1962 Autobianchi Bianchina Cabriolet

Originally a bicycle manufacturer and arguably best known as a maker of fine racing motorcycles, Edoardo Bianchi built his first automobile around 1900. A wide variety of models was manufactured over the next 30 years, though by 1940 the firm was concentrating on motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Car manufacture resumed in 1957 when Bianchi joined partners Fiat and Pirelli to form Autobianchi. Production commenced at a new purpose-built factory in Desio, Autobianchi's debut model being the Fiat 500-based Bianchina, named after Edoardo Bianchi's first ever automobile. The Bianchina debuted as the 'Transformabile' coupé, with full-length folding sunroof, and, size apart, showed clear signs of American influence, exemplified by two-tone paintwork, whitewall tires, and plentiful chrome work. Positioned up-market from the Fiat 500, which had been conceived as basic transportation for the impecunious masses, the Bianchina was marketed as a 'second car' or luxurious 'recreational vehicle'. Appealing strongly to affluent middle-class ladies, it reflected Italian society's increasing prosperity.

In 1960, the newly introduced and more powerful Fiat 500D engine became standard equipment on the Bianchina range which was augmented by two new models: a Cabriolet and the Panoramica estate car that used the Fiat Giardiniera's space-saving horizontally-opposed engine. The Autobianchi Bianchina Cabriolet is, of course, most recognisable as the car driven by Peter Sellers' bumbling Inspector Clouseau in the original Pink Panther movie.

Our, 1962 Bianchina Cabriolet, is finished in Bright Red with Grey leather and a black hood and whilst outwardly quite smart, some renovation may be appropriate one day, however, the vendor tells us that it starts and runs perfectly, so it's fine to use as it is and the patinated exterior is a job for the future.

Writing about all these wonderful cars, it's natural to compile a ''When I win the Lottery' imaginary shopping list, and this little eccentric 'Roller Skate' would definitely be on it. It's Italian, it's Red, the top comes down and Peter Sellers drove one. What's not to like. Kool with a capital 'K'.