When we claim that for some cars it’s a miracle they’ve survived to this day, we are thinking exactly of the condition in which this rare, if not unique, creation by Carrozzeria Boneschi finds itself.

The auction description states that this car was commissioned by a (evidently wealthy) antique dealer from Milan to Carrozzeria Boneschi, which was also based in Milan. This car certainly wasn’t cheap at the time, considering that the base the coachbuilder started from was the Fiat 1900, a highly demanding engine size for the European car market of the 1950s.

After changing hands a few times, this car was parked in a garage until 1975, after which it was left outdoors, sealing its unfortunate fate. What we see now is a car that requires reconstruction more than restoration. There’s no corner untouched by rust, which, in many places, has thinned the metal to the point of turning it into tissue paper. If we were to acquire this car, we would likely turn it into an art installation to represent the relentless passage of time that spares nothing and no one. However, perhaps someone might undertake the costly task of saving it, solely to gift the automotive world a rare gem. Find it for sale here in Arco, Italy, with bidding at €300 (today $330) and reserve not met. Thanks to Fluc for this tip!