Highlights
Outstanding condition
Only three owners from new
64 years with the same owner
Original booklet, ownership certificate and number plates

Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1937 under the name 'Ardennes', the Lancia Aprilia was designed by engineer Falchetto, already known for the development of the Lambda and a close collaborator of Vincenzo Lancia. Due to the premature death of the founder of the company, the first Aprilia exited the factory without Mr Lancia ever having seen it and without assisting to its success. Two anecdotes are linked to the Aprilia, when Vincenzo Lancia tested the prototype, describing it as 'a wonderful car' and the second, related to Henry Ford being surprised to examine the car at the Paris Motor Show: he justified himself by saying that this was the only car worth being rebuked for.

The Aprilia was a completely innovative car for its time, some of the features foreshadowed what would become the production standards of the 1950s and 1960s. It was the first closed car with a self-supporting chassis, hemispherical combustion chambers and four independent wheels. In addition, the slightly inclined front grille and windscreen and the shape of the tail gave it a very low aerodynamic coefficient for that period. Not only technical innovations but also in styling: the pillar-less construction, and the 'Mirror-image' door hinges are hidden, making it the first Lancia with non-visible hinges.

The first series, born with the classic 4-cylinder narrow V layout with capacity reduced to 1,350 cc, was replaced by the second with a 1,500-cc engine and improved torque outputs. This made the car even more drivable and agile, which is why the Aprilia also had a successful racing career.

Our model has only had three owners: the first until 2013 and the current one from 2015 and has recently undergone some maintenance work. It is finished in classic Lancia blue with a grey fabric interior, an interesting combination. In addition, it retains an excellent state of authenticity: the number plate and the documents, jealously guarded in the period document holder, are original.

The timeless appeal of the Lancia Aprilia and the technical solutions adopted make the model a milestone to which every car enthusiast pays attention.