Tag Archives: 1959

1959 Autobianchi Transformable

May 4, 2014 Graham

Having just spent part of my spring holiday in Lisbon, Portugal, I have images of this Autobianchi Transformable fitting right into the scene. Looking cheerful in pastel yellow, this diminutive Italian would fit right in amongst the colorful, tiled buildings and palm trees while bouncing down the cobbled streets. Based on the Fiat 500, these cars were available in sedan, roadster, estate and van body styles, along with the Transformable, or convertible that you see here. This Transformable has a recently rebuilt engine and is for sale by our friends at Ocean Drive Motors in Ontario, Canada.

Year: 1959
Model: Transformable
Engine: 650cc inline-2
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: N/A
Price: $44,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1959 Autobianchi Transformable

This rare Italian micro car was only produced from 1959 to 1961 in this very collectible transformable convertible model powered by a fresh rebuilt 650cc 2 cylinder engine and transmission. Capable of cruising at 100km/hr with no double clutching for gear down shifting. This is a excellent example of one of the most attractive and collectible micro cars. This beautiful Autobianchi has been completely resorted to high quality standards with a added sound system and iPod sync unit. This very rare Italian micro car is ready to drive and will make a great addition to any collection. Price: $44,000.00

Prices for micro cars in the past couple of years have been shooting up. It used to be that you could easily snag one of these Autobianchis for well under $20,000, but even drivers in rougher shape than our featured car here are fetching in the mid $20,000 range. While it could be a pricer option than a Smart car, just think how smart you would look cruising in the city in one of these, enjoying the size and economy benefits of a small car with a healthy dose of 1950s Italian design.

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile

June 20, 2013 Graham 1 Comment

While the cost of fuel has settled down a bit over the last few months, fuel economy in vehicles is still front and center when it comes to the consumer checklist these days. There’s a lot of options when it comes to saving fuel, including the new crop of diesel vehicles, hybrids and smaller alternatives like scooters. However, vintage microcars are a great way of being frugal for those who dare to be different. This 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformable is a great way of having a little bit of luxury and style with your economy that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Year: 1959
Model: Bianchina Trasformabile
Engine: 500cc inline two
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 26,076 miles
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1959 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile

This 1959 FIAT Bianchina has only 26,076 miles. The Autobianchi Bianchina is an supermini produced by the Italian automaker Autobianchi, based on the Fiat 500. It was available in various configurations: Berlina (saloon), Cabriolet (roadster), Trasformabile (convertible), Panoramica (station wagon), and Furgoncino (van). The car was presented to the public on September 16, 1957 at the Museum of Science and Technology in Milan.

Initially, the car was equipped with the smallest Fiat engine, air-cooled 479 cc producing 15 hp (11 kW). In 1959, the engine power was increased to 17 hp (13 kW) and in 1960, the cabriolet version was launched. This Fiat is a great driver. It starts right up without trouble and is a fun way to get around town. For more photos, check out the listing on our website www.rmsofnewjersey.com and feel free to give us a call at (201) 934-8888 or email us at sales@rmsofnewjersey.com with any questions or inquiries.

If they are in good shape, these Bianchinas can command a decent amount of coin, which is not surprising, as the Fiat 500 on which they’re based are highly prized as well. Given current market conditions, it’s safe to assume that this car will probably see a final bid of somewhere around $20,000 to $25,000.

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato

January 14, 2013 Graham 2 Comments

While they are small, the Abarth 750 Zagato "Double Bubble" coupe is rather mighty. These cars collected numerous victories on the track, everywhere from the famed Mille Miglia to the 12 Hours of Sebring. While its 750cc inline four cylinder engine with 48 horsepower might not seem like much, its lightweight and diminutive size more than made up for it. This 750 Zagato for sale in Connecticut has a race history behind it and wouldn't be a car you'd be afraid to use regularly in vintage racing.

1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato

1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato Double Bubble Coupe. Runs and drives well. Has an extensive VSCCA race history. She has a Race Car paint job. Looks good from a distance, but nothing flash up close. Ideal for the track. I love these door handles.
Push the button, pull the handle. VSCCA Safety Inspection (scrutineering) Stickers. One for every race. A couple of things to note:

1. The seats are period, but not original. They come up on eBay occasionally.
2. The engine is correct, but not matching number. Not uncommon for a race car.

The paint is ideal for an old race car. The floors are original and in very good condition. Optional auxiliary radiator.

