Transformer: ’60 Fiat Bianchina
The Milan based Bianchi Company produced vehicles for 56 years that included large and small cars, motorcycles, tanks, and trucks. In 1955 it merged with Pirelli and Fiat to become Autobianchi SpA and produced Fiat 500-based cars. They were basically an in-house custom body builder used by Fiat to compete with the numerous aftermarket kit suppliers. In September of 1957, they introduced their Bianchina Transformabile. The Transformabile featured fixed B-pillar and partial roof, as the rest of the opening was covered with foldable fabric hood. The Transformabile was the only version to feature suicide doors. Today’s featured listing is a Transformabile Series 2 Speciale with the 499 cc engine producing 21 HP; it was built in 1960 and first registered in the US in 1961. 10,000 of this model were produced from 1959-1960, of which 200 were sent to the US. It has been treated to an extensive 5-year long restoration that produced probably one of the nicest out there. How could it not after 5 years! We like the happy red and white color combination inside and out. Although imagine it in black over black with black steelies… The seller is looking for $34,900. Very recent auction prices are in line with the seller’s expectations however we think the live auction setting is required to see that number. You need 2 or 3 people in the room who really want it. Click here for the Craigslist ad.