The Bianchina made its debut as the Transformabile coupé, featuring a full-length folding sunroof and displaying noticeable American influences, with the exception of its size. These influences were characterized by two-tone paintwork, whitewall tires, and abundant chrome detailing.
Positioned as a more upscale option compared to the FIAT 500, which was originally designed as basic transportation for those with limited means, the Bianchina was marketed as a ‘second car’ or a luxurious ‘recreational vehicle.’ It strongly appealed to affluent middle-class women, reflecting the increasing prosperity of Italian society.
In 1960, the newly introduced and more powerful FIAT 500D engine became the standard powerplant for the Bianchina range. Additionally, two new models were introduced: a Cabriolet and the Panoramica estate car, which utilized the FIAT Giardiniera’s space-saving horizontally-opposed engine. The following year saw the arrival of a fourth version, the Quattroposti saloon, followed by a pair of vans.
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