Lot 027: Lancia Aprilia Lusso Series 1

Widely regarded as the pinnacle of pre-war light-car design, the Lancia Aprilia was the last car masterminded by Vincenzo Lancia before his untimely death in 1937. Embodying all the engineering brilliance and technical sophistication for which Lancia had become famous in the preceding thirty years, it boasted a combination of superb handling, performance and economy that was not significantly bettered for decades. Indeed, drive a well-sorted example today, and you could be forgiven for wondering just what car designers have been playing at for the last 70 years...Powered by a 1,352cc 48bhp V4, this aerodynamic marvel could carry five adults at 80mph and 30mpg. Suspension was classic Lancia with sliding pillars at the front and trailing arms at the rear rear incorporating a transverse leaf spring and torsion bars. The hydraulically-actuated drum brakes (inboard at the rear) were also outstanding for their time.This particular car may look a little sorry for itself but we are assured that it is basically sound and would make a relatively easy restoration project. First registered in March 1939, it is believed to be an original UK market car (right hand-drive, as were all Lancias of this era) and has the benefits of the Lusso specification which included leather upholstery, square rather than round instruments and various other minor styling tweaks. The Lusso also had running boards which are included with this car but not fitted in the photos. We are also told that the engine runs with good oil pressure. Although not shown in the pictures, the car does come with bumpers and hub caps and is believed to be complete. If any parts are found to be missing, the vendor does have a large stock of spares upon which he can draw if required. The car comes with a green continuation log book from 1967 when it was owned by Paul Hamer of Dresden, Stoke-on-Trent, but is otherwise bereft of documents. Altogether a very interesting project that will amply reward the restoration that is now required.