1960 AUTOBIANCHI BIANCHINA TRASFORMABILE SPECIAL Two Cylinder Fiat 500 Micro Car

Price: - Item location: Springfield, Ohio, United States
Description:

1960 Fiat 500

NO SALE TO BUYERS OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.A.
1960 AUTOBIANCHI BIANCHINA TRASFORMABILE "SPECIAL" Italian micro car. Air cooled 2 cylinder 499.5 cc rear engine. 4 Speed manual transmission. Engine Model Number 110.004. Clear OHIO Title.Please view all 24 photos.
Diminutive yet bursting with an abundance of sporting character, the Bianchina offered sturdy and widely available Fiat 500 mechanical components with luxurious levels of trim for era. The understated yet captivating Bianchina was further enhanced by a series of mechanical upgrades, including a lowered suspension, which contributed to a sportier ride. Despite its small two cylinder air cooled engine mounted in the rear of the car, the Bianchina "Special" model was quite a capable performer, with a top speed of 65 mph. Fuel economy reportedly approached a very impressive 52 mpg. While the Bianchina was just one of many fascinating European micro cars that were available during the 50's and 60's, it was an unqualified success. In fact, with its decidedly sporty demeanor and limited production cachet, the Bianchina was quickly regarded by enthusiasts as the rich mans' Fiat 500.
From 1957 through 1962, 35,500 Bianchina Trasformabiles were built. Of those, only 1,500 were built with the increased SAE horsepower option of 25 versus the standard 21 hp. This is one of those 1,500 known as the "Special" model.At the time of this auction starting, the odometer reads 40,784 miles. When I purchased this car in 2002 the odometer read 39,563 miles. The previous owner did not verify to the State of Ohio that the odometer had not exceeded its mileage limit so the Title reads Mileage Non-Actual. The State of Ohio registers all Autobianchi Bianchinas as Fiats so the Title reads 1960 Fiat. I have only put a bit over 1,200 miles on it since I purchased it 15 years ago. This is a "driver" quality car. It has won many awards at area car shows. It definitely attracts attention. People gather around it wherever it's parked. Unique suicide doors.
Too many parts have been replaced, restored or repaired to mention here but I will list some of them. German made Continental 4.40 x 12 tires with whitewall inserts and new tubes, battery, muffler, brakes, front shocks, 99% of the wiring, interior upholstery, interior panels, both visors, carpet, steering wheel, added horn ring, horn button, new bullet mirrors and rear view mirror, rubber door and door window rubber seals, windshield rubber seal, antenna, convertible cloth top, new bumpers, rear bonnet hinge covers, spark plugs, distributor cap, fuse box, fuel pump, manifold cover and gasket, oil filler cap, oil dip stick, wiper blades, many chrome parts re-chromed, some suspension parts, starter rebuilt, coil, amateur body work and repaint (imperfections can be seen up close), two front white rubber bumper inserts, both taillight lens, light bezel gaskets, name badges, headlights and much more too numerous to mention.Amazingly it has the original Pirelli spare tire. It's in fair condition and it needs a tube. I would suggest using it for display only.Some things need attention but are not limited to what I have listed here. One rear wheel stud is missing, oil drip, area below battery tray has corroded through, carb needs some fine tuning, shifts through all gears but bogs down some in fourth gear, fuel gauge is inaccurate, wipers were working but are not now, needs one heater duct, hood release cable needs adjusted, has the rare Italian made AUTOVOX in dash radio option but it has static and needs to be refurbished, paint has some blemishes, nicks and scratches, previous owner put in handmade front floor pans (correct originals are available online).
Rear dealer license plate frame shown on car is not included.
Car is being sold as is, with no guarantee written, expressed or implied. NO RETURNS WILL BE ACCEPTED. This car is not a concours class vehicle. It's not restored to new condition. I suggest before bidding that you inspect the car or have the car inspected.
It is located just off I-70 in Springfield, Ohio which is 45 minutes west of Columbus and 30 miles east of Dayton. Winning bidder pays a $500 non-refundable deposit through Paypal within 24 hours of auction end. Balance is to be paid within 72 hours of auction end with a U.S. Certified Bank Check. After your U.S. Certified Bank check clears my bank,pickup must be scheduled to occur within two weeks.