This classic car is for sale on Catawiki. To have more information or to place a bid click on the "BID NOW" button. .Update:
This car has just won the first prize "Trofeo Italia" at the Concours d’Elegance - Classic Gala Schwetzingen (Germany) from 3 to 5.9.2021 (see photos).

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Lancia Aprilia Berlina Sport Aerodinamica Viotti

Chassis number 39-3745

Vincenzo Lancia went all in with his last engineering development. Introduced at the Paris Motorshow in 1937, Mr. Lancia defined what was going to be the future of the modern car after WWII: light, aerodynamic, quick, safe and comfortable. Unfortunately he didn't live to see the great success of this masterpiece of the Italian technology, but his legacy remained in every concept that defines it.

Due to its power/weight ratio and excellent aerodynamic Cx of just 0,47 (amazing for 1934), the Aprilia was able to compete with the old style cars that easily doubled or tripled its engine capacity. The result was an important sales success, only overshadowed by the economic restrictions to Italy starting in 1935 and continuing with the World War.

The compact V4 narrow angle engine, all around independent suspension, hydraulic brakes and light body frame was also available as a lightweight platform “fuoriserie” which became one of the favourites for the handcraft coachbuilders ready to accept the most special orders from their wealthy customers.

The car on auction, wearing chassis number 39-3745, was produced in the late days of 1938 and sent, according to the Lancia factory record, to the famous torinese coachbuilder Viotti. At that time Viotti had become one of the most recognized and awarded “carrozzeria” workshops, and had a strong relation with Count Mario Revelli di Beaumont, as he became from 1934 to 1938 Viotti´s chief styling consultant.

Revelli had won wide recognition as the founder of the futuristic design applied to the car, rooted in the most advanced studies from the aeronautical field, supported by research made in the aerodynamic facilities of the University of Torino. The shaped profiles and innovative curves, with fresh and uncharged lines, made the cars modern looking even 20 years later.

39-3745 was sold as a rolling chassis to the Genova Lancia Dealer Ghiara & Co., which paid Lire 18.475, and charged a 30% profit, as usual at that time. He ordered a one-off body from Viotti following the desire of the buyer, who finally paid an enormous amount over Lire 48.000, the price of two complete factory Lancia Aprilia standard models.

The design, based on the car revealed to the public by Viotti in the 1937 Torino motor show, was a “berlinetta Sport aerodinamica”, on the 2 door 4 seat configuration, and is the only known to survive until our days. A wind-shaped body was built using lighter aluminium in doors and boot panels in the some kind of futuristic but elegant and special design.

In 1939 WWII began but the Civil War finished in Spain, where an important Italian military contingent was supporting the General Francisco Franco cause. For that reason, a good number of Italian cars were delivered and remained in Spain once the Italian troops returned home. No history about the car is known until it was recovered and restored in Madrid in the 2000s.

As can be seen in the "as found" photos, this unit had lots of parts lost or in an unrecoverable condition, as the engine block or the carburetor. In order to make it more usable and improve his weaknesses, a 1500cc , second series, engine was fitted in order to improve the lack of torque of the original 1350 cc engine; a desirable weber 36 DR5 (specially offered for the Lancia Aprilia as an engine performance upgrade, and period correct) was found and, as seen in the last units of Aprilias, Houdaille shock absorbers were fitted in the rear suspension.

This beautiful Aprilia is now presented in a two colour scheme as it was designed for, following the body low profile in doors and front wings, dark grey and black, using original Lancia colour codes. These colours were fund hidden under the dashboard during the restoration.

The Interior has been completely restored. It is presented in burgundy leather with all woodwork redone using the very few surveying pieces from the original.

Car is available for the first time and will be welcome to most “Concours d´Elegance” because of his rarity and beauty, and represents a unique chance to acquire a Italian 30´s masterpiece of both the mechanical brilliant designer who was Vincezo Lancia, and one of the most awarded and celebrated car stylist of his era, Mario Revelli di Beaumont.

This vehicle has been personally inspected by the Catawiki Classic Car Expert and is taking part at the Classic Gala Schwetzingen Concours d´Elegance between the days 3th and 5th september.