1937 Lancia Aprilia

Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris|6 February 2025, 14:00 CET|Paris, The Grand Palais Historique

1937 Lancia Aprilia
Chassis no. 384515

• Rare pillarless saloon
• From the first year of production
• Known history
• ASI "gold" plate
• Eligible for the Mille Miglia

The humble Aprilia was the masterpiece of Vincenzo Lancia. The first series, Tipo 238, launched in 1937, was a completely new car, featuring an aerodynamic body with five seats, an innovative pillarless construction, and independent suspension. It was powered by a 1350 cc V4 engine with hemispherical chambers and was equipped with a hydraulic braking system. Weighing in at just 880 kilograms and capable of reaching a top speed of 130 km/h, its performance was impressive.

After an initial test drive between Bologna and Turin, Vincenzo Lancia, ever the racing enthusiast, exclaimed upon arrival: "What an extraordinary car!"
The Aprilia quickly found its place in motorsport, where it excelled in hill climbs and road events, including the legendary Mille Miglia.

This particular example was first registered in Rome in 1937. It spent its life in Italy, undergoing restoration of its bodywork and upholstery. A prime model for any marque collector, it was one of the most modern cars of its time. Eligible for numerous events, including the Mille Miglia, this pre-war automobile is both elegant and high-performing.

Footnotes

1937 Lancia Aprilia

Châssis n°384515

• Rare berline sans montant
• Issue de la première année de production
• Historique connu
• Plaque ASI « or »
• Eligible aux Mille Miglia

La modeste Aprilia représentait le chef-d'œuvre de Vincenzo Lancia. La première série, Tipo 238, lancée en 1937, était une voiture entièrement nouvelle, dotée d'une carrosserie aérodynamique offrant cinq places, d'une construction innovante sans montant central et de suspensions indépendantes. Elle était propulsée par un moteur V4 de 1350 cm³ à chambres hémisphériques et freinée par un système hydraulique. Avec un poids plume de 880 kilogrammes et une vitesse de pointe de 130 kilomètres par heure, ses performances étaient remarquables.

Après un premier essai entre Bologne et Turin, Vincenzo Lancia, toujours animé par son esprit de pilote de course, s'exclama à son arrivée : « Quelle voiture extraordinaire ! »
L'Aprilia trouva rapidement sa place en compétition, où elle brilla dans des courses de côte et épreuves sur route, notamment les légendaires Mille Miglia.

Cet exemplaire fut mis en circulation à Rome en 1937. Elle passe sa vie en Italie et a connu une restauration de sa carrosserie et de sa sellerie. Modèle de choix pour tout collectionneur de la marque, c'était l'une des voitures les plus modernes de son temps. Eligible au sein de nombreux événements, y compris les Mille Miglia, c'est une automobile d'avant-guerre élégante et performante.

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