Developed off the Fiat 500 platform, the Autobianchi Bianchina was designed to offer small car customers a little bit more style and luxury. It's quite rare to come across one of these cars in the US, but this late model Berlina Quattroposti for sale in North Carolina would certainly make for an interesting around town runabout, especially in this era of ever increasing fuel costs.
1968 Autobianchi Bianchina Quattroposti
Sold to me by the President of the Fiat 500 club in the Netherlands. this is a very original Fiat 500 derivative (all Fiat 500 mechanicals), Autobianchi Bianchina. This body style was not sold in the US and was meant for the Italian market only. The previous owner bought it directly from the original owner in italy.
This car is largely original and un-restored but runs and drives, has low miles and is a great collectors car for shows and parades. At only 10 ft long its about 2/3 the size of a normal car. The body is in great shape for a 1960's Italian Car but does have a couple of issues. Most notably the rear lid has rust through and will need to eventually be replaced, there is also a rust hole in the drivers door, some pitting on the chrome and the bumpers have been painted silver. The interior is original to 1968 and is overall good. the top is usable but definitely old as are the seat covers, one of them has a seam split. All the electrics work and I have personally driven this car on some short ventures.
The Bianchina Quattroposti has 4 somewhat usable seats and a backward slanted rear glass that adds a very classic look. This was the upscale version of the Fiat 500 and makes an appearance in the movie "Roman Holiday." Mechanically it starts, stops, turns tightly and sounds like a Fiat 500, same engine and transmission.
For a similar vintage 500L in good condition, you can expect to pay in the range of $15,000 to the low $20,000 range. The Autobianchi variant is a little bit obscure in this market, and the condition here is a little bit rough, but originality has its merits at times. Somewhere around $10,000 to $13,000 is probably a good estimate as to where this Bianchina will sell for.
-Paul