| Automobiles of Amelia Island Saturday, March 13, 2010 |
|||||||||
| 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina 500 Transformable | |||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
21 hp, 479 cc air-cooled, rear-mounted two-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 72.4" Founded in 1899 and located within Italy’s industrial heartland in Milan, the Bianchi firm enjoyed independent status for the first 56 years of its history. During this period, the company built a wide range of motor products, including large automobiles, armored military vehicles and a series of Mercedes-powered trucks. In 1955, following a business alliance with Fiat and Pirelli and a name change to Autobianchi SpA, the reorganized company focused its operations on a long-running series of upscale Fiat 500 variants. Introduced in September 1957, the resulting Bianchina was designed by Luigi Rapi, who worked for Fiat. Diminutive yet bursting with an abundance of sporting character, the Bianchina offered sturdy and widely available Fiat 500 mechanical components with luxurious levels of trim for the era. The understated yet captivating Bianchina was further enhanced by a series of mechanical upgrades, including a lowered suspension, which contributed to a sportier ride. Despite its small two-cylinder air-cooled engine, the Bianchina was quite a capable performer, with a top speed of 60 mph and an estimated range of nearly 300 miles. Fuel economy reportedly approached a very impressive 50 mpg. While the Bianchina was just one of the many fascinating European “microcars” that were available during the 1950s and 1960s, it was an unqualified success. In fact, with its decidedly sporty demeanor and limited-production cachet, it was quickly regarded by enthusiasts as “the rich man’s Fiat Cinquecento.” The Transformable semi-convertible was the first Bianchina model released, and it was produced briefly until the Cabriolet appeared in 1962. This striking U.S.-specification Transformable from 1959 is equipped with a set of seven-inch headlamps and was acquired by the current owner in early 2009. Finished in red with a new black Stayfast top, a black vinyl interior and black carpeting, it is further complemented by brightwork that was selectively restored as needed, as well as a new set of blackwall tires. Described by its knowledgeable current owner as a mechanically sound example with delightful driving characteristics, this fine Bianchina is sure to provide its next owner with a thrilling, albeit rather unusual, driving experience! |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||