Lot 274: 1961 Autobianchi Bianchina Convertible

Originally a bicycle manufacturer and arguably best known as a maker of fine racing motorcycles, Edoardo Bianchi built his first automobile in the early 1950's. A wide variety of models were manufactured over the next 30 years, though by 1940 the firm was concentrating on motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Car manufacture resumed in 1957 under Fiat auspices, Autobianchi's debut model being the Bianchina based on Fiats new 500. The idea of the car was to produce a car more up-market version of the current Fiat 500 to satisfy well heeled customers. The car was produced between 1960 and 1969 with a total production run of only 9,300 units. This model has just been featured in April 2008 Classic and Sportscar magazine. Their comment was "Is this the coolest city car yet?" This model was also used in the films The Pink Panther and How to Steal a Million.The car on offer, chassis number 002218 is a second series model and comes with the original Italian log book and license plate. Finished in red with a tan interior and black hood, this little convertible is in excellent condition. With only 27,200 kilometres on the clock this example has been well conserved. According to Classic and Sportscar the value of these models is 20,000 Euros in today's market making this car to be excellent value. Something a little different from a Fiat 500 and offering full roof down, wind in the hair motoring.