Lot 150: 1968 Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica Lusso

Most small cars could offer similar economy and just as much interior space while having that useful extra refinement for long journeys, but none of those rivals were quite as small as the Fiat 500. It was the ultimate town car, and its tiny dimensions and cheeky good looks soon won an enormous following among minimalist motorists around the world.The Fiat 500 was a true successor to the Fiat Topolino, or 'Little Mouse', which had been part of the Italian culture since 1936. The bubble-like shape of the 500 had already been pioneered by the Fiat 600 in 1955, which although similar in looks was a conventional small family saloon, with a water cooled, four cylinder engine. In contrast, the 500 was almost a microcar with its aircooled vertical twin and seating for two adults only. The car was irresistible to tuners, with the likes of Giannini, Steyr-Puch and most famously Abarth, all turning their attention to the baby Fiat. For such a successful model, variations to the theme followed. Formed from a joint venture in 1955 between Bianchi, Fiat and Pirelli, the new Autobianchi combination centered its production at Desio. The Bianchina - largely based on the 500 - was the first car from the new union. A number of versions of this small car were produced, among them a saloon, a roll-top convertible, a full convertible and, similar to the Fiat 500 Giardiniera, a miniature estate called Panoramica. The delightful little Bianchina we have on offer is a rare Lusso (Italian for luxury) version, benefiting from a wooden rim on the dashboard, a removable radio, an additional tray in front of the gearlever, fog lights, a reversing light and, last but not least, an internal rear view mirror! This must be luxury at its best. As it has just undergone a comprehensive restoration at a cost of some 6,000 Euros, it is no surprise that it is being described by the vendor as in excellent condition. Finished in a new coat of red paint with an unmarked tan interior, this car should not be confused with other more economic restorations. Complete with ASI (Italian Historic Motoring Association) paperwork and Italian papers.