LOT 502

1937 Lancia Aprillia Series I Saloon Project Registration no. DYV902 Chassis no. 38/1582

Estimate: £5,000 - £7,000

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Lot 502

1937 Lancia Aprillia Series I Saloon Project
Registration no. DYV902 Chassis no. 38/1582

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|5 September 2021, 10:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1937 Lancia Aprillia Series I Saloon Project
Registration no. DYV902
Chassis no. 38/1582

Odometer reading: N/A
MOT: Exempt

*Landmark of automotive design
*Present family ownership since the 1970s
*Partially restored

Launched in 1937, two months after company founder Vincenzo Lancia's death, the Aprilia set new standards in automotive design and is considered by many to be the true ancestor of the modern motor car. Presaging post-war developments, the saloon broke away from the traditional 'three-box' layout and incorporated 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. 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 (1,485cc on the Series II) at its disposal, the Aprilia was good for nearly 80mph and 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.

This particular Aprilia was purchased by the vendor's father in the 1970s. Circa 2000 the car was stripped and blasted, and the body restored and primed. The engine and gearbox were rebuilt and installed in the chassis, only for the restoration to stall. Barn stored since, the Aprilia comes with an original handbook, copy technical manuals and a V5C document, and is sold strictly as viewed.

Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 35 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 9 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 1
Glass: 1
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 1
Wheels/Tyres: 2

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 6 /20
Seats: 2
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 2
Headlining: 1
Trim: 1

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 2 /10
Main components: 1
Ancillary components: 1

ENGINE TOTAL: 4 /20
Starting: 1
Running: 1
Under Bonnet: 1
Mechanical components: 1

Car History File: 2

Saleroom notices

Please note the car contains some Series 1 as well as Series 2 components

Additional information

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