Description
The Lancia Aprilia was one of the most innovative and advanced compact cars of the 1930s, and this particular example has been beautifully maintained during the long-term ownership of a well-known rally co-driver.
Production of the Aprilia started in early 1937, shortly after the death of marque founder Vincenzo Lancia. Vincenzo had taken part in early testing of the company’s latest model, including a run from Turin to Bologna, and was full of enthusiasm for it. The Aprilia’s unitary body was rigid enough to allow for an aerodynamic pillarless design, and beneath the bonnet was a 1352cc narrow-angle V4 engine.
There was all-round independent suspension, too, via sliding pillars at the front and torsion bars at the rear. Braking was via drums, inboard at the rear, and the Aprilia was renowned for its lively performance and impressive roadholding.
According to a 1977 letter from Lancia in Turin, this ‘First Series’ model was built on 24 March 1939, and would have been completed at the company’s UK factory near Wembley in north London. It was first registered on 15 July that year and in 1955 was acquired by Robin Packshaw.
It boasts a continuous history from then, and was owned by Leicester-based Eric Warner between 1957 and 1977. It then passed to Norman Stewart in Cheshire, who embarked on a restoration that was complete enough for him to drive the Lancia to Rouen in 1986.
The following year, Stewart sold the car to Stephen Henshall, who had it resprayed in its current two-tone livery. During his ownership, it was also featured in Classic & Sports Car magazine.
In 1998, the Aprilia was acquired by the Gallagher family and has been with them ever since. From the 1970s until the 1990s, Ulsterman Fred Gallagher was co-driver to the likes of Tony Pond, Henri Toivonen, Bjorn Waldegard, Timo Salonen, Ari Vatanen and Juha Kankkunen. He later moved into rally administration and organisation, and was one of the founders of Rally The Globe.
The Lancia was originally acquired by Gallagher’s father – who was also called Fred – before passing over to the next generation. Gallagher has been a keen competitor in historic rallying at many levels and has used the Aprilia on numerous events such as the Tour Britannia and the Shamrock Vintage Challenge. He also won his class on the 2014 Flying Scotsman, when former McLaren designer Neil Oatley joined him in the Lancia.
This super little car, which is a favourite of our own MD too, has been meticulously maintained along the way, with a raft of invoices to show how well it’s been looked after. Recent work includes an in-depth service in May 2025, with new fuel hoses being fitted, plus a new fuel filter and oil pump. The starter motor was also overhauled. The bumpers were rechromed in 2021, and the wheels were stripped and repainted that year.
Also contained within the comprehensive history file are invoices going back to the 1950s, plus a continuation logbook, this attractive little Lancia Aprilia is offered for sale as a superb example of this rare and extremely competitive pre-war Italian car, an ideal choice…much loved by all those that see it out on the road.
The car is currently with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, the RPS storage facility and available for inspection.
All viewings and test drives welcomed by appointment at Rally Preparation Services.
All enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone +44(0)the details below