As we mentioned with the last Abarth 750 featured, good examples will run you around $80,000 to $100,000. Since this one is a bit rough, but nonetheless complete, I'd suspect somewhere between $65,000 to $75,000 might be a good estimate for its worth. As it sits, the patina on this car is great and a departure from the over restored examples you tend to see at auction. Let's hope the new owner keeps on racing it as originally intended.

-Paul

Lancia

1959 Lancia Flaminia Berlina

December 1, 2012 Graham

The Flaminia is a bit of a dark horse when it comes to Italian classic cars, but it's important in its own right. The flagship of the range for ten years, this was a car that, like all Lancias of the period, was magnificently engineered yet had an understated style about. The Flaminia broke ranks with the racy sports cars and flashy grand touring machines to hail from Italy at the time and opted for a more muted elegance. With its V6 engine, double wishbone front suspension and rear mounted transaxle, this was an advanced vehicle in its day. This particular Flaminia for sale in Texas is a bit rough but it's all there for someone with enough time and money to invest in this classic machine.

1959 Lancia Flaminia Berlina

Back in 1959 Italians regarded the Lancia Flaminia as the finest car in Italy. Maseratis and Ferraris were of course in a whole separate category, but in placing the Flaminia above all else the Italians of the time, who did not take their automobiles lightly, accorded it a huge collective endorsement. The Lancia Flaminia abounds in intriguing technical details like the aluminum 2,458cc 60 degree V-6 engine that produces 110 brake horsepower even with the stock Solex 2-barrel carburetor, a full synchromesh 4-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with wishbones (finally supplanting Lancia's fabled sliding pillar suspension), deDion rear axle with inboard drum brakes and rear-mounted clutch and transmission for ideal weight distribution and low unsprung weight that combines a smooth ride with excellent handling.

The cabin of the Pininfarina designed Flaminia four door sedan comfortably seats six on two bench seats. This 1959 Lancia Flaminia Sedan is a remarkable survivor, having been put away years ago and carefully stored since so it survives in exceptional condition. The paint has suffered, and needs to be redone, but the body is sound with only a few parking lot dings and minor rust in the rocker panels and right rear quarter. The glass and leather interior are original and usable as is. Along with the strong standard specifications this Flaminia has a feature that sets it apart from just about any other car on the road: a pair of wipers on both sides, inside and out, of the rear window ensuring reasonable visibility in the most tropical conditions.

Give it new paint and a thorough mechanical review and it will be ready to drive and show with pleasure and the pride of having one of the best cars Italy produced in the late Fifties, a sedan with ample interior room, decent performance and superb road holding and ride comfort as well as attracting deserved attention for its rarity.comes with an original owners and shop manual.Body by Pininfarina. This car has had but one old repaint. I put a new battery in the car and it spun over. I have not got it to fire, needs minor tuneup, points, etc. About 3,334 of these were produced. Few came to the USA. They cost $6,000 new. That's more than a 1959 Cadillac. This is a two owner car.

Unlike their two door siblings, the Flaminia Berlina, like most sedans, is a bit more of a bargain. In good shape, these classics can bring around $30,000 to $40,000. In this kind of condition, I'd wager to say this car will bring about half of that value. These aren't cheap cars to restore, as they are rare and if parts are missing, it could prove a hassle to source. Not to mention this car, unlike many Italian classics, has a decent amount of sheet metal to work on. All in all, for someone willing to tackle a project like this, they'd have a stately and uncommon classic that is sure to turn heads of the more hardcore enthusiasts on the street and at shows.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

November 27, 2012 Graham 1 Comment

When a manufacturer introduces a new car range, a sedan is usually the first to be unveiled. Not so with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta Sprint coupe was the first model in the range to appear, unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1954. With an all alloy twin cam four cylinder and tidy Bertone styling, this was an advanced car for its time. While the Giulia GTV that succeeed it might have eclipsed it in popularity, these cars have merit in their own right. This mint example for sale in Illinois is a great opportunity for someone looking for a car they can use or show right out of the box.

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

Beautiful Giulietta Spring with a 1600 engine with twin Webers and 5-speed transmission. No rust California car. Painted many years ago and still shows really well. Interior redone with seats from a '67 GTV. The car is also equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes, Centerline sport springs, headers and sport exhaust.

Prices for Sprints these days are hovering around $40,000, so for a clean example such as this, the asking price isn't way out of line. These cars are known for their tedious electronics and, like all Italian cars, propensity to rust, so a thorough inspection would be a must.

