1958 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile

Lovely condition 1958 Autobianchi Bianchina First Series. Reputedly one family owned in Rome for most of its life.

Running and driving spot on and in really lovely condition as can be seen in the photos.

The original Fiat 500 came out in 1957 and the Autobianchi followed using the same floorpan and mechanicals.

The Trasformabile/ cabriolet version whose engine cylinder capacity was increased to 499 cc and 17. 5 PS (12. 9 kW), was made available in a Special version with bicolour paint and an engine enhanced to 21 PS (15. 4 kW).

Was previously sold by H&H Auctions in 2016 - details above

This is what they said about it at the time:

A rare and early example that was rejuvenated to exacting standards in Rome to factory launch brochure colours in 1996

- Placed in storage after the rejuvenation and reportedly only covered 100 kilometres since

- Owned from new by the same family in Rome until importation to the UK in early 2016

The car on offer is a very early, rare, and highly collectable Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile 1st Series that was first registered in Rome in 1958, and owned by the same family from new until it was imported to England early in 2016. The vendor advises that the car has its original 479cc engine and the odometer displays just over 57, 000 kilometres (35, 500 miles) which he believes is all the car has covered since new.

In 1996 the car was thoroughly and professionally rejuvenated by a company in Rome, finishing it in a wonderful 2-tone red with a red and ivory interior. This was apparently the original factory launch brochure colour combination and it suits the Trasformabile perfectly.