Description
LOT 37
1940 Lancia Aprilia Berlina Lusso
MILANO
18 November 2022, 16:00 CET
Milano AutoClassica
€50, 000 - €70, 000
1940 Lancia Aprilia Berlina Lusso
Chassis no. 43820705
• Automotive design landmark
• Desirable Pre-War model
• Original colour combination
• Eligible for numerous events including the Mille Miglia
• Costruzione molto avanzata per il suo tempo
• Versione ricercata ante Guerra
• Abbinamento colori originale
• Eleggibile per numerosi eventi e Mille Miglia
Footnotes
One of the most gifted automobile engineers of all time, Vincenzo Lancia did not live long enough to see his final creation enter production, although the exacting parameters he set out would shape what many consider to be the true ancestor of the modern motor car. Launched in 1937, two months after his death, the Aprilia set new standards in production car design. Vincenzo Lancia had specified that this new small saloon should weigh less than 900 kilograms, be less than 4 metres in length, seat five adults in comfort, possess independent suspension, be capable of attaining 130km/ h (80mph), and consume fuel at a rate of 10 litres per 100 kilometres. Faced with these challenging demands, the design team had little option but to abandon conventional thinking.
Presaging post-war developments, the Aprilia saloon broke away from the traditional 'three-box' layout and incorporated Vincenzo Lancia's specified all-independent suspension and hydraulic braking, while the unitary construction bodyshell and overhead-camshaft narrow-angle V4 engine were advances Lancia devotees had enjoyed for many years. Allowed little space to work with, Lancia's designers concentrated on packaging the drive-train as effectively as possible; the differential, brakes, suspension and wheels being assembled separately for inclusion as a single unit. Rather than being merely a styling device, the Aprilia's streamlined shape had been determined by wind tunnel experimentation, one of the very first instances of the science of aerodynamics being applied to a production car. This meant that despite having only 1, 351cc (later 1, 485cc) at its disposal the Aprilia was indeed capable of 130km/ h, while the advanced running gear ensured that it stopped and handled better than anything in its class. 'Mirror-image' doors and pillar-less construction ensured that for ease of passenger access the Aprilia was unrivalled.
According to the Certificate if Origine (issued by Lancia), this charming pre-war Aprilia was completed on 8th February 1940 and sold to its first owner in Naples on 27th February 1940. The colour recorded was nero (black) with a panno nocciola (hazelnut coloured cloth) interior, the same colour combination it is presented in today. Beautifully presented and having the benefit of having been looked after in the exclusive private collection of the vendor, this Aprilia is ready for its next custodian and is importantly, eligible for numerous historic events including the historic Mille Miglia.
Please note that these lot will require an Export License to be exported out of Italy.
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Additional information
Auction information
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