-Paul

Lancia

1959 Lancia Flaminia GT

November 13, 2012 Graham

Of all the design houses in Italy, Carrozzeria Touring is my favorite. Iconic cars such as the Alfa Romeo 8C of the 1930s, the Jensen Interceptor and the Maserati 3500GT all owe their looks to this firm. The company ceased operations in 1966 and was resurrected in 2006 by Zeta Europe BV, a company specializing in boutique brands. Before the original firm closed shop, they produced this gorgeous coupe, one of my favorite of all Touring designs, the Lancia Flaminia GT. We featured 1966 Lancia Flaminia GT last month, but this stylish hardtop deserves another look. This earlier example for sale in Indianapolis is a one family vehicle and a great example of an 1950s Italian design that has a little bit of American flair about it.

1959 Lancia Flaminia GT

This lovely example has been owned by one family since new, until we recently acquired the car. It was purchased new in Italy and then brought Stateside when the owner emigrated to the US. Largely garaged most of its life it was sent back to Italy for restoration in the late 90's. The car runs and drives quite well and has needed little sorting since we received it. Everything works on this car. There is no rust or corrosion. It is now ready for any of the exciting rallies for which it is eligible, and with a little effort would be an award winner at just about any concours. I havent seen one this nice in many years!

There were 12,633 Flaminias sold over 13 years. Coupés outsold the four door saloon, an unusual occurrence otherwise seen at the time only in American compact and midsize models whose coupe versions were standard factory models that cost the same or less than the sedan, while the Flaminia coupes' coachbuilt bodies made them considerably more expensive than the limousine-like Berlina. The Flaminia was named after the Via Flaminia, the road leading from Rome to Ariminum (Rimini). This respected the established Lancia tradition of naming individual models after Roman roads.

The original two bodies of the Flaminia were developed by Pininfarina and modelled after his two Aurelia-based motor show specials, named Florida. The Florida I, presented at the 1956 Turin Motor show, was a saloon with suicide doors. The Florida II, presented a year later at the Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva, was a coupé, and became Battista Farina's personal car of choice. The production version of the Lancia Flaminia appeared in 1957. The Flaminia's engine was an evolution of the world's first V6, which was introduced in the Aurelia. It had increased bore and decreased stroke. The engines were mounted longitudinally, powering the rear wheels through a 4-speed rear-mounted transaxle. A version with increased displacement was introduced in 1962.

Carrozzeria Touring designed and built these aluminum bodied two-door versions, which can be easily distinguished by their four round headlights (rather than two on Pininfarina Flaminias), and a shorter cabin - the wheelbase was decreased significantly for the GT and Convertibile, allowing for only two seats to be mounted. The GT was a coupé, while the Convertibile was obviously a cabriolet version (with optional hardtop). The GTL, introduced in 1962, was a 2+2 version of the GT with a slightly longer wheelbase. The Convertibile was in production until 1964, with 847 made in total (180 with the 2.8), while the GT and GTL lasted until 1965, with 1718 GTs and 300 GTLs made (out of which, 168 GTs and 297 GTLs with the 2.8).

Like the last Flaminia we featured, this car will probably fetch somewhere between $50,000 and $70,000. The one family ownership will no doubt make this attractive for collectors. Lancias from this period are impossibly pretty machines that are engineered like few of their peers. While they aren't accessible for collectors of modest means, when you compare them to other high end Italian exotics, they appear a bit of a bargain.

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato

November 9, 2012 Graham 2 Comments

The number of Abarths that emerged between the 1950s and 1970s is staggering. There's always another obscure model that comes out of the woodwork that I wasn't aware of. This 750 Zagato isn't one of them, but is perhaps one of my favorites. Based on the 600 with a 750cc inline four cylinder engine wrapped in Zagato coachwork, the 750 Zagato's most distinctive feature is the "double bubble" roof. Not just a pretty face, these 750 Zagatos racked up a number of wins in races including the Mille Miglia and 12 Hours of Sebring, not to mention shattering a few world records at Monza. This 750 Zagato for sale in Australia has undergone a body-off restoration and is fully documented.

