In the world of "cute" cars there aren't many cars that can challenge the original Mini for being both adorable and functional in a variety of styles...but the original Fiat 500 comes close and it was available in a number of configurations, like this Panoramica Decappottabile...which I don't think was a real factory designation but sounds cool. Find this 1964 Autobianchi Bianchini Panoramica Decappottabile offered for $7000 in Sausalito, CA via craigslist.
The Autobianchi A112 was a supermini built by a joint venture between an
automaker (Fiat), tire company (Pirelli) and bicycle maker (Bianchi).
The all Italian dynamic trio built a handful of models starting in 1955, mostly
higher end versions of Fiat offerings that often showcased new or
innovative technology (front wheel drive, fiberglass body elements,
etc), but in 1969 Bianchi was fully incorporated into the Fiat SpA
corporate monster (folks often forget that Fiat owns Ferrari, Maserati,
Lancia, Alfa Romeo...Chrysler). Henceforth, the Autobianchi name was used to
market versions of the Lancia product that was based on a compacted version of the Fiat 128. Confused? Don't be. Just checkout this rusty 1971 Autobianchi A112 Abarth offered for $2,000 in St. Augustine, FL via craigslist. 
Autobianchi was an Italian automobile manufacturer created jointly by Bianchi Bicycles, Pirelli Tires and Fiat S.p.A. The Bianchina was a Fiat 500 derived minicar that was built as a sedan, wagon, convertible and panel van from 1957 to 1970. The Panoramica wagon version offers a surprising amount of interior space and comfort in a small package. Find this 1967 Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica offered for $13,900 in LA Area, CA via craigslist.
The Autobianchi A112 was a supermini built by a joint venture between an automaker (Fiat), tire company (Pirelli) and bicycle maker (Bianchi). The all Italian trio built a handful of models starting in 1955, mostly higher end versions of Fiat offerings that often showcased new or innovative technology (front wheel drive, fiberglass body elements, etc). In 1969 Bianchi was fully incorporated into the Fiat SpA corporate monster (folks often forget that Fiat owns Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia, Alfa Romeo...Chrysler) and the Autobianchi name was used to market versions of the Lancia product in Italy, but retained the Lancia name elsewhere. Today's Autobianchi was born as the A122 Abarth version in Norway, hence the Lancia emblem, but has managed to find its way through Ellis Island and into the New World. Find this 1977 Lancia A112 Abarth
offered for $17,000 buy-it-now on ebay with 9 days to go. Tip from Kaibeezy.
Autobianchi was an Italian automobile manufacturer created jointly by Biachi Bicycles, Pirelli Tires and Fiat S.p.A. It built a number of supermini subcompacts over the years, the most handsome of which was the 1957-70 Bianchina. This 1964 Autobianchi Bianchina Berlina 500 is for sale in Dallas, TX currently bidding at $6,550 with a few hours to go.
The Daily Turismo doesn't cover many cars sold at automobile auctions, as they tend to cater to the rich/shameless and good deals are about a rare as talent in a Hollywood movie. Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, et cetera have done more to ruin the fun that regular folks have had with muscle cars by putting them into the hands of tweed jacketed douche bags who won't drive them for fear of depreciation, and the days of father-son restoration of Shelbys & COPO Chevys are all but gone. Real working class automotive enthusiasts are driven to the rare/obscure models like the Studebaker Lark and into strange niches like Electric Saabs and Microcars. If Microcars are your thing, we've got a treat for you, the entire collection of from Bruce Weiner's Microcar Museum is heading to the auction block via RM auctions. |
| Photo from Microcarmuseum.com |