianchi Bianchina is based on the Fiat 500. They all share vital dimensions and mechanics, but the Autobianchi was offered in more and more beautiful body styles.
Several variants
The Bianchina proved that a mass-produced microcar didn't have to be boring. It came in different variants such as Cabriolet , Berlina , Panoramica (station wagon) and Furgoncino (van). The car pictured in the main photo is a Transformabile – a semi-convertible where the middle part of the roof could be folded down its entire length like on the Citroen 2CV – or like a sardine can, to put it in an uncharming way. Different variants and the possibility of two-tone color combinations meant that one could order a vehicle that appeared individually customized. Typically Italian.
Model history
The Transformabile was the first Bianchina model to go into production based on the Fiat Nuova 500. The little Autobianchi got the same engine as the Nuova 500 – a 2-cylinder air-cooled engine of 479 cc. In 1960, when the Nuova 500 was replaced by the 500D, both Fiat and Autobianchi got a slightly larger engine of 499 cc. Technically, the Bianchina is built on the same platform as the Fiat 500 and shares all of its technology. The Bianchina was produced between 1957 and 1970 in several variants, but the beautiful Transformabile disappeared from the model range already in 1962, while the Cabriolet version followed the Bianchina. It was a real convertible where the entire roof could be folded down.
As a hobby car
There is little doubt that the Autobianchi Bianchina is an excellent hobby car. In terms of price, complete and drivable cars range from €5000 to €25000. At the top of the price list are the Transformabile and Cabriolet in showroom condition. If you are more satisfied with a Berlina with some signs of use, you will find good and drivable cars for under €10000. After looking at the 54 cars that were just now for sale on mobile.de , I get the impression that there are still some that are still – or have recently been – in traffic, and that there are sellers who sell the cars as used cars and not as classic, Italian vintage cars.
About the pictures
The pictures of the two red Transformabiles were taken in Fornebu at a small gathering where the Norwegian Fiat Register visited the Vespa museum several years ago. The pictures of the Panoramica are auction pictures with a source from the auction house Interencheres.
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