1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato

Fiat Abarth Zagato 750, double bubble. Original LHD Ex USA and Netherlands car. Fully registered in Australia. Body off restoration of alloy body and steel chassis, fully documented. Extremely thorough restoration. The owner even printed a hard cover book of the Abarths rebirth. Many times concourse winning car. Stunning blue paint on a flawless body. All usual Abarth features are present, gauges, correct steering wheel,badging,4 speed gearbox (with factory tags and Abarth & co diff). Correct handbrake gearbox.

Slight upgrade to 850 cc from 750cc primarily for reliability.Abarth exhaust and sump,naturally. Rebuilt Jaeger gauges. Original wheels with NOS spinner caps.Correctly replicated interior directly copied off the original (often missing). Gearbox truss and front sway bar have greatly improved the handling. Front disc brakes (original included). Over 500 miles road testing. Totally reliable. Immaculate

Awards-
2010 Australian Classic Car Magazine , Restoration of the year finalist
2010 Noosa Beach Classic Car Club – Noosa Classic , Best European Sports
2010 Fiat Car Club Queeensland , Presidents Trophe
2011 NBCCC – Club car of the year
2011 Festival of Italian Motorsport , Lakeside , Judges choice .

Car is in Australia.Please contact for more pictures.We will work with the buyer to find the best value freight worldwide.

The motor is an early 3 bolt Fiat 850 coupe motor that is slightly larger internally than the original 750 motor. The 850 also puts out slightly more BHP and is stronger than the early Abarth motor. The gearbox is the original handbrake version that is original to this car. The gearbox had an extensive rebuild with new and very expensive bearings. The crown wheel and pinion are original Abarth and stamped Abarth & Co. The gearbox still has it external Abarth tag showing its specs.

I do not have a 'buy it now' price. I can say my reserve is less than the sale price of the red Zagato 750 at RM auctions in USA a few weeks back.

Mint examples of the Abarth 750 Zagato are hovering in the $80,000 to $100,000 range at the moment; one sold at the 2011 RM Auction in Monterey for $93,500. The owner is seeking less than that, but I'd guess he's somewhere between $60,000 to $80,000. The blue paintwork is certainly unique and a refreshing change from the usual red. With the number of show awards already racked up in Australia, this is an Abarth that certainly won't disappoint.

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Fiat Multipla

October 6, 2012 Graham

When talking about Italian cars, it's not always about speed and style. The Multipla was Fiat’s take on a people carrier for the post war generation. This was a rather clever little car. Not much longer than the original Mini, this car could seat six and still have room for the passegers’ baggage due to a rear mounted engine and a cockpit situated in front of the front axle. Popular as taxis in tight urban spaces, these cars have a small but loyal following and command a premium over the 600 sedan of which they were based. This Mutipla for sale in California could be considered a bit of a restomod, with the choice in color and wheels.

1959 Fiat 600 Multipla

1959 Fiat 600 Multipla, Completely Restored and Upgraded

Up for auction is this unique 1959 Fiat Multipla. This special version of the famous Fiat 600 is rarely found. None are restored and upgraded to this level. Nearly 1000 hours were spent restoring this car. This is a rare vehicle, properly restored, and upgraded to be a beautiful and usable vehicle. There was great expense in labor and parts required to prepare and restore it to this level.

Fiat Multiplas were available in two interior configurations and this is the more desirable of the two, the 6-seater. The (4) rear seats fold down completely flat into the floor and provided Italian vendors the ability to haul goods and cargo to market during the week and the entire family of six to church on Sunday. A great design feature not copied until over 40 years later.

The early Multiplas came with only a standard 633 cc motor. This was not sufficient power to move a potential of 6 people and luggage. Fiat compensated for the low power by changing the final drive ratio of the trans-axle to 6.11 gears. This allowed the car to make it up steep hills but limited top speed to 61 MPH. This car has an 850cc-based Fiat motor so it has more power and also the final drive ratio was changed to the same as a regular 600 sedan. The engine was built with modest street compression, the standard Abarth 30/70 grind cam, and stock 2 barrel carburetor. The net result is that it drives anywhere you want it to and is completely usable in modern traffic.

The trans-axle was fully rebuilt. It has new bearings and syncros as well as new first-reverse slider and new first gear, and new reverse idler. This trans-axle is the correct early unit with the hand emergency brake mounted on the transaxle itself. The brakes were completely rebuilt to stock. There are drum brakes on all fours. It has the proper brakes on the front, which on a Multipla are larger than a regular 600. The suspension is all stock and totally overhauled with the addition of gas shock absorbers. The result is a great handling car that it is quite stable and a pleasure to drive.

