After World War II Lancia introduced the Aprillia and smaller Ardea which both had monocoque bodies, independent front suspension and a V-4 engine. The Aprillia also had independent rear suspension. The smaller Ardea had a 903 cc V-4 that gave 29 bhp at 4,600 rpm. The Ardea was powered by the smallest engine ever produced in series by Lancia. The overhead valves were sited behind each other instead of next to one another. The Adrea was the "common man's" Aprillia. Both cars seemed modern though in 1946 their streamlined bodies with no pillars between the doors.
