1964 Autobianchi Bianchina Cabriolet

Chassis No. 005265
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. The goal was to produce small and stylish microcars for post-war Italy, while also acting as a testbed for parent company Fiat to develop new technologies to be used in its main product line. 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 straight twin engine which grew to 499 cc in 1959, producing a spritely 25 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 rare and stylish Cabriolet model, chassis number 005265, hails from the third series of Bianchina production and is offered in a lovely white over black specification. Benefitting from a partial restoration undertaken by Officine Cortese in Bologna, Italy, and finished by Imported Motor Cars of Santee, California, the Bianchi is powered by an upgraded 650 cc, rear-mounted air-cooled engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Further notable equipment includes its dual horns, driver's sideview mirror, chrome hubcaps, and neatly folding black canvas soft top. This wonderfully restored Italian microcar is accompanied by a spare tire, jack, and tools, providing its next fortunate owner with a healthy dose of La Dolce Vita.