1968 Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica

Originally a bicycle manufacturer and arguably best-known as a maker of fine racing motorcycles, Edoardo Bianchi built his first automobile in the early 1900s. 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 under FIAT auspices, Autobianchi's debut model being the Bianchina, based on FIAT's new 500. Positioned up-market from the FIAT, the Bianchina debuted as the Transformable coupe, with full-length folding sunroof, and showed clear signs of American influence. 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. A fourth version, the Quattroposti saloon, arrived the following year. Sold new in Italy, this charming left-hand drive miniature estate car was restored in Italy approximately 5 years ago. The car remains in superb order and the restoration was clearly carried out by a skilled expert who knows these little cars well. Finished in lime green with black and white interior and rare sunroof, this car will require UK registration by the next owner but is supplied with a current MoT certificate. First registered on 4th January 1968, the car comes with a Certificato Di Proprieta stating that the car was registered in Rome. One can see it now blasting past the Colosseum at breakneck speed!