Transformed by a specialist some ten years ago into a 'Jolly' evocation with awning
Believed to have been manufactured in single digits
Fully restored with a bare metal repaint
The Appeal
While the Fiat 500 Jolly is a well-loved automobile, the Autobianchi conversions perhaps just hedge the bet for us - the Bianchina was a city car through-and-through, designed for the post-war Italian executive market that wanted something comfortable, but small and agile in the increasingly busy Italian streets. The idea of converting that into a beach car must be a hard thing to resist.
This Bianchina Jolly - rather than strictly adhering to Fiat’s idea of a wicker-laden beach-car for holidaymakers - looks more like an elegant car for en route to the beach, or for the upperclasses to tow around their yachts (though we aren't convinced it'll manage to shift one, it's a lovely idea!)
This example, converted around ten years ago by a coachbuilding specialist, has been nicely restored and repainted into an attractive, bright blue, complete with its distinctive matching awning. 20230507_093117.jpg2.36 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1967 in Rome according to the original paperwork
This also confirms the car as an original Bianchina Special
Indicates 86,577 miles on a five-figure odometer
Latest Revisione valid until 2024
Sadly we can’t verify this as authentic mileage
Converted by a coachbuilding specialist ten years ago, upon the vendor's purchase
The vendor reports that the car was subject to a full disassembly and bare-metal repaint
The vendor also informs us that the car was recently serviced
Paperwork file includes:
Circalazione Paperwork
Certificato Di Revisione
Original registration paperwork and record book - which has been punched to mark it as no longer accurate to the car
Sparing, but comfortable interior in blue and white
Original combined instrument binnacle
Nicely presented blue and white vinyl seats
The Bianchini is a very understated car, with simple internal controls and very little interior flourish to speak off. An attractive two-tone finish, with some accents of chrome and a nicely decorated binnacle are enough to create a stylish little cabin, if somewhat light on accents.
The interior has been restored to the same standard as the car’s exterior, with the paintwork presenting well and the instruments nicely polished up. There’s only a slight patina to the chrome, commensurate with the car’s age. The carpets present well, with no rips or tears, and the blue-and-white vinyl seats look to be in great condition with no rips or tears we can discern.
The footwells are protected by aftermarket floor mats, and the car’s boot is in good order, with a well-presented mat and a nice, clean fuel tank concealed within. 20230423_111951.jpg9.02 MB
The Exterior
Attractive blue paintwork with lashings of chrome
Fully restored to a high standard
Blue-and-white fabric awning
With the attractive, curved bodyshell and its doorless design, this Bianchi is an immediately charming little fusion of an American-style roadster and a beach buggy. It really looks the part too, with its bright blue paintwork and nicely polished chrome creating a beguiling little motor.
Repainted while in its current ownership, the car is a real looker. It’s been done to what appears to be a very high standard, with no chips, bubbles or overpaint that we’ve been able to spot in the photographs. The chrome, commensurate with age, is showing a slight patina, but it does nothing to discern from the car’s charming character.
The car is complete with its awning and frame, which match up nicely to the vehicle and is easy to install - taking minutes, according to the vendor.
The car is sitting on period-accurate wheels, and wearing a set of whitewalls. The wheel arches have been painted and look exceptional, and from what we can see under the car, it’s all in fine fettle.
Popping open the bonnet at the back of the Jolly displays a very familiar little powerplant - the ‘chattering’ Fiat engine is mechanically simple, dependable and iconic. This one seems to be very nicely kept, and the vendor reports it’s been recently serviced.
We can’t see any unusual marks of corrosion or wear, and the interior of the entire bay is resplendent in blue. There are no reports of leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke from the car when running, and it’s reportedly starting on first key-turn. 20230423_103303.jpg8.19 MB
Summary
While there’s not an awful lot of car in a Bianchina, there’s no doubt that it’s full of personality. This is a superb conversion, and one that appears to be in show-winning fettle. We’ve no doubt it’ll garner plenty of attention!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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