To provide the best foundation, every component, nut and bolt was removed the body. Then the bare tub was then completely stripped of all finishes. All rust or corrosion was professionally replaced with new metal. The bottom side and inside floor panels of the car were coated with Urethane bed liner. The interior floor is fitted with the factory-style rubber mats. The rest of the car is painted in a two stage modern urethane. The bottom color is Aston Martin green and the upper half is a dark silver that was picked to highlight the green. The interior paint is completely finished in the Aston Martin green and looks a sharp as the exterior.

All the exterior trim was polished or plated to a high standard. The front bumper and trim on the nose is all stock and unmodified. The interior upholstery is all stock layout with matched seams and color changes as per original. The material colors were chosen to complement the paint colors and the pinstriped accent. The wheels and tires are real MiniLites out of the UK, correct 12 inch diameter, and correct 4 x 98 bolt pattern. Tires are new radials. All glass is either new or in great original condition. As this is a rare and unique car restored to unmatched ‘concours’ condition, the RESERVE will reflect these factors.

While not to everyone's taste, I kind of like the two tone color scheme. The wheels, well, I could go either way. I think there are better vintage cars out there for which the Minilite wheels are suited. Currently, Multiplas are ranging in the low $20,000 range for more rough examples to over $30,000 for the best original or restored examples. With a bid closing in on $30,000 and the reserve not yet me, it's clear the seller has a high figure in mind. A lot of care has gone into this Multipla, but will it be enough to seal the deal?

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

July 27, 2012 Graham 3 Comments

With summer in full swing, what better time to snag a classic Alfa Romeo Spider? This 1959 Giulietta for sale in Missouri looks tidy and shows little rust. In classic red, this car is sure to turn some heads.

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, 750 Series. Delivered new in Kansas –long time ownership- well preserved. Original Bill of Sale and paperwork with car. Only one repaint in over 50 years. Excellent Original interior. Solid body and floor pans. Rare 750 Series, 1,290cc motor, all original, numbers matching. Strong motor with strong oil pressure, 4-speed transmission. Odometer shows 40,000 miles. I cannot verify that as being correct.

Other than a cracked rear tail lamp, it doesn't seem like much needs doing with this particular Spider. Anywhere from the high $20,000 to mid $30,000 range should buy you a nice Giulietta Spider these days, so this one is priced a tad high. If the mileage could be verified somehow and a decent amount of service records were kept, it would make all the difference in helping this Spider stand out from the crowd.

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Fiat Abarth 2200

May 21, 2012 Graham 2 Comments

Having been a car enthusiast for many years, there are still vehicles I come across from time to time that I had no idea existed. Such is the case with this Fiat Abarth 2200. This car has hints of Ferrari and Maserati about it, and possibly a bit of GAZ 21 Volga in the rear flanks. Considering the looks, it is rather surprising to find this coupe is based on Fiat's executive car of the day, the 1800/2100 saloon. Bodied by Allemano, it features an enlarged, triple carb version of the 2100's inline six cylinder engine, which was designed by Aurelio Lampredi of Ferrari V12 fame. This particular Abarth 2200 has a unique ownership history and currently resides in The Netherlands.

1959 Fiat Abarth 2200

As the story goes, this Abarth 2200 was purchased off of the floor at the 1962 Turin Auto Salon by Briggs Cunningham for his wife who promptly rejected the gift after the car was already imported to New Jersey. The car was totally restored in black in 1988, and the only other similar coupe in existence remains in a museum in Italy after it was originally owned by Carlo Abarth’s wife. Cunningham added the spoke wheels stateside and photos are included which show it with original steel wheels and hubcaps. The car has been with the same owner for the last 20 years since the restoration, but has been somewhat neglected as it needs electrical sorting and exterior freshening. The 6-cylinder engine has three Weber carbs and produced 140hp when new. This is an impressive specimen and the rarity and connection to Cunningham are both very interesting. Show cars were often rolled off the stage and used daily back in this time period, and we’ve seen many of the Italian one-off designs grabbing big money on the auction stages lately. A great driver with the Abarth-tuned engine.

This is one very pretty coupe with an impressive history tied to two very famous motorsport icons. Considering that, along with the rare performance hardware seen under the hood, the price of $70,000 USD doesn't seem too unreasonable, especially when you take into consideration what smaller Abarth models have been selling for these days. With a bit of TLC, this could make for a very nice usable classic, one which could very well appreciate in the coming years.

-Paul