Quirky Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile to be auctioned
Often described as a “rich man’s Fiat”, a 1958 Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile Series I is amongst a stunning array of cars to be offered at an auction in Monaco this week.
Well accepted from new and highly collectible now, the Bianchina was produced in a variety of styles between 1957 and 1970 as a result of a business alliance between the passenger car and bicycle manufacturers Bianchi and Fiat and Pirelli. It was marketed at affluent middle-class Italian women and as a recreational vehicle and the rare semi-convertible version to be sold was delivered new to Udine in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in 1958.
Capable of a top speed of just 60 mph and having a range of 300 miles, this minicar is said to have an impressive fuel economy of 50 mpg. Recently restored and nicknamed Ravioli by the present owner’s grandchildren, RM Sotheby’s will sell the fully restored vehicle featured without reserve but with an estimate of £17,400 to £22,100 ($25,000 to $31,900 or €22,000 to €28,000) on Saturday 14th May. This pint-sized piece of fun, the auctioneers add, would look great on “Riviera beaches, where finding parking would be a breeze”.
Update: 15th May 2016: Sold close to lower estimate for £17,700 ($25,300 or €22,400).
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