1960 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile Coupé. F.I.V. Edoardo Bianchi S.p.A is the world’s oldest bicycle manufacturer, pioneering bike architecture with equal sized wheels with pneumatic rubber tires. Founded in 1885, the company quickly moved in to motorcycle manufacture and then in 1955, with a joint venture with Fiat, cars.

Autobianchi’s debut model was the Fiat 500 based Bianchina, a Trasformabile or convertible coupé, with a full length folding sunroof. The styling and plentiful chrome trim enabled it to be marketed as an upmarket model, a second car in the family stable, for the affluent middle class and their increasing prosperity in the post-War economic recovery. Two tone paint schemes and interior treatments and whitewall tires added to the flashy image.

Powered by an air-cooled twin cylinder engine and 4-speed manual ‘box, the peppy little car featured independent suspension and hydraulic drum brakes at each corner.

This 2nd series car is offered in beautifully restored condition and hails from a discerning collection of cars and motorcycles. Showing only 15 miles on there odometer, the car has been on static display in a climate-controlled environment since purchase several years ago. In excellent “tune”, the car starts easily and runs well, shifting effortlessly through all gears. The car stops and corners with the aplomb of a diminutive Italian sportscar.

Paint is excellent in a lush creamy white over bright rosso with similar two-tone interior. The 1960 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile Coupé offers a rather interesting and collectible feature – the steering wheel sits on the right side of the car. As a very rare right-hand drive example, the charming little Italian gem, offers an interesting variation on the dolce vita theme and would undoubtedly be a great addition to any collection.