Liala - The bike - Foldable bicycle
Opens tomorrow
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ana Maria Covrig
Former professional cyclist with 18 years' expertise, specialising in cycling memorabilia and sports equipment.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Auction proposal for a rare and authentic folding bicycle Bianchi model “Il bici” (note: original Italian uses “il bici” in lowercase) produced in Italy in the early 1970s, a period when the historic Milanese company was expanding its urban range with compact and innovative models. Bianchi, founded in 1885, is one of the oldest and most prestigious bicycle manufacturers in the world, synonymous with quality and Italian design.
Italy, 1967: Piaggio launches the Ciao, one of the most successful mopeds, which will forever put a tombstone on bicycles as everyday transportation. Characteristic of the Ciao: it has a box-section frame. Italy, 1968: Bianchi responds to the Ciao with an urban bicycle with a box-section frame, presented as Il Bici, a vehicle of innovative conception that goes beyond the concept of a folding bicycle to become even demountable.
This model perfectly represents the urban and functional aesthetics of the period, with a compact folding frame, 16-inch wheels, and complete equipment designed for city use and easy transport.
Main characteristics
Brand: Bianchi
Model: il bici
Period: circa 1970–1975
Origin: Italy
Frame: folding steel
Drivetrain: single-speed
Wheels: 16"
Color: original orange
Original equipment:
rear rack
chromed fenders
integrated chain guard
center stand
front headlight
Condition
Original and preserved condition. Original paint with normal signs of aging. Complete and coherent bicycle. Original saddle with signs of wear (see photos).
Not restored, excellent base for conservation or display use.
Collectibility
Folding Bianchi bicycles from the 1960s–1970s are increasingly sought after for:
Italian cycling collecting
vintage interior design
display in industrial and retro design settings
light urban use
Authentic object representing Italian industrial design of the period.
The bicycle will be partially dismantled for shipping.
Auction proposal for a rare and authentic folding bicycle Bianchi model “Il bici” (note: original Italian uses “il bici” in lowercase) produced in Italy in the early 1970s, a period when the historic Milanese company was expanding its urban range with compact and innovative models. Bianchi, founded in 1885, is one of the oldest and most prestigious bicycle manufacturers in the world, synonymous with quality and Italian design.
Italy, 1967: Piaggio launches the Ciao, one of the most successful mopeds, which will forever put a tombstone on bicycles as everyday transportation. Characteristic of the Ciao: it has a box-section frame. Italy, 1968: Bianchi responds to the Ciao with an urban bicycle with a box-section frame, presented as Il Bici, a vehicle of innovative conception that goes beyond the concept of a folding bicycle to become even demountable.
This model perfectly represents the urban and functional aesthetics of the period, with a compact folding frame, 16-inch wheels, and complete equipment designed for city use and easy transport.
Main characteristics
Brand: Bianchi
Model: il bici
Period: circa 1970–1975
Origin: Italy
Frame: folding steel
Drivetrain: single-speed
Wheels: 16"
Color: original orange
Original equipment:
rear rack
chromed fenders
integrated chain guard
center stand
front headlight
Condition
Original and preserved condition. Original paint with normal signs of aging. Complete and coherent bicycle. Original saddle with signs of wear (see photos).
Not restored, excellent base for conservation or display use.
Collectibility
Folding Bianchi bicycles from the 1960s–1970s are increasingly sought after for:
Italian cycling collecting
vintage interior design
display in industrial and retro design settings
light urban use
Authentic object representing Italian industrial design of the period.
The bicycle will be partially dismantled for shipping.
Details
Brand
Liala
Model
The bike
Located in
Italy
Condition
Original
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